SMOU General Secretary Mary Liew opened the event by greeting members and their families. In the spirit of SMOU’s milestone year, she thanked members for their longstanding support and acknowledged that it is ‘Because Of You’, our members, that SMOU has been able to achieve what we have to date. She encouraged those who are eligible and have not gone for their vaccination to take it up so that Singapore can be in a more resilient position beyond the pandemic. She also expressed appreciation for seafarers who are still out at sea, saying, “Our hearts go out to them.” 

Ms Mary Liew also stressed the importance of mental wellness and encouraged members to look out for each other, especially seafarers who continue to work on board ships during the pandemic. She invited those who are struggling mentally to come forward to receive help, reassuring them that SMOU will always be here for them.