Inaugural Generations Together@SMOU Carnival - SeaVoices - Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) Publication

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06 Nov 2025

4 mins

Inaugural Generations Together@SMOU Carnival

On a bright Wednesday morning, the Jalan Besar Community Club Hall was filled with laughter, as the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) hosted its first-ever intergenerational carnival on 8 October 2025.

In celebration of SG60, the carnival brought together 60 seniors from Jalan Besar Active Ageing Centre (JB AAC) and 21 K2 children from My First Skool (MFS) @ Jalan Sultan, along with SMOU volunteers, officials, and guests — all united by a simple yet beautiful goal: to bridge generations through shared joy and community spirit.

Co-funded by NTUC Youth’s U-Heart Initiative, the event was a heartwarming reflection of SMOU’s continued commitment to caring for both the young and old in the community.

The carnival kicked-off with the energetic emcee Kelly rallying everyone — seniors, children, and volunteers into mixed teams, setting the stage for intergenerational bonding.

Soon, the hall was moving to the beat as ActiveSG motivators led participants through a light-hearted warm-up, followed by the lively GetActive Singapore “Dance of the Nation” workout.

Leading by example, SMOU officials joined in the fun, dancing and laughing alongside participants.

MFS children enjoying the SG60 workout hosted by ActiveSG

Special Guest, Ms Denise Phua interacting with MFS children

SMOU Officials, President, Mr Rahim Jaffar, Emeritus General Secretary, Mr Thomas Tay, General Secretary, Ms Mary Liew, and Assistant General Secretary, Mr Gwee Guo Duan

President, Mr Rahim Jaffar and Assistant General Secretary, Mr Mohd Farhan Fadillah welcoming special guest, Ms Denise Phua

The energy lifted even higher when special guest Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District and MP for Jalan Besar GRC, took the stage to deliver her heartfelt address in English, Mandarin, and Hokkien. She thanked SMOU for uniting the generations and recognised the important role seafarers play in Singapore’s story. She ended off by thanking all volunteers for their support and wishing everyone a joyful SG60 and Mid-Autumn celebration.

Games, Giggles and Kampong Spirit

As the carnival unfolded, the hall turned into a playground of laughter and friendly teamwork. Seniors and children paired up to play games that tested their reflexes, memory, and coordination — but mostly, their ability to have fun together.

From tossing hoops in Icons of Singapore, fishing for matching cards in Reel in Kopitiam, to the crowd-favourite Rooster Pong, the excitement never waned. At the traditional games corner, time seemed to rewind as seniors expertly played Five Stones, Carrom, and Jenga, while children watched in awe before trying their hand — learning that joy can be as simple as a beanbag, a board, or a wooden block tower.

Beyond the games, creativity thrived at the tote bag stamping booth, and cheers erupted at the tikam game as lucky winners drew surprise prizes. The air was filled with the comforting aroma of kueh tutu, kopi O, and teh C, while the children munched happily on popcorn chicken.

Everywhere you looked, smiles were shared — across wrinkles and dimples alike.

Moments that Touched the Heart

Walking around the carnival, Ms Phua and SMOU officials mingled with participants, exchanging laughter and encouragement. But the spirit of care extended beyond the hall — as Ms Phua, Ms Mary Liew, Mr Rahim Jaffar, and Mr Thomas Tay made a special visit to seniors who were unable to attend, bringing them care bags and heartfelt well-wishes.

Back at the hall, a touching moment unfolded when the MFS children taught seniors how to sing their favourite songs, their sweet voices melting hearts throughout the hall. As the event drew to a close, the children surprised everyone with a dance performance to cheerful songs, drawing applause, laughter, and even a few happy tears.

The morning ended with the distribution of care bags and bento lunches to the seniors — filled with daily essentials and thoughtful treats while the children received goodie bags of school supplies.

For the SMOU volunteers, the day was deeply rewarding. Many shared how heartening it was to see the mutual respect and joy between the seniors and children — the younger ones learning patience and kindness, and the older ones rediscovering the exuberance of youth.

Generations Together @ SMOU Carnival was more than just a celebration. It was a reminder that when we come together — young and old, past and future — we build a stronger, more caring community for all.