This year’s National Day Observance Ceremony (NDOC) holds a special significance for the Labour Movement (LM). Besides celebrating Singapore’s 54th birthday, it also marks the Bicentennial and 50th year of the National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) Modernisation Seminar.

Held on 8 August, 800 union leaders, NTUC staff, and families gathered at the NTUC Centre to celebrate Singapore’s 54th birthday. Many patriots brought their children along to the celebration too!

The event was hosted by NTUC President Mary Liew and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng this year. Kicking off the celebration were the singing of the National Anthem and reciting the pledge. A special appearance of the NTUC National Day Parade Contingent led by K Thanaletchimi, the Commander for this year, joined in the occasion as well.

National Day songs were sung with gusto, along with a delightful time of eating and catching up. The LM also celebrated the birthday of the August babies.

The NDOC also marked a time in 1969, at the Modernisation Seminar organised by the labour movement which was a revolutionary move that changed the course of history in Singapore. At that seminar, NTUC courageously took a more cooperative stance and worked with the Government and employers, which saw the start of tripartism.

As NTUC prepares for the future, they remain driven and resilient in their work for the benefit of workers in Singapore.

“The Labour Movement stands ready to help our workers tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Just as we have weathered the crises in 1997, 2001, and 2008, we will do so again if the economy takes a downturn. Workers have put their trust in us, and we will continue to put them at the heart of everything we do because every worker matters,” said Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng in his 2019 National Day message.