SMOU called for a celebration for its Myanmar members at Sule Shangri-la, Yangon, on 30 November 2019. More than 500 guests, comprising government officials, Independent Federation of Myanmar Seafarers (IFOMS), ITF officials, shipping partners from Singapore and Myanmar, SMOU Executive Committee members, and participants from the inaugural Wavelink Officers Seminar attended the event. The celebration was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Her Excellency Ms Vanessa Chan, Singapore Ambassador to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
NTUC President and SMOU General Secretary Mary Liew, at her opening address, welcomed the guests and shared the union’s various efforts in championing Myanmar seafarers’ interest and welfare. “More than 900 Myanmar members have claimed their Seafarers’ Provident Fund (SPF), amounting to more than US$1million.”, she added, reminding members who had yet to claim their SPF to do so.
“We are glad to be back, this time to value-add to our Seafaring Officers in Myanmar. We believe that it is imperative to keep up with the changes and remain relevant in the maritime industry.”
– NTUC President and SMOU General Secretary Mary Liew
Citing the close bilateral relationship between SMOU and local Myanmar ITF affiliated IFOMS, Ambassador Chan commended SMOU for conducting its first ever Wavelink Officers Seminar. “I see a great potential and benefit in future collaborations between Singapore and Myanmar to boost maritime capabilities. As an Ambassador of Singapore, I am truly happy to see the co-operation in the maritime sector, and I hope that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between the two countries.”
It was truly a wonderful night as members and friends from the shipping community mingled and basked in the celebratory atmosphere. Cultural exchanges and great memories were also formed at Yangon Nite, with the Myanmar members feeling assured of the union’s impact in the shipping community.
