SM Lee receives top May Day award for ‘sterling contributions’ to workers
He is only the seventh recipient of the Distinguished Comrade of Labour award since 1963
[SINGAPORE] Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong received the Distinguished Comrade of Labour award at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) May Awards on Friday (Apr 25) for his “sterling contributions” towards improving the lives and livelihoods of workers.
He is only the seventh person to receive this top May Day award since it debuted in 1963. Past recipients include fellow former prime ministers Lee Kuan Yew (1991) and Goh Chok Tong (2001), as well as former labour chief Lim Swee Say (2018).
The award is granted to individuals who have made “unique and supreme contributions to the labour movement”, said NTUC.
NTUC president K Thanaletchimi said in a statement that SM Lee “has been putting workers at the heart of Singapore’s progress”, adding that his leadership had shaped policies that uplifted workers, safeguarded jobs, and ensured no one was left behind.
Thanaletchimi presented the award to SM Lee at the event at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. A record total of 180 awards were given out this year.
Strengthening tripartite ties
The award citation highlights SM Lee’s work in strengthening ties among NTUC, unions, workers, businesses and the government throughout his decades in public service.
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NTUC noted that during major crises – such as the 1985 recession, the global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic – he and his team protected livelihoods, making tough but necessary decisions such as cutting Central Provident Fund contributions to preserve employment.
He also championed skills upgrading and lifelong learning, laying the foundation for the SkillsFuture movement, and introduced structural schemes for lower-income workers such as the Workfare Income Supplement and Progressive Wage Model.
SM Lee also advocated for workplace safety and health, taking decisive steps to reduce accidents and protect both local and migrant workers.
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The citation adds: “When he was Prime Minister, NTUC benefited from SM Lee’s strong support for a wide range of initiatives.” These include the Employment and Employability Institute and Company Training Committees, through which companies transform and train workers.
Reflecting on his partnership with the labour movement, SM Lee said in an interview with NTUC: “We have kept the tripartite relationship alive, thriving. We have surmounted tribulations. We have made progress steadily, and today, I think the workers are better off than they were 10 years ago.”
Notable recipients
At Friday’s event, awards were given to 143 individuals and 37 organisations.
Recipients included the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), former Singapore National Employers Federation president Robert Yap, and Singapore Airlines chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong.
URA received the sole Plaque of Commendation (Star) for being an advocate for workforce development through its partnership with the Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority Workers’ Union.
Dr Yap was presented the Distinguished Service (Star) for his “pivotal role in advancing tripartism, fostering harmonious workplace relations and promoting responsible employment practices”, said NTUC.
Goh received the Medal of Commendation (Gold) for his “exemplary leadership” during the Covid-19 pandemic, during which he worked closely with air transport unions to steer the sector through the crisis.
Among the 15 winners of the Partner of Labour Movement award is Creative Eateries, described as a “progressive and inclusive employer” which actively hires and re-employs senior workers. Sengkang GRC candidate for the May 3 general election, Bernadette Giam, is its director.
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