Birds of the same feather flocked together for SMOU’s Annual Family Day at the Bird Paradise on 2 June 2024.

Bird Paradise, which opened its wings to visitors in May 2023, replaced the Jurong Bird Park and forms a part of the integrated Mandai Wildlife Reserve, consisting of the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and the upcoming Rainforest Wild Park.

On that bright and beautiful Sunday, some 4,000 visitors comprising SMOU members and their families, shipping companies, children and teachers from MyFirstSkool Jalan Sultan, healthcare workers from NTUC Health (Jurong West), and seafarers from Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MTSS) flocked to the Bird Paradise for a fun day of family bonding.

As early as 8.30am, queues started forming as visitors lined up to collect their goodie bags consisting of umbrellas, Oreo packs, insect repellant spray, dried fruit snacks, wet tissues, hand fans, water, and meal vouchers—all the ‘ammo’ they would need to combat a hot and humid day in the park. Then, guests made their way to the Sky Amphitheatre after dropping in their lucky draw coupons.

At the Sky Amphitheatre, SMOU members and guests enjoyed a host of fun activities emceed by Cheng. There were ice-breaker games to liven up interactions among the SMOU family. The early bird draw followed, where 10 lucky winners received their prizes from Mr Ismail Bin Ahamad, Assistant Treasurer of SMOU & Chairperson of SMOU Membership Committee.