New board election marks two decades of advocacy at HOME’s 20th AGM

The Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) held its 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 2 June 2024, with over 60 members and supporters in attendance.

The event marked two decades of HOME’s dedicated work in advocating for migrant workers’ rights in Singapore.

HOME, established in 2004, is a Singapore-based charity committed to upholding the rights of migrant workers. The organisation provides essential services such as shelter, legal aid, and skills training, while also engaging in advocacy to improve the living and working conditions of migrant workers.

Over the years, HOME has been instrumental in raising awareness and driving policy changes to protect this vulnerable community.

One notable instance of their work is the support they provided to Parti Liyani, an Indonesian domestic helper who was acquitted of theft charges after a prolonged legal battle that spanned four years.

This year’s Board election saw ten candidates vying for positions: David Puvan, Gusti Seruni, Gerard Ee, Grace Baey, Ng Kok Hoe, Priscilla Chia, Ryan Chua, S Suraendher Kumarr, Tan Heng Yeng, and Leon Perera, a former Workers’ Party member of parliament for Aljunied GRC.

HOME’s constitution allows for up to 12 Board members, making all candidates eligible for Board candidacy once proposed and seconded by HOME members. Executive Director Stephanie Chok expressed her enthusiasm for the new Board, noting their extensive experience in civil society and non-profit sectors.

“I’m elated to welcome the new Board, who have all been actively involved in civil society and non-profit spaces in different capacities,” said Dr Chok. “It’s an exciting year for HOME, with us completing two decades, and I’m confident that the Board will take forward the good work we’ve achieved so far.”

Elected as the Board President is Dr Ng Kok Hoe, a Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Case Insights Unit and Social Inclusion Project at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

Dr Ng expressed his commitment to continuing HOME’s impactful work. “For twenty years, HOME has been doing groundbreaking advocacy and providing critical services in a very difficult space,” said Dr Ng.

“This work protects the migrant worker community in Singapore, on which our society and economy depend heavily. The new Board looks forward to supporting and advancing this work in the coming years.”