Celebrating the Dedicated, Long Standing Members! - SeaVoices - Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) Publication

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02 Jan 2020

3 mins

Celebrating the Dedicated, Long Standing Members!

Membership has always been the foundation of the Union’s endeavours, and SMOU celebrated those that have stood with them across a long time. 2019 saw a total of 223 SMOU members attaining long membership awards in four categories across 10 to 40 years with the union.

Around 70 of the awardees made their way down to Lighthouse Bistro for the Long Membership Awards (LMA) presentation ceremony on November 26, 2019, where they were greeted with familiar faces from both friends and union representatives. SMOU President Mr Rahim Jaffar welcomed everyone and encouraged lifelong learning amongst the recipients, quoting Henry Ford, “Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” Awards were presented by Mr Rahim, and SMOU General Secretary Mary Liew, and each recipient received their award together with a Silver Medallion that portrays the SMOU Dendrobium, signifying the Union’s growth with its members.

The LMA not only brought friends to catch up over a buffet spread but also celebrated the longevity and importance of SMOU members.

“I feel proud receiving the 10-year-long membership award. Tonight, I saw a lot of people from the maritime community, and after chatting with members that have been around for 30 and 40 years, I gained a good impression of SMOU.”

– Muhammad Laiq, SMOU member of 10 years

“I feel good about reaching the 20-year milestone in SMOU, but I think that 20 years is still young compared to others in the industry. I am looking forward to another 20 years or more!”

– Tan Weng Ho, SMOU member of 20 years

“I fondly remember taking part in an SMOU event at Resorts World Sentosa. I read SeaVoices regularly to keep up with SMOU matters and events.”

– MD Harun AR Rashid, SMOU member of 20 years

“I didn’t used to be very involved in SMOU events because of work and being away. But in the past three years I’ve become more active in SMOU events. Every Friday I’m here at Lighthouse Bistro to meet friends and keep friendships made over the years.”

– Leow Soo Khoy, SMOU member of 30 years

“The Union has been treating us very well. I used to take part in SMOU events when I was younger and my leg was still good. The Union is filled with activities; every year there will be activities, and I enjoyed them.”

– Han Seng Juan, SMOU member of 40 years