MWC provides over $2.4 million in financial support to migrant workers, launches digital literacy partnership

The Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) has extended more than $2.4 million in ex-gratia financial assistance to over 700 migrant workers facing salary disputes, sudden company closures and other employment-related difficulties over the past year.

The amount was disbursed over the past 12 months ending 26 May 2026.

The support formed part of MWC’s wider efforts to provide timely and holistic assistance to more than 10,000 migrant workers in Singapore, including meals, legal assistance, temporary accommodation, job transitions, repatriation and access to medical care.

MWC also said it has assisted more than 250 workers with meal support, provided legal assistance to 900 workers involved in employment disputes, and arranged interim shelter for workers who needed temporary accommodation.

The number does not include those given out during the recent incident involving migrant workers from KPA Engineering and SK Industries over alleged non-payment of salaries.

MWC gave the update on 28 June 2026 at the annual NTUC May Day Migrant Workers’ Celebrations at the MWC Recreation Club @ Soon Lee, where MWC also honoured 10 migrant workers from the marine sector for their dedication, professionalism and contributions to workplace safety.

The memorandum of understanding between the Migrant Workers’ Centre and the India Institutes of Technology Alumni Association (Singapore) on 28 June 2026.

New digital literacy partnership to equip migrant workers with AI and technology skills

At the celebrations, MWC announced a new partnership with the India Institutes of Technology Alumni Association Singapore (IITAAS) to deliver digital literacy and technology training programmes for migrant workers.

Under the two-year partnership, close to 1,000 migrant workers will have access to training programmes focused on foundational digital literacy, workplace applications and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

The programmes will be conducted twice a month at the MWC Recreation Club @ Soon Lee, with the first run commencing in August.

MWC Director Michael Lim said the partnership reflects MWC’s continued efforts to support migrant workers beyond their immediate workplace needs.

He said: “As digital tools become more widely used in both work and daily life, it is important that workers are equipped with the confidence and skills to navigate these changes.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to provide accessible and practical training that supports their safety, communication and overall well-being.”

IITAAS President Dhruv Jain said the partnership would help ensure that migrant workers are not left behind as technology reshapes industries and daily life.

“This partnership reflects our belief that technology must empower, not exclude. By equipping migrant workers with practical digital skills and confidence in emerging tools, we aim to strengthen their safety, productivity and well-being, while supporting Singapore’s vision of collective, future-ready growth,” he said.

Marine sector migrant workers recognised for workplace safety and teamwork

MWC also conferred the Outstanding Employees’ Awards on 10 migrant workers from the marine sector, recognising their contributions to workplace safety, teamwork and professionalism.

Into its second year, the awards focused on workers who demonstrated strong ownership, safe work practices and a commitment to supporting colleagues during demanding operational conditions.

The recipients were nominated and referred by NTUC’s affiliated union, the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union (SMEEU) and its partners from the marine ecosystem.

NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan said the awardees were role models who helped uphold safety and teamwork on the ground.

He said: “Workplace safety and teamwork depend on the daily efforts of our migrant workers on the ground. Today’s awardees are strong role models who uphold professionalism and safety and look out for one another every day.”

Gain Tomas Anna (second from left) receiving the Outstanding Employees’ Awards at the NTUC May Day Migrant Workers’ Celebrations on 28 June 2026.

Among the award recipients was 31-year-old Gain Tomas Anna.

The Bangladeshi worker is in charge of a first aid centre and an assistant supervisor in the safety department at Hanwha Offshore Engineering Services Singapore.

He was recognised for his commitment to workplace safety and worker welfare, including managing first-aid responses, providing prompt assistance during medical emergencies, supporting evacuations and fire drills, and ensuring on-site first-aid readiness.

Beyond his workplace role, Tomas also promotes safety awareness and mental well-being as an MWC ambassador.

He said: “Safety is so important in our marine industry as we have high-risk jobs. I feel that safety is important for preserving life, so that our co-workers can return to their families in their home countries.”

Tomas added that he plans to take more safety-related courses to help build a safer environment at his workplace. 

May Day Migrant Workers’ Celebrations reach thousands across Singapore

The celebrations brought together more than 10,000 attendees at the MWC Recreation Club @ Soon Lee. They were livestreamed to Migrant Workers’ Recreation Centres at Penjuru, Terusan and Tuas South, reaching an estimated 24,000 migrant workers across the satellite locations.

The event also featured the finals of street soccer, cricket and sepak takraw tournaments, partner and NGO booths, distribution of care packs and meal vouchers, live performances, and a lucky draw.

MWC said its continued support efforts underscore its commitment to safeguarding the well-being, dignity and livelihoods of migrant workers who contribute significantly to Singapore’s economy.

Migrant workers who need help can approach MWC through its 24-hour helpline at 6536 2692.