GETTING MEMBERS ENGAGED THROUGH DIALOGUE SESSIONS
Following the positive feedback we received from the 1st Dialogue Session with our members in April 2011, the desire by many members to have more such meetings led the new MC, in spite of its busy schedule, to hold the 2nd Dialogue Session on 9th June 2011. It was held at Mindchamps again due to its easy accessibility. Organising an event where food is served can be a tricky affair because though less than 100 faxed in their attendance, almost 150 people turned up for the meeting. It was a happy problem, except for food running out again far too soon.
The meeting started promptly at 3.30pm with the President of AEA(S), Ms K Jayaprema, taking the chair and addressing members on a very tight agenda. She welcomed members and highlighted the gravity of penalties that will be imposed by MOM under the new regulatory framework if members fail to adhere to the new regulations. Many members were concerned with the imposition of the Registration Fee of $160 per EA personnel and the requirement for EAs to issue registration cards to all registered personnel.
Ms Ivy Lee followed up with the topic of Service Agreement by highlighting the important points stipulated by MOM which members need to incorporate in their contract with their clients. There was active participation among members pertaining to the terms and conditions in the Agreement. One clear message delivered was that members can use the new Service Agreement suggested by MOM or an alternative Service Agreement as long as the Agreement is transparent and has all the necessary amendments mandated by MOM.
The meeting also saw the displeasure amongst some members who felt that MOM publicizing information on the volume of their transactions is directly encroaching upon the confidentiality of their business.
An updated financial report was presented by the Treasurer, Ms MS Chan, to let members know of the deteriorating financial health of AEA(S), due in part to the still-uncollected huge debt from a third party and the reduction in revenue from the loss of Entry Test and Accreditation. Members were updated on current efforts to conserve funds by minimizing office expenditure and sourcing for new funding via website advertisements as well as active collaborations with other third parties.
Brochures of PT. Maha Barokah Rizki, a training and resource centre at Batam, one of the advertisers on our website, were also given to members at the meeting. It is a resource centre for FDWs in-transition and members will be able to get discounts when they sent their FDWs for lodging and training.
Members at the meeting heartily approved of the Association making representations at a forthcoming meeting with MOM, and members agreed that the issues of grave importance are the Entry Test, Minimum Age & Educational Requirements for the FDW as these directly impact on the flow of biodata from source countries. Members are also of the view that the transfer history of employers who have changed FDW frequently should also be made available to Employment Agencies in a similar fashion as the employment history of FDW is made available to employers.
Last on the Agenda was Litigation Matters. Mr Tengku (one of the three Neutral Parties comprising himself, Irene Low and Gary Wong ), presented an update. He told members that the three Neutral Members had opted to follow the advice of the lawyers for AEA(S) not to drop defence as that can mean that AEA(S) will be liable for damages. A robust discussion followed, with some members asking for clarifications as they were unsure of the issues involved, and which Ms Jayaprema duly gave. Mr Chew Kim Whatt, the Vice-president of AEA(S) spoke up passionately and proposed some resolutions. However, since these resolutions were not tabled as part of the Agenda, and presumably, non-binding, the meeting ended without any conclusive decisions being made on the resolutions. The meeting was declared closed at about 6pm.
A powerpoint presentation and resource materials for this meeting is available at Members Login.
FIRST DIALOGUE SESSION FROM NEW MC
The new MC, spearheaded by Ms Jayaprema, wasted no time in engaging our members by organizing the first Dialogue Session on 13th April 2011 at Mindchamps function room. The attendance was encouraging as a total of 107 Ordinary, 6 Supplementary members and 8 non-members were at the session.
The purpose of this meeting was information-sharing and listening to our members on the many issues affecting the FDW industry, said Ms Prema, the President of the Association. The following were presented at the Dialogue Session:
- Introduction of the new MC for 2011-2013
- Financial status
- Ongoing litigation
- New Regulatory Framework
- Update on Indonesian market and meeting with GAPPRO-TKI
- Any Other Business
Members were treated to a sumptious High Tea spread, where they ate, drank and networked on matters pertaining to the industry.
For further information on the Dialogue Session, members can go to
> Members Login and access the powerpoint presentation.WILL WE HAVE OUR 9TH ANNUAL CELEBRATIONS?
The speech by Mr Lee Yi Shan, Minister of State for Manpower, the many stage games, the entertainment of songs, the awards, the music and, most important of all, the opportunities for members, guests and friends to chat and network over a sumptious dinner brought an end to the CELEBRATIONS OF AEA(S) 8TH ANNIVERSARY on Thursday, 24th February 2011.
This traditional Annual Dinner and Dance is important as it augers well for the Association to celebrate with members, guests and friends in a relaxed mood to reflect on our past, present and future.
Will the celebrations continue in 2012? Will it be different? Will we have more members attending? Where will it be?....
At the recent Dialogue Session held on 13th April 2011, there was an indication of scrapping this traditional celebration. Is it real?
Do we want to continue with this celebration? Please give us your feedback.
ENGAGING OUR MEMBERS
Engaging and listening to our members through regular dialogue sessions is important not only for information sharing from the MC to members but is also an avenue for members to network. The FDW landscape will not be stagnant but will keep changing especially with the recent introduction of the new regulatory framework. How will this impact our industry and EAs?
At the recently-concluded 2-hour Dialogue Session held at MINDCHAMPS on 8th March 2011, we saw a full-house attendance of members, who inspite of their busy schedules, show up to discuss English Entry Test, Minimum Age Requirement, opening of new markets etc. It was a lively discussion with the MC providing the leadership role and many members stood up to speak their mind.
Engaging our members and getting them involved is imperative and help the Association and the elected MC to move in the right directions. Members are an asset to the running of the Association.
"Changes are Constant". We must remain alert and know what the changes are, that will impact our industry.
Talk to us not only at Dialogue Sessions but also email us your ideas and opinons. We will be glad to hear from you.
8TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thirty-two members were nominated to battle it out for fifteen MC positions at this AGM. This is history as in our previous AGMs, it was very difficult to get members to stand for election. Members are more willing and interested to serve the Association.
Moving forward, the surge of interest by members is a sure sign for the industry. Moreover, a total of 87 Ordinary and 5 Supplementary Members came to MINDCHAMPS function room on 25th March 2011 to witness the election of new MC members for the term 2011-2013.
Apart from the election, members debated on many other issues, the most significant of which was the Financial Reports. Many members stood up to ask questions. However, the AGM went smoothly with 15 new Management Committee members elected. This is a new beginning for the FDW industry. | 
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