More initiatives and support for migrant community announced at Racial Harmony Day event
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Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash (front row, fourth from left) at Racial Harmony Day celebrations at Sembawang Recreation Centre on July 20.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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- MOM will strengthen its partnership with HIA to create cultural exchange opportunities for migrant workers and locals.
- HIA will expand opportunities for migrant workers through courses in computer skills, English, and financial literacy, enhancing their capabilities.
- Support for migrant domestic workers will increase via the Care Sisters Programme, equipping 1,500 with peer support training.
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SINGAPORE – The migrant community here can look forward to more cultural exchanges and learning opportunities as part of new initiatives supported by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
These exchanges include monthly heritage tours, interfaith dialogues and festive celebrations.
Announcing this during the Racial Harmony Day celebrations at Sembawang Recreation Centre on July 20, Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said that to do this, the ministry will strengthen its partnership with non-profit organisation Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA).
He said: “We hope to create opportunities for 4,000 migrant workers and 1,000 locals to learn about each other’s cultures, share life experiences and build lasting connections every year.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to strengthen support for our migrant community through skills development, cultural interaction and enhanced peer support networks.”
HIA will also expand opportunities for 1,500 migrant workers by conducting practical courses in computer skills, English and financial literacy.
For the migrant domestic worker community, MOM will strengthen support for the Care Sisters programme by the Alliance of Domestic Employees Outreach, Mr Dinesh added.
The programme recruits migrant domestic worker volunteers to support their peers through sharing information such as scam prevention and offering emotional support.
MOM aims to give 1,500 of them peer support training over the next two years.
Mr Dinesh said the initiatives complement other activities run by MOM and some 200 partners that already see more than 500,000 participants yearly.
He said: “As we celebrate SG60, let us continue to strengthen these bonds and build an even more inclusive Singapore together.”
The July 20 event was organised by HIA, non-governmental organisation 24asia and MOM’s Assurance, Care and Engagement Group. It is part of the SG60 Racial and Religious Harmony Month series, and is one of several events in the lead-up to Racial Harmony Day, which falls on July 21.
About 1,000 migrant workers and 200 local participants from NGOs and community groups attended the event, which had booths, games, performances and an interfaith dialogue session.
Mr Mahmudul Islam Shohag, 39, a workplace safety and health coordinator from Bangladesh, said cultural exchanges and skills upgrading for migrant workers are something unique to Singapore.
He is a volunteer with 24asia, where he conducts graphic design training workshops for fellow migrant workers.
He said: “My friends working in other countries said all they do there is work. But in Singapore, we mix with other cultures and learn about them, and can learn new skills and upgrade ourselves to take on new work positions.”
Miss Sia Zhu En, 25, a volunteer with HIA and a key leader for 2025’s Racial Harmony Day series, said recognising migrant workers is important as they have played a foundational role in building Singapore.
“As we celebrate SG60, it is fitting to honour the migrant workers’ hard work, resilience and sacrifices,” she said. “They are part of our shared stories, shared hopes and shared journey, and together we can build a more inclusive and compassionate Singapore.”
