MOM’s and NTUC’s migrant worker volunteer networks will merge to strengthen support for the community

Two major migrant worker volunteer networks, the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) Friends of ACE (FACE) volunteers and the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) Ambassador Network, will be brought together under a unified programme to strengthen peer support and engagement within the migrant workers’ community.

Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng made the announcement at the main International Migrants Day (IMD) 2025 event on 14 December 2025 at D’Marquee, Downtown East.

The two networks currently comprise about 2,000 active volunteers across Singapore.

Dr Tan said migrant workers play an important role in supporting Singapore and helping one another.

Under the unified programme, selected volunteers can serve as “Star Ambassadors”, taking on leadership roles within the migrant community. They can draw on the combined strengths of both networks to provide more effective support and outreach.

Strengthening peer-led support on the ground

The merger combines two established volunteer networks with complementary strengths.

The FACE volunteer programme was established by MOM in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic to support migrant worker engagement, particularly during periods of movement restrictions.

Since then, FACE volunteers have continued to play a key role in building trust, sharing timely information, and supporting outreach efforts among migrant workers.

Today, MOM manages around 1,000 active FACE volunteers across different nationalities. They are based in large and medium-sized dormitories, as well as in public and private housing.

Volunteers undergo induction by MOM officers and are trained in CPR and AED skills, and basic mental health awareness, enabling them to provide timely support and surface ground sentiments early.

The MWC Ambassador Network, a peer leadership programme initiated in 2013, complements the migrant volunteer ecosystem.

The network empowers migrant workers to serve as advocates and community connectors, providing trusted information touchpoints within dormitories and workplaces across Singapore.

Currently, there are more than 1,000 active MWC ambassadors representing multiple nationalities and industries.

Embedded across purpose-built dormitories, factory-converted dormitories, temporary quarters and other housing types, they help extend MWC’s reach to tens of thousands of workers annually.

On the ground, ambassadors provide first-line peer support, share verified information on employment rights, safety and well-being, and direct workers to MWC’s 24/7 helpline and casework teams. They also flag emerging issues, misinformation or unsafe practices, and support MWC’s outreach activities, such as roadshows, welfare distributions, and dialogues.

International Migrants Day 2025 celebrations across Singapore

This year’s International Migrants Day celebrations saw over 97,000 migrant workers and migrant domestic workers participating in activities across Singapore.

The month-long celebrations included the main event at D’Marquee, which was attended by more than 10,000 people. Meanwhile, festivities at six Recreation Centres islandwide drew about 40,000 migrant workers.

More than 100 dormitory operators and employers also organised appreciation activities for over 47,000 workers, including food distributions, movie screenings, and outings to local attractions.

Using culture to build stronger connections with Singapore

Anchored around the theme of culture, this year’s IMD celebrations highlighted how art, food and music can serve as bridges between communities.

The main event featured cultural performances, traditional arts and crafts displays, and interactive activities designed to encourage meaningful interactions between Singaporeans and the migrant community.

MOM’s Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group Deputy Chief Martin Koh said the celebrations are especially meaningful as Singapore marks SG60.

“It is a timely reminder for us to recognise and appreciate the contributions of our migrant community and the important role they play in Singapore’s development and success.

“By anchoring our celebrations around culture, we create more opportunities for meaningful interactions and deepen the mutual respect that underpins a cohesive and inclusive Singapore,” he said.

Migrant workers can join the Migrant Workers’ Centre and the Centre for Domestic Employees to extend their network.