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On 1 May 2011, Mrs. Kanjana Wongsuwan, Minister Counsellor (Labour Affairs) presided over the opening ceremony of a Labour Day Ceremony at Kallang Riverside Park to mark the 2011 Labour Day. The ceremony aims to raise the awareness of the importance of labours on the nation. Several public interest activities, sports and entertainment were organized for participating workers. The event drew attention from approximately 4,000 workers living in Singapore. Five Thai monks from Wat Ananda Metayarama, Singapore, were invited to the event to perform Buddhism rituals including prayer, and sprinkling holy water to bless the participating workers and to share merits with Thai workers who have died in Singapore.
Public interest activities held by state agencies in Singapore
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, security associations, drug prevention office, Singapore’s Police Force, environmental office, national accident prevention office and custom department jointly held exhibitions and social activities to promote workers labour-related knowledge. They also coordinated with a group of volunteer Thai interpreters to station at each activity booth to help Thai workers and give them booklets contain information they need to know about how to live and work in Singapore.
Sport and entertainment events
(1) Cultural performance including a glong yao performance performed by Thai labour volunteers in Singapore
(2) Annual 2011 sepak takraw competition with totally 14 entrants: it was played on every Sunday of May until the semi final round. The final round was played on a Labour Day and several supporters came to watch the match. Sepak takraw is a popular sport in Singapore.
(3) Fun games including kicking the ball with long eggplant, popping balloons with darts, and magnetic fishing game were held to entertain participating workers.
(4) Luck draw for fundraising with prizes to be won including 2 return Singapore-Chiang Mai flight tickets, 10 motorbikes, 11 mobile phones, 11 rice cookers, fans, irons, watches, pen, water bottle, t-shirts, sport pants, caps, towels, handkerchief, cups, rice, oil, dried food, first-aid kits, and beverages. All the prizes were sponsored by several firms, stores, temples, and some individuals. The money being raised would be given to the Thai people association.
(5) Singing contest by Thai workers
(6) Music performance by Thai workers, and musicians: it was sponsored by Yen Investment and Friend of Thai Supermarket.
Office of Labour Affairs in Singapore also showed a video clip of Minister of Labour (Mr. Chalermchai Srion), recorded on 26-28 March 2011, when went to visit Thai workers in Singapore, to Thai workers. On the video, Minister of Labour expressed his concern over Thai workers working in Singapore and urged them to comply with Singapore’s laws and regulations. He also said Thai workers have been recognized by Singapore’s employers for their diligence, knowledge, and skills. He added that if Thai workers have troubles or being treated unfairly, they shall contact the Office Labour Affairs in Singapore to ask for advice.
