The 70th anniversary of the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), initially scheduled for 2021, was celebrated in 2022 due to pandemic-related delays. The gala dinner honoring this significant milestone was attended by distinguished guests, including Singapore President Madam Halimah Yacob and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng. The event, themed “Because of You,” recognized the essential contributions of the union’s members and partners since its establishment in 1951.
In her welcome address, SMOU Secretary-General Mary Liew highlighted the importance of collective efforts from members and tripartite partners in achieving this milestone. She also announced the launch of the WeCare programme, designed to enhance mental health support for seafarers. This initiative, in collaboration with the Mission to Seafarers (MTS), provides remote mental well-being courses for seafarers. Liew emphasized the pandemic’s significant impact on workers, particularly seafarers, where mental health challenges became increasingly evident. She noted a reduction in stigma surrounding mental health, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support within the maritime community.
Additionally, during the gala, SMOU made notable charitable contributions by donating SGD 170,000 each to MTS Singapore and NTUC Health. The funds directed to MTS will bolster local operations, including support for two drop-in centers dedicated to seafarers, providing them with welfare services and a safe haven at Singapore ports. MTS chairman Rob Walker praised this donation as vital for extending assistance to sea-going workers.
The financial contribution to NTUC Health will support the renovation of the Active Ageing Centre at Bukit Merah View, which has received support from SMOU since the 1980s. Furthermore, SMOU plans to distribute SGD 210,000 to its members to help mitigate the effects of inflation, demonstrating the union’s commitment to the welfare of its members.
Overall, the 70th-anniversary celebration not only showcased SMOU’s achievements but also underscored the union’s ongoing dedication to enhancing the lives of seafarers and addressing critical issues such as mental health within the maritime industry.
