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The Year of the Horse arrived with extra significance for the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) as it celebrated a remarkable milestone — its 75th Anniversary — at the SMOU and Wavelink Lunar New Year Luncheon and Hong Bao Presentation on 23 February at Raffles City Convention Centre.
Around 1,100 members, tripartite partners and maritime community leaders gathered for the annual celebration, transforming the ballroom into a vibrant sea of reunion, reflection and renewed resolve.
Beyond the festive cheer, the occasion marked the start of a landmark anniversary year for the union, a tribute to its proud legacy and enduring commitment to Singapore’s maritime workforce.
In her welcome address, SMOU General Secretary Mary Liew expressed heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support of members and partners throughout the decades.
“Seventy-five years ago, our pioneers came together with one simple purpose — to stand up for seafarers and protect their livelihoods,” she shared. “Since then, we have grown alongside Singapore’s journey to become a global maritime hub. Through good times and challenging times, one thing has remained the same — we take care of our own.”
Anchored by its 75th anniversary theme, Guided by Purpose, United in Strength, SMOU will commemorate the milestone year with a series of engagement initiatives, industry programmes, corporate social responsibility efforts and a grand anniversary gala dinner.
The celebrations reflect the union’s continued focus on serving members, strengthening tripartite partnerships and inspiring the next generation to build Singapore’s maritime core.
A key highlight is the Tripartite Maritime Training Award (TMTA), a forward-looking initiative shaping the future maritime workforce. Sister Mary noted that the first cohort of 11 cadets has successfully completed the first phase of their training, while a second cohort of 17 cadets — comprising 10 Deck and 7 Engine cadets — is currently progressing through the programme.
The union expressed gratitude to its tripartite partners and shipping companies for their steadfast support in nurturing meaningful seafaring careers.
Guest-of-Honour Brother Jeffrey Siow, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, affirmed the significance of TMTA in strengthening Singapore’s maritime manpower pipeline and commended SMOU for its steadfast contributions to the maritime community.
Following the speeches, the festivities burst into full swing with the traditional Lo Hei. Amid joyous shouts of “Huat ah!”, guests enthusiastically tossed yu sheng high into the air, ushering in hopes of prosperity, success and good fortune. The ballroom buzzed with lively conversations, laughter and warm reunions — a true Lunar New Year gathering of the maritime family.
True to its core values of caring and sharing, SMOU continued its long-standing tradition of giving back. Hong bao was presented to senior members and elderly beneficiaries from Jalan Kayu, Choa Chu Kang and SMOU’s adopted home in Henderson..
Since 1998, over $1 million has been distributed to about 13,000 elderly members. This year alone, approximately $74,000 was given out, with the presentation led by Brother Jeffrey Siow, Sister Mary Liew, SMOU VIP guests and leaders accompanied by lively God of Fortune mascots who added an extra sparkle to the festivities.
The celebratory mood carried on with vibrant live band performances and an interactive “Guess the Zodiac Animals” game segment, drawing enthusiastic participation from guests across the ballroom.
As the luncheon drew to a close, guests left in high spirits reconnected, re-energised and ready for the year ahead.
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