Nation

PM Wong Spreads Festive Cheer Among Changi Airport Workers This Chinese New Year

2025-01-28

Author: Wei

SINGAPORE – In a heartwarming gesture to honor front-line workers during the Chinese New Year celebrations, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made a special visit to Changi Airport on the eve of the festive occasion. Sergeant Stacia Lim, a dedicated auxiliary police officer for Certis, expressed that meeting PM Wong at Terminal 3 was a “very comforting” experience, especially as she prepares to work during this family-centric holiday.

During his visit on January 28, PM Wong personally handed out gift bags to 150 airport employees, including Sergeant Lim. The gift bags featured traditional mandarin oranges, a $10 red packet from the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), an NTUC tote bag, and a beautifully designed pouch created by an artist on the autism spectrum.

“I appreciate the effort PM Wong took to come down to the airport to greet and thank us. It makes me feel like our work is appreciated,” remarked the 31-year-old officer. She will be on night duty on the second day of Chinese New Year, squeezing in a visit to relatives before her shift begins.

Accompanying PM Wong on this uplifting occasion were Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor, and prominent union leaders, including NTUC president K. Thanaletchimi and secretary-general Ng Chee Meng. Their visit not only aimed to spread festive cheer but also to highlight the importance of workers during the holiday season.

In conjunction with the visit, NTUC provided an update on the success of the OneAviation Careers Hub job resource portal, which has significantly assisted aviation recovery post-Covid-19. Since its launch in 2022, the portal has helped over 1,400 locals secure jobs in the aerospace and aviation sectors and provided career and training support to nearly 3,800 individuals.

Mr. Ng highlighted the pressing need for skilled workers in the aviation sector, especially with global passenger traffic set to double in the next two decades. He also took a moment to acknowledge the relentless efforts of workers who keep the airport operational during peak travel seasons. “Lunar New Year is a time for family, and while many of us gather with our loved ones, our airport workers, taxi drivers, and private-hire vehicle drivers are working hard to keep our Changi air hub running,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s visit encompassed discussions with nearly ten different groups of airport personnel, including ground handling staff from Sats, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officers, private-hire vehicle and taxi drivers, as well as housekeeping staff. PM Wong took the time to inquire about their daily challenges and thanked them for their unwavering commitment to service.

Concluding his visit, PM Wong participated in a mass lohei—also known as the tossing of yusheng—alongside 68 airport staff, embracing the spirit of unity and prosperity that defines the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Among those sharing this rare experience was 43-year-old private-hire driver Joseph Chung, who expressed joy at meeting the Prime Minister. “I appreciate him making the effort to reach out to us,” he said, noting his decision to work through the festive period, even as fares rise—a testament to the dedication many workers exhibit, often at the expense of their time with family.

As the Chinese New Year festivities unfold, PM Wong’s visit serves as a heartfelt reminder of the essential role that front-line workers play in maintaining services and ensuring that holiday travel remains smooth for everyone.