Speech at 2nd Anniversary cum Graduation Ceremony of the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training (FAST)
Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower, NTUC Auditorium
Mr Anthony Sia, President, FAST
Members of the FAST Executive Committee
Your Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good afternoon,
Introduction
1. It gives me great pleasure to join you today in celebration of the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training or FAST's second anniversary cum graduation ceremony.
2. There are more than 170,000 foreign domestic workers, or FDWs, in Singapore. They play an important role in our households, especially in caring for our young children and elderly. It is therefore important to equip them with the appropriate skills to help them carry out their work effectively.
Skills Upgrading Opportunities for FDWs
3. In recent years, MOM has rolled out a series of measures to help FDWs upgrade their skills and better manage their employment. In 2004, MOM introduced the Safety Awareness Course to educate first-time FDWs about safety precautions when working in an urban domestic setting. During this course, FDWs are also advised on their employment rights and responsibilities, as well as avenues where they can seek assistance. Last year, MOM launched a bi-annual FDW newsletter, INFORM, to keep FDWs updated on relevant laws and useful information, such as the types of skills upgrading opportunities available to them. We have received very positive feedback about the newsletter. Many FDWs have found it useful and responded enthusiastically to share their positive work experiences in Singapore.
4. There are several non-governmental organizations, like FAST, which make available low-cost skills training opportunities to FDWs. Organisations like the Filipino Overseas Workers Association at Bayanihan Skills Center, the Sultan Mosque and the Mujahidin Mosque, complement MOM's efforts to increase the quality of FDWs in Singapore and improve their well-being. In particular, I would like to commend FAST for its work to develop the skills and enhance the well-being of FDWs in Singapore. FAST has done so in close partnership with training providers such as the Asia Innovatory Management School (AIMS), NTUC LearningHub and Sunlove Home, as well as various community centers.
5. Since its formation in March 2005, the number of FDWs who have benefited from FAST's courses has increased rapidly to around 3,000 today. There are more than 25 types of subsidised vocational skills training courses available to FDWs through FAST. The range of courses offered by FAST covers elderly and infant care, international cuisine, culinary, and even business management and information technology. Last year, FAST also collaborated with the Health Promotion Board and Nation Employment Agency to start a Basic Healthy Culinary Course. The programme equips FDWs with useful knowledge on healthy food selection and ways to prepare nutritious meals for their employers.
Role of Employers in Helping FDWs Upgrade their Skills
6. Three factors have contributed to the success of FAST. First, the perseverance and hard work of the pool of dedicated volunteers in FAST, all of whom are strong advocates for the training and well-being of FDWs. Second, the generous monetary support from the Lee Foundation, which have contributed more than $200,000 to subsidise the training courses. Third, supportive and enlightened employers who encourage their FDWs to participate in training courses. For example, Mrs Mary Margaret Richardson, has registered and paid for her FDW Ms Karinah to attend almost all of the cooking classes offered by FAST. In return, Mrs Richardson now enjoys the good food prepared by Ms Karinah. So, it seems to be a win-win proposition for both employer and FDW. It is no wonder that Ms Karinah has stayed with the Richardson family for 17 years. I hope there are more enlightened employers such as Ms Richardson who will facilitate their FDWs attending the subsidised courses offered by FAST.
7. These training courses not only equip FDWs with useful work skills but they also offer good opportunities for FDWs to build social networks with other FDWs in Singapore. Strong friendships make working in Singapore even more fulfilling and enjoyable for FDWs. For example, Ms Suzanna G Quirimit, had not only made new friends in her Chinese cooking class but is also sharing her knowledge and encouraging other FDWs to attend the course. Another participant, Ms Jeniffer Cabero, is said to be a good cook of many ethnic dishes. I wish her well in her aspiration of starting a business in the Philippines.
Conclusion
8. Finally, I would like to congratulate FAST for obtaining charity status on 21 November 2007. This will allow FAST to obtain better financial and developmental support to carry out their work. Let me also congratulate the FAST graduates, especially the 21 outstanding FDWs, for their commitment to and efforts in upgrading their skills. I wish FAST a happy second anniversary and look forward to seeing more FDWs benefit from the training courses offered by FAST. Thank you.