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 the 26 November 2019, where they were greeted with familiar faces of 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 celebrated the longevity and importance of SMOU members.