Founding Member Speech – Migrant Connect SG

Thank you for being here today. I feel proud—not just of what we have built, but of who we are becoming together.

How Our Journey Began

My story began when I first arrived in Singapore.

Like many migrants, adapting to a new country was challenging. Everything felt unfamiliar—the systems, the culture, even where to find the right information. I was confused, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn for help.

Over time, I found a few community groups, but honestly, the experience was disappointing. Information was limited, support was unclear, and there were no proper help desks for welfare, career guidance, or general advice. Many groups focused only on cultural events held once or twice a year—and to participate, migrants had to pay high membership fees, sometimes up to $300, which was simply not affordable for new workers.

Later, I found support from some NGOs. They were helpful, but their support was limited to specific cases. What was still missing was a simple, welcoming space—a place where migrants could ask questions, learn, connect, and feel safe without judgment.

So I asked myself a simple question:
If this space doesn’t exist, why don’t we build it ourselves?

From Migrant Welfare to Migrant Connect SG

Together with friends and newly arrived migrants from different countries, we started a small initiative called Migrant Welfare. Our goal was simple:
👉 Free support, free information, and real human connection.

Since 2010, this work continued, and in 2014, we officially launched what later became Migrant Matters, and today, Migrant Connect SG.

Over the years, we grew—not as an NGO, but as a community group.
And that difference matters.

NGOs provide structured services.
Community groups are about give and take. Caring and sharing.

We support one another, we volunteer together, and we grow together.

What We Do Today

Today, Migrant Connect SG brings migrants and locals together through meaningful, community‑led initiatives with real participation and impact:

• Free English, Numeracy, WPLN & digital skills classes, supporting 190+ learners, including 129 participants in online computer training and 62 participants in English, Numeracy, and WPLN classes

• Emergency preparedness and life‑saving training, delivered with partners such as SCDF, engaging 62 participants in the Responders Plus Programme and 46 participants who successfully completed First Aid, Psychological First Aid, and Befriending training

• Public health outreach and awareness programmes with NEA, reaching 20+ participants through interactive quizzes and engagement sessions

• Blood donation drives, resulting in 72 successful blood donations, directly contributing to life‑saving efforts

• Sports events, cultural exchange, and community volunteering, including the SBS International Migrants Cricket Festival with 80+ participants

• Community gatherings and social bonding activities, bringing together 300+ participants across the Annual Gathering & BBQ Parties in 2025 and 2026

• Leadership and volunteer development, empowering community members to take initiative, support others, and grow as confident community leaders

These are not just programmes—they are pathways to confidence, dignity, skills, and belonging, built through real participation, shared responsibility, and a strong spirit of give and take.

A Moment of Celebration: Annual Gathering 2026

On 1 January 2026, we proudly held the Migrant Connect SG Annual Gathering & BBQ Party.

It was a joyful day—full of games, music, dance, laughter, food, and friendship.
More importantly, it reminded us of something powerful:

👉 When people feel safe, welcomed, and valued, community grows naturally.

That day was not just a celebration—it was a reflection of what Migrant Connect SG stands for.

Life Lessons We Shared Together

During our gathering, we talked about simple but powerful lessons—lessons that matter at work, in life, and for our future.

Stay positive and smile.
A smile can solve up to 80% of workplace problems. When you smile, you create a positive environment around you. People feel comfortable with you, are more willing to support you, and may even overlook small mistakes. A positive attitude often works in your favour.

Maintain work–life balance.
Taking care of yourself is not a weakness—it is a strength.
If you fall sick or get injured, it affects three important parts of your life:
you cannot work properly, you cannot support your employer, and you cannot support your family—or even yourself financially.
Your health is the foundation of everything.

Save for the future and follow the rules.
Always put your well‑being first. When you are healthy, you can work longer, earn steadily, and support your loved ones. Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, so being prepared is essential.

Report early and communicate clearly.
If something goes wrong, inform your supervisor early. Early communication helps your organisation prepare and solve problems before they become serious. Even if a mistake or damage happens under your responsibility, reporting it honestly shows sincerity and professionalism. Good communication builds trust and prevents bigger problems.

Improve your paperwork and communication skills.
Even basic or partial white‑collar skills can help you present yourself as a professional and open more opportunities at work.

Higher education is not everything.
Improving your practical working skills can also lead to better performance, recognition, and higher income.

Understand who we are.
We are not an NGO—we are a community group, built on participation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. This is a space of give and take.

Respect the law of this country.
Especially drug laws—there are no second chances. Following the law protects your future and your family.

Alcohol and smoking are not solutions.
When problems come, drinking or smoking does not remove them. After drinking, the problem is still there. Facing issues with a clear mind is always the better choice.

These lessons may sound simple, but they help shape strong workers, responsible residents, and confident individuals.

Who We Are as Migrants

We are migrants, and we are the pride of our families.

We left home not because it was easy—but because we chose responsibility.
Our hard work supports our families, strengthens our home countries, and contributes directly to Singapore’s growth.

And Singapore recognises that.

Now, our dream is bigger—not just to work here, but to contribute meaningfully, to grow, and to give back.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Migrant Connect SG

This project is not about me.
It is not about recognition or titles.

Many of our activities run because volunteers give their time, energy, and sometimes even their own money. I have done the same—because I believe in this community.

But my greatest hope is this:

👉 That Migrant Connect SG continues even without me.

That more of you step up.
That leadership is shared.
That migrants support migrants—and connect with locals—to build a stronger, kinder society together.

Maybe the next leader is already sitting here today.

Together, we can create a future where migrants feel confident, informed, connected, and proud to call Singapore a place of opportunity.

Thank you for believing.
Thank you for contributing.
And thank you for walking this journey together.