CDE strengthens support for migrant domestic workers and families through caregiving pilot programmes, community engagement and accessible services
As Singapore families’ caregiving needs continue to evolve, the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) is strengthening support for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) and families through caregiving pilot programmes, enhanced community support and more accessible services. Particularly, in recent years, CDE has piloted programmes in dementia care, and infant and childcare to equip MDWs with practical caregiving knowledge and skills. These better equip MDWs to help their employers and families navigate caregiving responsibilities at home while strengthening harmonious employer-worker relationships.
Celebrating CDE’s 10 Years of Support for Migrant Domestic Workers
These collective efforts were highlighted today as CDE celebrated its 10th anniversary alongside the NTUC May Day celebrations for MDWs at Resorts World Sentosa. More than 600 MDWs, in addition to their employers, industry partners and stakeholders, gathered for a sit-down lunch under the theme "Celebrating 10 Years of Shared Journeys – Honouring Your Care and Contribution". The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for the Ministry of Manpower.
“As caregiving needs evolve, many migrant domestic workers play an important role in supporting families and caring for seniors, young children and loved ones. Through CDE’s caregiving-related pilot programmes and community support, we equip migrant domestic workers with practical knowledge and confidence, and strengthen harmonious relationships between them and their employers. In celebrating CDE’s 10th anniversary, we remain committed to supporting both migrant domestic workers and families through changing needs and stronger partnerships,” said Mr Michael Lim, Director, Migrant Workers Segment, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
Strengthening Migrant Domestic Workers’ Caregiving Skills to Meet Evolving Family Needs
Recognising the evolving caregiving responsibilities undertaken by many MDWs, CDE has expanded efforts to equip them with practical skills and confidence to better support the families they work for. Over the past year, CDE has piloted four caregiving programmes that have benefitted 377 MDWs.
Between July 2025 and January 2026, CDE piloted a Dementia Care Programme, with 88 MDWs trained across six runs. The programme equips them with foundational knowledge and practical strategies to support elderly persons or individuals living with dementia-related conditions.
Complementing this effort, CDE introduced Eldercare and Caregiver’s Self-Care Programme, which trained 139 MDWs across eight runs between September 2025 and May 2026, equipping them with practical caregiving knowledge to better support seniors in home settings.
To strengthen MDWs’ preparedness in household emergencies, CDE also introduced the Caregiver First Response Course. Since its launch, the programme has equipped 117 MDWs across 8 runs between September 2025 and May 2026, with practical first aid and emergency response skills for caregiving situations in the home.
CDE has also piloted an Infant and Childcare Programme, training 33 MDWs across two runs between February and March 2026. The programme equips them with practical caregiving skills and techniques to better support infants and young children, providing families with greater assurance and confidence in the care arrangements at home.
Together, these programmes reflect CDE’s response to evolving caregiving needs and reinforce its support for harmonious employer-MDW relationships. CDE will continue to assess emerging needs and explore further caregiving-related support for MDWs and employers.
Celebrating Shared Journeys Through Storytelling and Appreciating Individuals and Partners
As part of today's celebrations, CDE organised the "Our Journey Together" Video Competition, inviting MDWs to team up with their employers to share stories of their partnership, trust and mutual support. Five shortlisted entries were recognised at the event for showcasing meaningful employer-MDW relationships and the positive impact these bonds have had on their families.
CDE also presented appreciation awards to partners and an individual who have contributed to strengthening support for the MDW community and fostering harmonious employer-worker relationships over the past decade. For the list of awardees, refer to Annex A.
CDE and MDWs Give Back to the Community
As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, CDE has organised its inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, bringing together CDE staff, MDWs and community partners to give back to the wider community. 60 MDWs volunteered their time to engage more than 90 elderly residents across several eldercare facilities, through meaningful activities such as sing-along sessions and art-based therapeutic activities. The initiative fostered a sense of purpose and community involvement among participating MDWs, reflecting CDE's commitment to inclusivity and shared community care.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access and Support for Migrant Domestic Workers and Their Employers
To strengthen support for migrant domestic workers and their employers, CDE is moving to new premises, CDEConnect at Rex House located at 73 Bukit Timah Road. Interviews at Rex House will commence from 3 August 2026. This replaces the current centre at Pasir Panjang and will make CDE's services more accessible and convenient, further enhancing support for MDWs and employers in the community.
The expanded facilities will support up to 3,000 Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) interviews a month, with additional interview rooms providing flexibility to scale capacity in response to demand. Conducted by CDE on behalf of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), this mandatory in-person interviews check on the well-being of first-time MDWs, help them settle into their new working and living environment, and educate them on safe work practices.
CDE’s Decade of Supporting Migrant Domestic Workers and Fostering Harmonious Homes
Over the past decade, CDE has worked closely with government agencies, employers, industry partners and MDWs to strengthen support systems and foster harmonious employment relationships. Today, CDE works closely with a network of close to 1,000 MDW volunteers who conduct outreach and peer support within the community, helping fellow MDWs access information, programmes and support services. Throughout this 10-year journey, CDE has continued to adapt to emerging needs, including keeping the MDW community engaged and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding assistance channels, and introducing new programmes to support the evolving caregiving landscape.
As CDE enters its next decade, it will continue to build on its partnerships with employers, MDWs, government agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen support for the MDW community. Through expanded outreach, enhanced programmes and stronger community networks, CDE aims to better support harmonious homes and meet the changing needs of families in Singapore.
