1

TERM REPORT

2010 - 2012

Equal Space • Equal Voice • Equal Worth

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Table of Contents

Leadership ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…… Pg 3

Presidents Message ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. Pg 4

OUR TERM

Highlights & Achievements

1. Rebuilding Lives & Empowering Women ……………………………………….…………………… Pg 5

2. Promoting & Improving the Status of Women in all Fields ………………..………………… Pg 8

3. Justice & Equality through Legislation & Research ……………………………………..………. Pg 9

4. Bringing Together Women Leaders ………………………………………………………………..…… Pg 10

5. “One Voice for All” – Providing a Forum for Exchange and Discussion on Issues ... Pg 11

6. Fostering Friendly Relationships, Goodwill and Understanding ………………………….. Pg 12

7. Engaging the Youth …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Pg 15

Financial Summary Pg 16

1. Our Supporters …………………………………………………………………………………………………. Pg 17

2. The Founders Circle ………………………………………………………………………………………….. Pg 18

Other Highlights

1. SCWO Centre Repair & Refurbishment …………………………………………………………….. Pg 19

2. Function Room …………………………………………………………………………………………………. Pg 20

3. New2U Thrift Shop ………………………………………………………………………………………….… Pg 21

4. Volunteer Management ………………………………………………………………………………….… Pg 22

5. Social Media & Websites ………………………………………………………………………………….. Pg 23

6. Membership ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pg 25

7. Management & Staff ………………………………………………………………………………………… Pg 26

8. Events & Happenings ………………………………………………………………………………………… Pg 28

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16TH SCWO BOARD 2010-2012

Title Name Organisation

1 President Mrs Laura Hwang IWF (International Women’s Forum)

2 1st Vice President Ms Mary Liew NTUC Women’s Committee

3 2nd Vice President Ms Malathi Das Zonta Club of Singapore

4 3rd

Vice President Ms Joanna Portilla PA Women’s Integration Network Council

5 Hon Gen Secretary Ms Saleemah Ismail UNIFEM Singapore

6 Asst. Hon Gen Sec Dr Lee Oi Kum Inner Wheel Club of Singapore West

7 Hon Treasurer Ms Lim Aye Ling Inner Wheel Club of Singapore East

8 Asst. Hon Treasurer Ms Irene Boey SBPWA (Singapore Business &

Professional Women’s Association)

9 Board Member Ms Dana Lam AWARE (Association of Women for

Action & Research)

10 Board Member Ms Jane Horan PrimeTime Business & Professional

Women’s Association)

11 Board Member Ms Kamariah Adnan PPIS, (Singapore Muslim Women’s

Association)

12 Board Member Ms Susie Wong Bahai Office for the Advance of Women

13 Imm. Past President Dr Ann Tan AWDS (Singapore Association of Women

Doctors)

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE & REVIEW

Dear SCWO Member Organisations,

The 2 years since the voting AGM in 2010 has passed in what seems to be a

flash, a sentiment which all the members of the outgoing 16th

Board have

marvelled at. I believe that the high level of activity, increase in services

provided and indeed, our membership - which has grown from 51 to 54 – has

been a large factor in this.

Just after the 2011 AGM, we presented the SCWO CEDAW Shadow Report

Equal Space, Equal Voice, Equal Worth to the United Nations CEDAW

Committee in New York, with a progress report and recommendations for

Singapore’s performance towards the “gold standard” of CEDAW. We placed particular emphasis,

given our rapidly ageing population, on measures for older women’s medical needs and for

protection from social and economic marginalisation. We welcomed the higher acknowledgement

by Government of women’s affairs, by the elevation of the Women’s Desk to the Office for Women’s

Development at MCYS, and made recommendations for the encouragement of greater gender

diversity in government, public and private boards. These have been a reflection of the thoughts and

feedback from all of you at our consultations and we are grateful for the part that you have played in

surfacing issues that affect all women in Singapore.

These are the areas which we will look at developing in the coming term - for new medical and

social initiatives, drawing on our able members to identify, propose and launch, for additional legal

advisory services in Maintenance Support Central, and for leadership advancement through

Women’s Register and BoardAgender, initiatives which we have taken on full administrative cost

support of since 2011.

In the AGM papers, detailed reports for each of the initiatives that we run, will provide a picture of

the scope and extent on how you, as a member of SCWO are a part of these services to women and

society. Also, through our regional interaction with other ASEAN and Asian and international nations,

our involvement in APEC, how we have established a strong presence on these platforms.

It has truly been a privilege for me to have served you all as President of the 16nd Board, and am very

grateful to have the honour or continuing this in a second term, as the President of the 17th

Board.

That we have a large slate standing for the elections that will be held this afternoon, shows the

confidence and commitment that SCWO members have to contribute to the tasks ahead. My sincere

thanks to my Board members, current and in-coming, and to the ‘Supergirls’ of the secretariat who

do a magnificent job of multi-tasking through so many different demanding jobs. Well done all, and

congratulations!

With Affection and Admiration,

Laura Hwang

President

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HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Rebuilding Lives & Empowering Women

Maintenance Support Central (MSC)

Maintenance Support Central (MSC) is a new initiative by the Singapore Council of Women’s

Organisation (SCWO), and is a one-stop drop-in centre that provides support and assistance to

improve the enforcement of maintenance orders. This is the first such centre in Singapore and is

equipped with video link that goes to a sitting judge in the family court. There are also facilities for

credit bureau reporting and counselling.

MSC started its operations on 1 September 2011 and was officially launched on 27 September 2011

by Minister of State, Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports, Madam Halimah Yacob

and President, Mrs Laura Hwang. It is currently staffed by two Social Service Executives, Ain & Sally.

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Star Shelter

Star Shelter housed a total of 296 residents (inclusive of children) for the period. The average

number of resident is about 23 per month. Majority of the residents were Singaporean (victims of

Domestic Violence). About 70% of our residents stay on the average of 3 months. The remaining

30% may stay between 6 to 12 months, extension of stay is considered on a case- by- case basis and

subject to the approval of MCYS.

The shelter takes a holistic approach to caring for our residents. Besides helping them with material

needs like food, clothing and shelter, we also take care of their emotional needs through

Empowerment Programmes in the form of counselling, art therapy and group work.

Profile of Residents by Ethnicity, Nationality and Age (Annual Estimated Average)

The capacity for the Shelter has increased from 28 to 30 pax as of October 2011.

With the repair and refurbishment of the centre, Training Room 6 was converted into a Children’s

Room from Aug 2011. The room is for the children residing in the Star Shelter, and is a more

conducive and environment for them to play and learn and for their therapy sessions.

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IT Hub

The IT Hub is growing from strength to strength, and in the period in review, the programs have

been expanded to offer a wider variety of courses to benefit more participants.

The courses are structured to meet different levels of needs and include the Very Basic IT

Foundation Course (which is offered in both English and Mandarin), to the more advanced courses in

Basic Web Design, Power Point and Photo-Editing.

We have to thank our dedicated volunteers for their commitment and efforts to keep the IT Hub

relevant.

In fact, at the Volunteer Appreciation Lunch on 10.12.11, a total of 17 IT Hub Volunteers received

their Long Service Awards:

5 Years 10 Volunteers

10 Years 07 Volunteers

Ms Rosalynd Teo received the Special Award for a volunteer with the ‘most number of hours’

clocked in, and Mrs Esther Pung received a Special Award of Appreciation for her selfless dedication

Visit from Mdm Halimah Yacob Visit from Minister Chan Chun Sing

Graduation Ceremony Volunteer Appreciation 2011

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2. Promoting and Improving the Status of Women in all Fields

Women’s Register

Women’s Register was re-launched simultaneously with BoardAgender at the IWD dinner on the 9th

March 2011 by Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, former Minister of State for Community Development, Youth

and Sports.

Women’s Register remains as a platform for mentoring, networking, education and inspiration. The

initiative continues to reach out to women of all age groups, from 18 years old onwards, through

dialogue sessions, talks and career clinics.

Since the re-launch in March 2011, there are now 218 Mentees and 45 Mentors.

WR Presents: Series of Talks and Dialogues

BoardAgender

BoardAgender’s aim is to provide a forum to facilitate a greater awareness of the benefits of gender

balanced business and the advancement of women into senior leadership positions and ultimately

the board room. In its first year, BoardAgender has concentrated on:

� Information: Conducting research and the launching of a website (December 2010) to serve

as a resource for local and global statistics and research on women in leadership and in the

board room

� Awareness: Through a variety of channels including the 100 Champions Campaign and

media, BoardAgender has raised the level and amount of dialogue in the community on the

topic of gender balance in the workplace and boardroom.

� Education and Inspiration: Speaker, networking events, training and corporate Dialogue

Sessions has provided personal inspiration, education, and the sharing of corporate best

practices.

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3. Justice & Equality through Legislation & Research

The Woman’s Charter

In February 2011 Amendments to the Women’s Charter were passed by Parliament. A number of

our recommendations regarding better enforcement of maintenance orders were adopted.

We hope this will pave the way to better prospects for ex-spouses, and their children, to re-build

their lives. The amendments included:

I. A man who defaults on maintenance payments will have to go for financial counselling and

can be ordered to do community service

II. His maintenance debts can also be reported to credit bureaus, which would affect his credit

worthiness

III. To protect the children if any, the court can transfer matrimonial assets – divided between

parents – to a “Children’s Development Account”

IV. Maintenance debts will have to be declared on applications to re-marry

V. The introduction of videolink filing for maintenance payments in default

CEDAW

SCWO submitted CEDAW Shadow Report Equal Voice, Equal Space and Equal Worth to the United

Nations Committee on CEDAW (49th

Session) in June 2011. This report was prepared in consultation

with SCWO’s 51 member organisations and presented orally by Mrs Laura Hwang and Ms Malathi

Das on July 22, 2011 in the New York headquarters of the United Nations.

The report comments on positive developments in the area of women’s rights and highlights

improvements needed for women and girls in Singapore. To date, SCWO has submitted two Shadow

Reports to this Committee – in 2007 and 2011.

Trafficking in persons

The Inter-Agency Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons sought public feedback on the proposed

National Plan of Action, aiming at providing common vision and platform for the Singapore

Government and its partners in fighting human trafficking. In February 2012, SCWO submitted its

response for Taskforce’s consideration with the aim of further enhancing Singapore’s anti-trafficking

efforts and protection for trafficked and potential trafficked persons. SCWO’s submission was

acknowledged by the Straits Times on 24 February 2012.

SCWO signed a Joint Civil Society statement in response to the National Plan of Action against

Trafficking in Persons 2012-2015. The statement, which was signed by 15 civil society organisations,

urges the government to work collaboratively with civil society organisations on this issue, as well as

to take steps towards ratification of the Palermo Protocol and the enactment of appropriate

legislation against trafficking in persons.

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4. Bringing Together Women Leaders

IWD (International Women’s Day) Gala Dinner 2011 “We are 100”

IWD (International Women’s Day) Gala Dinner 2012 “Connecting for Success”

Chinese New Year Lo Hei Luncheon 26 Jan & 2 Feb 2012

The luncheon held to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, saw 30 of our 52 member organsations

represented. Members present were given the opportunity to share on their past programs and

plans for the coming year. Members had the opportunity to network and explore possible

collaborations with each other.

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5. “One Voice for All”

Providing a Forum for Exchange and Discussion on Issues

18 & 25 Feb ’11 CEDAW Consultation with Members

14 May ‘11 CEDAW Closed Door with Members and Inter-Ministries

1 June ‘11 CEDAW Presentation to Members

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6. Fostering Friendly Relationships, Goodwill and Understanding

International Conferences

19-20 Sep ’10 APEC WLN

Tokyo, Japan

Represented by: Laura Hwang & Wee Wan Joo

18-21 Oct ’10 ACWO General Assembly

Hanoi, Vietnam

Represented by: Laura Hwang, Malathi Das,

Wee Wan Joo & Selina Gan

6-10 May ‘11 3rd ACWO Board Meeting & Kowani Fair

Jakarta Indonesia (Asean Confederation of

Womens’s Organisations)

Represented by: Laura Hwang

23 Jul 2011 49th CEDAW Session

New York

Represented by: Laura Hwang & Malathi Das

13-16 Sep ’11 14th APEC WLN Meeting

San Francisco

Represented by: Laura Hwang & Elim Chew (WR

Committee Member and Mentor)

16 Nov 2011 KTT ASEAN

Nusa Dua, Bali

Seminar on Role of Women: Economic

Empowerment towards ASEAN Inter-Community

Development

Represented by: Laura Hwang

18 Jan 2012 ACWC Dialogue with CSO’s

Manila, Philippines

On Violence Against Women

Represented by: Laura Hwang

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16-17 Feb ’12 2nd Annual Women in Leadership Forum Asia

Kuala Lumpur

Invited Speakers: Laura Hwang & Jane Horan

9-10 Mar ’12 Sasakawa Peace Foundation Int’l Symposium

Tokyo, Japan

Invited Speaker: Laura Hwang

2-3 Apr ’12 ASEAN Leaders Meeting with CSO’s

Phnom Penh

Gender & Development in ASEAN

Represented by: Laura Hwang

Local Conferences

3 Feb ’12 Youth Sector Leaders Dialogue with Actg Min Chan Chun Sing

Organised by: National Youth Council

Represented by Laura Hwang & Selina Gan

1-3 Mar ’12 Women in the Community-“An International Women’s Conference”

Organised by: Wee Kim Wee Centre, Shirin Fozdar Conference

Represented by Malathi Das, Saleemah Ismail & Armi Aarni

5 Mar ’12 IPS Closed Door Discussion on CEDAW Report 2011 –

“Addressing Violence Against Women”

Organised by: Institute of Policy Studies

Represented by Laura Hwang & Saleemah Ismail

21 Mar ’12 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) National Plan of Action (NPA) Launch

Organised by: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS)

Represented by: Laura Hwang, Malathi Das & Saleemah Ismail

28 Mar ’12 Civil Society Roundtable on Human Trafficking

Organised by: HOME & The Trafficking Research Project (TTRP)

Represented by: Laura Hwang, Malathi Das, Saleemah Ismail and Armi Aarni

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Visitors

6 Nov ’10 Minister Robyn McSweeny - MLC of Western Australia

11 Nov ‘10 HE Sylvia Bongo Ondimba – First Lady of Gabon

10 Dec ‘10 Vietnam Women’s Union Study Visit

11 Dec ‘10 Korean Democratic Women’s Union

12 Jan ‘11 Aichi Hananoki Int’l Exchange Association, Japan

13 Apr ‘11 Korean Womenlink

14 Apr ‘11 Macau Women’s Commission

31 May ‘11 Minister Robyn McSweeney – MLC of Western Australia

16 Aug ‘11 Chong Qing Women’s Federation

12 Oct ‘11 Tianjin Women’s Federation

24 Feb ’12 Mr Chan Choon Seng (Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth & Sports)

and Madam Halimah Yacob (Minister of State for MCYS)

28 Mar ’12 HK Women's Commission

3 Apr ’12 ACWF (All-China Women's Federation)

Aichi Hananoki Int’l Exchange Vietnam Women’s Union Chongqing Women’s Federation

Macau Women’s Commission Korean Womenslink Minister Robyn McSweeney

All China Women’s Federation First Lady of Gabon Nagaland Koshima

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7. Engaging the Youth

The Annual SCWO Debating Tournament

This is an initiative to engage the future generations of the workforce and thought leaders, to hear

their views, understand their concerns and learn from their hopes for the future. For the inaugural

event in 2011, SCWO collaborated with the Singapore Management (SMU) University’s Debating

Society and with the National University of Singapore (NUS) Debating Society in 2012. A good

partnership has also been forged with the Australian High Commission, who supported both the

tournaments, and who has promised to continue to do so. In 2011, the tournament was targeted at

the tertiary institutes. NTU emerged champions, with the Best Speaker award going to Robin Teo of

NUS.

The SCWO-NUS Challenge Shield in 2012 saw debaters from top local and regional (Thailand,

Malaysia and Philippines) secondary schools and junior colleges battling it out over motions with

particular focus on gender issues facing women in the modern age. The Champions for the Junior

College and Open category were from Anglo Chinese Junior College, and for the Secondary School

category Raffles Institution emerged winners. Best Speaker for the Secondary schools was Estuko

Lim from Nanyang Girls High and for the Junior College and Open Category, Tan Teck Wei of Raffles

Junior College took the Best Speaker Trophy.

Best Speaker Open: Tan Teck Wei JC Champions: Anglo Chinese Junior

College

Secondary Champions: Raffles

Institution

National Young Women Leaders Day (NYWLD)

On Saturday, 3rd March 2012, the fourth National Young Women Leaders’ Day was jointly organised

by SCWO and Halogen Foundation Singapore, as part of the celebration of International Women's

Day. Themed “Design our Future” it was both a commemoration of how far women have

progressed and a challenge for our young women. Four “Unconventional” Female Leaders were

there and inspired the more than 600 female students from 16 schools with their life stories. The

four home-grown female leaders invited to speak were:

� LTC Jerica Goh (Executive Officer of RSS Intrepid-frigate),

� Sim Yi Hui (Co-Leader of Singapore All-Women's Everest Team),

� Chen Shun Ling (Founder of Life List Chase) and

� Lyn Lee (Co-Owner of Awfully Chocolate)

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY

(Year Ended January 2012)

1%

19%

43%

8%

29%

Income

Bank Interest Donations Grants & Subsidies

Income from Programs Income from Facilities

52%

29%

16%

3%

Expenditure

Staff Expenditure Cost of Programs

Cost of Facilities Administrative Expenses

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8. Our Supporters

A big thank you to our kind and generous supporters

ACP Magazines Pte Ltd

Activa Media Pte Ltd

Alder Three Pte Ltd

Alice Khoo Kim Soon

Alison Henwood

American Women's Association of

S'pore

Amy Yao - Hi-P International Ltd

Anastasia Ling Yew Lin

Ang Siew Lee

Ann Tan Sian Ann

Anne Fontaine Singapore Pte Ltd

ANZA

Anza Quilters, Singapore

Arfat BeeBee B Noor Mohamed

Abdul Latiff

Australian High Commission

Boncafe International Pte Ltd

Brian Phe

British Theatre Playhouse Pte Ltd

C S E Yap Pte Ltd

Celeste Holding Pte Ltd

Celina Tan Por-Chu

Chan Ee Lin

Cheah Sow Peng

Chew Gek Khim - Tan Chin Tuan

Foundation

Chew Kwai Yoke

Chia Soo Hien

Chua Beng Choong

Chung-Buk Provincial Council,

Korea

Clara Tan Kah Lak Clara

Clements Robert Scott

Cozycot Pte Ltd

David Widjaja Koesno

Dipankar Mishra - S P Jain

Dorothy Chan - Mdm Ng Siok Keow

Eden Publishing Pte Ltd

Elsie Da Silva

Engro Corporation Ltd

Eu Yan Sang International Ltd

Eva Lim

Fiona Shaw-Thomson Reuters

Flower Diamond Boutique Pte Ltd

Fong Cheng Hong Dr.

Foo Yee Shoon

Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

Geraldene Lowe Anne Luth

Glizy Charity Drive

Goh Soon Poh Mdm

Grace Liew Chai Yin

Grace, Shua & Jacob Ballas

Charitable Trust

Inner Wheel Club of S'pore East

Int'l Women's Forum (S'pore)

Jacqueline Chua Lai Poh

Janice Yong Sok Fun

Jennifer Lee Gek Choo Dr.

Joanna Lin Dr.

Joanne Tan Mae Shen

Joy Lim M E

Joy Tan Whei Mien

Junie Foo Kwee Joen

Karen Soh Dr.

Kevin Chua Yong Kwang Dr.

Koh Soon Boon

KOP Group Pte Ltd

KSB Distribution Pte Ltd

Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

Lau Chun Wah

Laura Hwang Cheng Lin

Lee Foundation Singapore

Lee Oi Kum Dr.

Lee Theng Kiat

Leong Lai Peng

Liew Ah Mooi

Lim Ah Swan

Lim Ka-Liang Dr.

Lo Wai Kwan

Lorraine Boon Ling Li

Low Chin Loo

Luxxe Pte Ltd (Quintessentially)

M1 Ltd

Mahmud Ebrahim Kasam Munshi

Mariam Bte Alias

Manju Chandran Dr.

Map Pacific Pte Ltd

Maria Hoofd Ingrid Dr.

Mary Hoe Ai Sien

Mayura Mohtia

Ministry of Community

Development Youth & Sports

Mellford Pte Ltd - Tan Chin Tuan

Foundation

Merck Sharp & Dohme (I.a) Corp

Michelle Liem Mei Fung

Miranda Mayfern Bien-Lim Dr.

National Trades Union Congress

Nestle (S) Pte Ltd

Ng Hong Mdm

Pacc Ship Managers Pte Ltd

Pistorio Camelo

Ricardo Uncilla

Richlight Trading Co Pte ltd

Rose Siow Wen Szu

RPA Agency Pte Ltd

Sanjay Wadhwani

Satsuma Ship Management Pte Ltd

Singapore Khalsa Association

Singapore Maritime Officers'

Union

Singapore Women's Association

SOC - Alvernia Pte Ltd

Society For Wings

Sodexo Singapore Pte Ltd

Solange Singapore Pte Ltd

Sophia Tay Siew Kee

Sujit Singh Gill Dr.

Sulastri Luhur

Tampines East CC WEC-Selamah

Bte Addoll

Tan Hwee Hua

Tan Wee Khin Pte Ltd

Tay Shee Woon

Teh Chooi Peng

The Bank of Nova Scotia Asia Ltd

The Grace Shua and Jacob Ballas

Charitable Trust

The Hour Glass Ltd

Trina Liang

Tsao Sui Lan

Tsian Pte Ltd

Tung Lok Millennium Pte Ltd

U.N. Women Singapore

Vestas Asia Pacific Wind

Technology

Vivienne Hong

Vu Family Trust

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide

Singapore Pte Ltd

Wee Siew Kim

Wendy Teoh Hui Ling Dr.

William Chong Lai Leong

P A Women's Integration Network

Council

Young Women's Christian Assn.

Yvonne Tjandra

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9. The Founder’s Circle

The Founders Circle is a group of distinguished donors who have made a legacy of S$25,000 or more

to the SCWO Service Fund. We acknowledge and recognise them for their generous contribution

that will go a long way in financing our programs and projects.

Some of our other Generous Supporters

Students from ITE Bishan Fuji Xerox American Women’s Association

Singapore Maritime Officers Union S P Jain Waggener Edstrom Worldwide

Mrs Alison Henwood Ms Anastasia Ling Dr. Ann Tan Dr. Jennifer Lee

Ms Joyz Chan Mrs Laura Hwang Dr. Lee Oi Kum Ms Lilian Teo

Mdm Ng Hong Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon

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Other Highlights

SCWO Centre Repair & Refurbishment

With kind support from Lee Foundation, Singapore Maritime Officers Union and Ministry for

Communication, Youth and Sports (MCYS), we were able to do the much needed repair and

refurbishment to the SCWO Centre. Work started in October 2010, and was finally completed in

October 2011.

Besides a fresh coat of paint both inside and out, much needed repairs were also made to the roof,

drains, and the decorative beams around the building. Function Rooms were refurbished and made

more conducive to hold trainings sessions, talks and other events. This has resulted in better rental

and income. Star Shelter also got the much needed refurbishment. Additional shower stalls were

added for the convenience of the residents.

The Centre is spanking new now, and as one of our volunteers put it, “is a very homely and

welcoming environment”.

Reception Torte Café Boardroom

IT Hub Training Room 2 & 3 Training Room 4

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Function Rooms

The rental of the Function Rooms continue to be a consistent source of revenue. With the refurbishment of

the function rooms, the function rooms have been upgraded and feedback from our clients have been very

favourable.

Revenue Jul 2010 to Dec 2011

There is a slight decrease in revenue for July 2011 compared to July 2010. This was the time when Sheila had

just started working with SCWO, and had taken over the portfolio from Ain, who was transferred to MSC.

The big increase in revenue for December 2011 as compared to December 2010 is due mainly to the

completion of the refurbishment of the Function Rooms. The regular clients were most pleased with the new

look. Training Rooms 2 & 3 especially has garnered good response due to the in-built sound system and

overhead LCD Projector.

Revenue Jan 2011 to Jun 2012

The increase in revenue for March 2012 as compared to March 2011, was mainly due to several organisations

booking the rooms for their AGM’s.

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New2U Thrift Shop

New2U Thrift Shop has gained more popularity throughout the years and especially so with the New2U

Facebook Page which was set up in January 2011.

New2U Thrift Shop remains strong with a total of 52 regular volunteers both local and foreigners. There are 5

groups of volunteers for each day of the week, and for each day, there are daily coordinators. Gail Kelly, took

over main coordinator duties from Penny De Jongh since June 2011 as Penny was leaving Singapore. Gail was a

very proactive and organised coordinator. She created the New2U Volunteer handbook, to be distributed to all

volunteers. The Handbook reveals the step-by-step guide to volunteering at New2U, how to sort and price

items and basic rules and regulations of the working at the shop. At the moment Marg Hawker has stepped in

as Main Co-ordinator, as Gail has gone on long leave and will be back at the end of 2012.

Revenue

New2U FaceBook Page

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Volunteer Management

“Volunteerism is the hallmark of a gracious society.

With selfless dedication, volunteers give of their time, talents and skills.

With each passing minute that you spend as volunteers, you give a piece of your lives,

and in doing so, enrich the lives of others.

Your personal commitment and dedication are to be applauded.

I commend you as volunteers.

May your footsteps pave the way for a more caring, enlightened society.” President Ong Teng Cheong 1996

We are very fortunate to have more than 200 Volunteers, some of whom have been volunteering with SCWO

more than 10 years. In the past year alone, these volunteers gave more than 9,000 hours of service to assist

with us in the various programs and initiatives that we run. We are grateful for the depth of your

commitment, your enthusiasm, and the knowledge that this did not stem from the need of a reward or

recognition. You gave of your time and efforts purely for the honour of giving.

At the Volunteer Appreciate Lunch held on 10th

December, we recognised the volunteers for their dedication.

Award Volunteer

Long Service Award 5-Years (IT Hub) Emily Loo / Evelyn Tan / Mary Ho / Michael Ong /

Shirley Ong / Khim Low / Rosalynd Teo / Lily Goh / Doris

Fong / Steven Fong

Long Service Award 5-Years (New2U) Gloria Chee / Zhang Chen / Sylvia Sumastio / Corrina Ee

Long Service Award 10-Years (IT Hub) Esther Pung/ Mabel Quek / Premala G / Sam Lee / Lee

Heng Guan / Philip Chew / Tan Koh Kew

Long Service Award 10-Years (New2U) Joon Lin Tan

Special Award for Most Number of Hours (IT Hub) Rosalynd Teo

Special Award for Most Number of Hours (New2U) Joon Lin

Special Award of Appreciation (IT Hub) Esther Pung

Special Award of Appreciation (New2U) Gail Kelly

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Social Media

Recent studies have shown that non-profit organizations have been setting the pace for the use of social

media in marketing since 2007. Why? It's easy. Social media is a cost-effective option for Nonprofit

organizations to market themselves without needing an exorbitant amount of funding. Social mediums enable

non-profit organizations to create relationships and engage, and this allows them to nurture their online

communities which, in fact creates, a viral marketing affect with little or no effort. And the costs associated

with this marketing effort are often less expensive than traditional marketing efforts.

We began the use of social media in October 2010, when the SCWO Facebook page was setup. The page was

then used only for event advertising. In July 2011 with our talented new employees – Amanda & Sheila, on

Board, and with the expertise and guidance from social media veteran volunteer Gina Romero, Social Media in

SCWO was taken to whole new level.

1. The Facebook page was up-dated, and made more exciting, and a plan to have a foundation of

Facebook updates and interaction was put into immediate effect to build a vibrant Facebook

presence for SCWO.

2. An SCWO Twitter account was set up. A plan to have a good foundation of Twitter updates and

interaction between member organisations’ Twitter accounts was put in place.

3. An SCWO YouTube Account was setup

4. Social media links were incorporated onto the SCWO website.

Facebook Demographics & Location:

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Social Media Usage

The publicity of SCWO’s events and activities and interaction with SCWO members and fans have been

stretched across the various social media platforms. At present SCWO uses Facebook for events

announcements/invitations, articles sharing, photo sharing from past events and also interaction with fans of

the page. SCWO’s Twitter account is used on a more personal and informal level. Tweets shout out the daily

happenings at SCWO or anything exciting at that moment. SCWO also retweets followers’ tweets, which are of

relevance. SCWO’s YouTube account is used to post event videos e.g. IWD 2012 Gala dinner, 2012 Debating

Tournament and WR talks.

Websites

SCWO Website

The SCWO website went through a major revamp in April 2011 and has since then grown in viewership. To

date, there are a total of 43,646 unique visitors and 97, 320 visits. In the past year, there have been various

changes made to the SCWO homepage with the help of web developer, Elaine, from Breath Studio to improve

the site and attract more visitors.

Websites Visitors by Country (1.7.11 to 22.5.12)

Country Visits %

1 Singapore 30,023 87.47

2 United States 958 2.79

3 Malaysia 367 1.07

4 United Kingdom 352 1.03

5 Australia 351 1.02

6 India 228 0.66

7 Hong Kong 226 0.66

8 Canada 161 0.47

9 Philippines 117 0.34

Most Popular Page Visits

WR (Women’s Register) Website

The WR website is undergoing a major revamp. The redesign of the WR website involves updating the look

and feel of the general design. The backend programming will be improved to be more user-friendly and

efficient. This will facilitate better communication between mentor and mentee.

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Membership

During the term in review, membership has increased from 51 to 54 members.

We are very happy to welcome our three newest members:

Athena Network

Asia-Pacific’s Leading Business Community for Female Executives and Entrepreneurs

Focusing exclusively on female executives and entrepreneurs, The Athena Network provides a platform for

members to share knowledge and experience across a diverse range of industry sectors, and to collaborate for

mutual success.

Founded in the UK in 2005 by CEO and Founder, Jacqueline Rogers, The Athena Network now comprises over

2600 UK-based members across 30 regional groups.

With its expansion to Asia-Pacific and USA in 2012, The Athena Network provides members with international

collaboration opportunities and a rapidly growing online community where women can interact and share

information, skills and business contacts.

Spanish Speaking Women’s Association

Founded in 1978, the SSWA was created to unite women who share the language well, are together for

different reasons in this Asian adventure. The Association promotes integration activities between the local

Hispanic community.

The objectives of the SSWA are:

� Provide a forum for friendship, support and entertainment to Spanish-speaking women who live in

Singapore.

� Promote Hispanic-Latino culture and awareness of local culture to better understanding and

integration in Singapore.

� Raise funds for various charities in Singapore.

In 2011, they raised funds for the Star Shelter. We are grateful for their generosity.

WEWAM (Women Empowered for Work and Mothering)

WEWAM is set up to support working mothers and stay-home mothers who desire to work, so that they can

excel at work and in mothering, thus enjoying work-life success.

WEWAM is set up with the following objectives:

1. To provide training, programmes and other services to equip working women to better perform their

roles at work and in mothering.

2. To provide programmes such as training for working mothers in disadvantaged situations.

3. To provide opportunities for women to give support to working mothers in need.

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Management & Staff

Department Name Designation

1 Selina Gan General Manager

2 Secretariat Maureen Lee Centre Administrator

3 Tan Seang Kiew Accounts Executive

4 Amanda Ho Marketing & PR Executive

5 Armi Aarni Research, Volunteer Management Executive

6 Sheila Zul Operations Executive - Services

7 Sharon Law Administrative Executive

8 Star Shelter Lorraine Lim Administrator & Counsellor

9 Vani Sangiah Administrative Executive

10 Junie Tan House Matron

11 Norah Bte Pardi Asst. Housekeeper

12 Maintenance Support Central Ain Mustafa Social Service Executive

13 Sally Goh Social Service Executive

Staff Movement

In June 2011, Maureen resigned to fulfil her dream, and we were sad to see her go after 3 ½ years with SCWO.

However, in January 2012, she decided to come back to the SCWO family, and we were happy once again.

We lost another good member of our staff, Goh Yee Ling, in 2011 who decided to further her education.

However, we gained four new, vibrant and skilled young ladies to assist in the increased workload in the

Secretariat. Amanda Ho, Sheila Zul, Armi Aarni and Sharon Law joined us in 2011.

Ain Mustafa, who has also been with SCWO since 2007 obtained her Masters in Counselling and we promptly

took advantage of her newly acquired skills. She played a very large part in the set-up of MSC (Maintenance

Support Central, and together with Sally Goh (who joined us in in December 2011), provides Social Service and

Counselling in MSC.

The Star Shelter saw newly married, Azrah Afandi Benko leave us to start a family. She is now the proud mum

of a beautiful baby girl. Lorraine Lim took over as Administrator and Counsellor in 2011, and Vani Sangiah

joined her shortly after, as Administrative Executive.

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Staff Training

Employee training is essential for an organization’s success. The innovation, flexibility and dedication that are

necessary to build a truly dynamic organisation come from well-trained and supported employees. One of the

best ways to encourage and support individuals is through professional development and training

opportunities. As employees develop new skills, increase networking and develop leadership opportunities,

the work environment becomes infused with energy and creativity.

Name Course Attended

Amanda Ho 1. Volunteer Service Management Program 2011

2. Events Management and Organisation for NPO’s

3. Social Media Immersion Program

Armi Aarni 1. Making sense of Fund-raising

2. Building an engaged organisation through passionate leadership

3. Social Media Immersion Program

4. Volunteer Relations and Management

5. Volunteerism Conference

Junie Tan 1. Counselling Skills & Practice Intermediate - Mandarin

Lorraine Lim 1. Solutions Focused Brief Therapy - Intermediate

2. Building an engaged organisation through passionate leadership

3. Helping Low Income families

4. Mental Health First Aid

Maureen Lee 1. Effective Supervisory Skills for NPO Managers

2. Developing your coaching and mentoring skills for NPO Mgrs

Nur Ain Mustafa 1. Sub-Court Training for Enforcement of Maintenance

2. Workshop on Working with Single-Parent Families

3. Syariah Family Law for Social Service Professionals

4. Supporting & Enabling children and families in divorce - Intro

5. Helping Low Income Families cope with Financial Issues

6. Practice Certificate in Case Management

Sally Goh 1. Reflecting ethical challenges: A Social Workers Perspective

2. Workshop on Working with Single-Parent Families - Introduction

3. Family Law for Social Service Professionals

4. Sub-Court Training for Enforcement of Maintenance

5. Helping Low Income Families cope with Financial Issues

Sharon Law 1. Volunteerism Conference

Sheila Zul 1. Sub-Court Training for Enforcement of Maintenance

2. Social Media Immersion Program

3. Digitalising Volunteerism and Philanthropy

4. Transform your NPO with IT

5. Events Management and Organisation for NPO’s

6. Handling difficult Social Service & NPO Clients

Vani Sangiah 1. Better Minutes Writing for NPO’s

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Events & Happenings 2011-2012

2011

Jan 08 IT Hub Graduation Lunch

Jan 12 Visit by Japanese delegation - Aichi Prefecture International Exchange

Jan 14 Book Launch – Mandarin version of “Scaling Walls” by Oh Siew May

Feb 05 Chinese New Year Dinner for Star Shelter (organised by Yuki Chua of Bellydance Studios)

Feb 18 CEDAW Dialogue Session with PA WIN & NTUC WDS

Feb 25 CEDAW Dialogue Session with other SCWO Member Organisations

Feb 25-27 SCWO Debating Tournament 2011

Mar 06 PA WIN Council's IWD Carnival at Toa Payoh Hub - SCWO Booth

Mar 09 SCWO Celebration Dinner for 100 Years of IWD

Mar 19 SCWO Mural Painting

Apr 16 Women's Register Dialogue Session 1

Apr 18 BoardAgender Dialogue

Apr 26 BoardAgender D & Korn/Ferry International Study Presentation

May 14 MCYS-SCWO Cedaw Closed Door Meeting

May 19 Women's Register Career Clinic

May 28 New2U Saturday Market

May 31 Dinner Reception with Minister Robyn McSweeney, W.A

Jun 01 SCWO CEDAW Report Presentation

Jun 02 New2U Party

Jun 16 BoardAgender Talk by Dr Melanie Billings-Yun

Jun 18 SCWO's 31st Annual General Meeting

Jun 24 Visit by Mdm Halimah Yacon, Minister of State, MCYS

Jun 29 Women’s Register Mentor Get-Together

Jul 16 Women's Register Dialogue Session 2

Jul 22 MCYS 49th CEDAW Report

Jul 27 BoardAgender Lunch Seminar – How Remarkable Women Lead

Aug 16 Visit from ChongQing Women’s Federation

Sep 27 Maintenance Support Central Official Launch

Oct 1 CDC Volunteer Marketplace – SCWO Booth

Oct 12 Visit from Tianjin Women’s Federation

Oct 25 BoardAgender Lunch Seminar: Singapore Board Diversity Report

Oct 25 MSC Cocktails & Canapes & Viewing

Nov 11 Gender Diversity Benchmark for Asia 2011

Dec 10 Volunteer Appreciation Party

Dec 18 SCWO-Torte Charity Bazaar

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2012

Jan 13 BoardAgender: Serving on a Non-Profit Board: Demystified

Jan 18 WR Presents: Committed to Success! - What Matters to You

Jan 26 SCWO Chinese New Year Lo Hei Luncheon

Feb 2 SCWO Chinese New Year Lo Hei Luncheon

Feb 15 WR Presents: Committed to Success! - Loving Work, Living Life.

Feb 24 Visit by Minister Chan Choon Sing & MOS Madam Halimah Yacob

Mar 3 SCWO-Halogen NYWLD Symposium

Mar 10-11 SCWO-NUS Debating Tournament (SCWO-NUS Challenge Shield)

Mar 20 International Women's Day Gala Dinner

Mar 28 Visit by HK Women's Commission

Apr 3 Visit by ACWF (All-China Women's Federation)

Apr 13 Minister's Tea Reception with Members

Apr 18 WR Presents: Committed to Success! - Overcome that Stress!

May 16 WR Presents: Committed to Success! - It's a Win-Win Situation

May 19 New2U Saturday Market

May 23 BoardAgender - Celebrating 100 Champions

May 25 BoardAgender - The Trademarked “YOU™”®–Master Your Leadership Personal Brand and

Achieve Greater Success as an Executive