MWC’s Outstanding Employees’ Awards honours migrant workers for their contributions to Singapore’s built environment

Subramanian Veeramani can proudly say that he has helped to build Singapore—literally and figuratively.

Since joining the Singapore construction sector three years ago, the Indian national has been a dedicated leader to his fellow workers, consistently gathering their feedback and conveying it to management for review and action.

He also provides regular updates on in-house rules or policy changes, ensuring all workers are well informed and compliant.

Leading by example, Subramanian arrives at his worksite early every day to prepare for morning meetings and mass briefings, contributing to an organised start to the workday.

With safety being a crucial aspect of construction work, the friendly and approachable worker actively guides new team members through the installation of safety provisions. The 26-year-old worker also sets a positive example by wearing proper personal protective equipment and ensuring his teammates do the same. His proactive approach helps foster a strong safety culture on site.

Subramanian is one of 12 outstanding migrant construction workers feted in the Migrant Workers' Centre’s inaugural Outstanding Employees’ Awards on 8 June 2025. The awards recognise workers’ exemplary conduct and significant contributions to their workplace and community.

“I feel very proud and honoured to receive this award. It is a very high recognition of my hard work. I must thank my organising team, my company Straits Construction, and my colleagues, managers, and supervisors.”

“Working in Singapore is very good. Although my colleagues are from other countries, like India, China, and Thailand, we work together as a family and support each other. I’ve learnt many new skills and cultures from working here in Singapore,” he said.

The ceremony was a key highlight of the MWC's annual May Day Migrant Workers’ Celebrations held at the MWC Recreation Club @ Soon Lee.

Another noteworthy awardee is Bangladeshi national Rana Juwel Ahamed, who was recognised for his leadership of a lifting team managing eight cranes. The 38-year-old worker is also known for his safety awareness, reliability, and support for fellow team members in ensuring smooth and safe operations.

38-year-old Rana Juwel Ahamed was one of 12 migrant workers recognised for his contributions to Singapore's built environment at the MWC inaugural Outstanding Employees’ Awards.

Meanwhile, Thai national Khamsri Weerayut was honoured for his positive attitude and willingness to achieve targets.

The Built Environment and Urban Trades Employees’ Union (BATU) and other community partners nominated these migrant individuals for their contributions to Singapore’s built environment.

MWC Executive Director Michael Lim said that there are plans to extend the award recognition to other sectors employing migrant workers in the coming years. 

Mr Lim added that the 12 recipients, along with MWC ambassadors and partners, will also be taken to an attraction of their choice in the coming months.

“We hope to prolong the experience of recognising their contributions and let them know that appreciation comes in many forms,” he added.

Migrant workers’ commitment to maintaining safety practices may explain why Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) performance consistently ranks among the top globally.

According to the Manpower Ministry’s National Workplace Safety and Health Report 2024, the city-state has a five-year average workplace fatality rate of 1.1 per 100,000 workers.

The report indicated that Singapore recorded its lowest major workplace injury rate at 15.9 per 100,000 workers, an improvement from 16.1 per 100,000 workers in 2023.

NTUC’s continued support for the construction sector

In recent years, the construction industry has faced many challenges, including soaring operational costs, manpower shortages, and tighter regulatory and safety requirements. SMEs are often the hardest hit, making their workers vulnerable in tough times.

The inaugural award recognition marks the latest in a slew of initiatives by the MWC to uplift the construction sector.

In 2024, the bipartite organisation supported over 9,200 migrant workers, with 6,450 working in construction. A key effort included over $1.1 million in financial assistance to help more than 400 workers navigate hardships arising from employment disputes, non-payment of salaries or sudden company closures.

The MWC also provided meal assistance to over 1,100 individuals, legal aid for employment-related disputes to 72 workers, and interim shelter for 22 construction workers needing a safe place to stay.

Additionally, workers facing serious challenges received support through employment facilitation, repatriation, and provision of medical care.

Celebrating the migrants that build our nation

With the theme of “Together We Build, Together We Celebrate", this year’s SG60 May Day celebration marked the contributions of migrant workers to Singapore’s development and the strong partnerships between workers and employers.

“As we celebrate May Day and commemorate Singapore’s 60th birthday, we must be reminded of our migrant workers’ contributions to the development of Singapore not just in the past but as we chart our way forward in the next 60 years.

“Today’s celebration is to honour their work, but our commitment extends to improving their daily working conditions, providing accessible support services, and advocating for their well-being all year round,” Mr Lim said.

The event’s striking centrepiece was a sprawling 11-metre-wide mural created by over 50 migrant and local volunteers, students, and MWC staff.

A symbol of unity and shared effort, the eye-catching artwork features four distinct interconnected panels that depict the journey of all migrant workers in Singapore, including those involved in domestic work.

Each panel tells a story of teamwork between migrant workers and locals in building Singapore’s early infrastructure, highlighting the dedication and resilience of these workers who left their homes to support their families and contribute to the nation’s growth, as well as the bonds formed through shared meals and cultural diversity.

Iconic local landmarks built by migrant workers, such as early HDB developments, Gardens by the Bay, and the upcoming Changi Airport Terminal 5, were artistically represented throughout the mural.

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