Migrant Connect SG Speech

4 Nov 2026 · @Sᴀʏᴇᴇᴅ Asɪᴀ Rᴏʙɪɴ

How our journey began

I came to Singapore in 2008.

Like many migrants, I did not find the beginning easy. Everything felt new: the systems, the culture, even simple things like knowing where to get information I could trust. I felt confused and overwhelmed, and sometimes I felt alone.

I looked at different community groups, hoping someone could guide me. Many had no clear structure or support. Some charged membership fees that new workers could not afford. Some NGOs did help, but often only in certain situations.

What was missing was something simple: a safe place where migrants could ask questions, learn, meet people and help each other, for free and without being judged.

So I asked myself: if this place does not exist, why not build it ourselves?

From Migrant Welfare to Migrant Connect SG

With friends and newly arrived migrants from different countries, I started a small group called Migrant Welfare.

Our goal was simple: free support, free information and real human connection.

We started in 2010. In 2014, we became Migrant Matters. Today, we are Migrant Connect SG.

We did not grow as an NGO. We grew as a community, and that difference matters.

NGOs provide organised services. A community is built on care, trust and shared responsibility. Here, we do not only receive help. We help each other, grow together and give back together.

From training to real impact

Our way of working is simple: learn, practise, contribute and lead.

We do not just organise activities. We help people build real skills through life-saving training, hands-on practice and continued personal development.

We work with partners such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Singapore Red Cross. Together, we offer training in:

• First Aid and CPR-AED

• Fire safety and emergency response

• Preventing workplace injuries

• Psychological first aid and befriending skills

But training alone is not enough. People need to use what they learn.

Our members stay connected online and in person. Regular contact builds their confidence and discipline. We also encourage them to volunteer and use their skills in real situations.

We also help with English and communication, computer and digital skills, and career guidance for newcomers.

Because real empowerment is more than safety. It is confidence, the ability to adapt, and growth.

What we do today

Today, Migrant Connect SG has 88 registered members, and our community work is making a real difference:

• Education: more than 150 learners have joined our education and digital training.

• Safety: more than 220 people have been trained in life-saving and safety skills.

• Blood donation: we have made 118 group blood donations from 2024 to 2026, and our next drive is on 20 December 2026.

• Community: sports, cultural events and volunteering bring people together.

• Gatherings: more than 300 people have joined our community gatherings and events.

• Leadership: members are stepping forward and learning to lead.

These are not just numbers. They stand for confidence, skills, dignity and belonging.

A moment to remember: Annual Gathering 2026

On 1 January 2026, we held our second Annual Gathering and BBQ Party.

It was a joyful day of games, music, food and laughter.

More importantly, it reminded us of something: when people feel safe, valued and welcome, a community grows naturally.

Our third Annual Gathering will be on 3 January 2027, and I invite all of you to join us.

Life lessons we share

Our community is not only about activities. It is also about values. We share these simple lessons:

• Stay positive. Your attitude shapes the people and the place around you.

• Take care of your health. Your health protects your future.

• Speak up early. Honesty builds trust.

• Keep improving your skills. Growth creates opportunity.

• Respect the laws of Singapore. Your future depends on it.

• Avoid harmful habits. Face your problems with a clear mind.

• Support one another. A strong community protects each person.

These lessons help us become not only better workers, but also responsible and confident people.

Who we are as migrants

We are migrants, and we are the pride of our families.

We left home with responsibility. We work hard, support our loved ones and contribute to Singapore's growth.

Today, our vision is bigger: not only to work, but also to grow, contribute and give back.

Looking ahead

This journey is not about me. It is about all of us.

Many of our programmes run because volunteers give their time, their energy and even their own money. That spirit is what makes this community strong.

My greatest hope is that Migrant Connect SG continues beyond any one person, that more leaders rise from within our community, and that migrants support migrants and connect with locals to build a stronger society together.

Maybe the next leader is sitting here today.

Closing

Together, we are building a community that is skilled, responsible, connected and resilient.

It is a community that contributes to Singapore and to the world beyond.

Thank you for believing. Thank you for contributing. And thank you for walking this journey together.