SHAPED BY EXPERIENCES
The fund was created as a result of Mr. Vincent Ng and Ms. Anthea Ong’s experiences, who had previously assisted migrant workers in starting betting campaigns to raise money for their medical expenses.
These people include Ms. Bhing Navato, a immigrant domestic worker with cervical cancer, and Mr. Fazley Elahi, a migrant worker with colon and afterwards liver cancer.
Ms Ong is a elected member of parliament and a cultural investor, while Mr Ng is the founding part of a local joint.
Ideas are underway to contain representatives from state agencies and employers in the effort to ensure that “diverse perspectives” are represented in its management, said the secretary.
Next year, the fund aims to raise S$ 410, 000 ( US$ 306, 000 ) through a “whole-of-society effort” from public donations, foundations and corporate partnerships , to support at least 20 migrant workers over two years.
Looking beyond providing immediate comfort, the account is also aiming to” catalyse long-term change” by collecting information to “advocate for more inclusive insurance policy and structural reforms”, said the secretary.