NTUC This Week listens in as several individuals talk about working way after
their retirement age, for all the right reasons.
AGE: 77, ANG TUAN YHE,
CLEANING ATTENDANT
“I’ve been working for most of my life. I’m so used to it. I don’t want to stay at home and do nothing. My children are all grown up; they have their own families. If i stop working, what can I do at home? Staying at home would be so boring. I prefer to make myself useful to society.”
AGE: 80, TEO ENG KEONG,
SECURITY OFFICER
“I’m still fit and healthy, even at my age. Many people think that we mature people can’t keep up with the younger ones. But workers like me have proven them wrong. Companies must keep in mind that we may not be as fast as we used to be but we are very experienced workers. As long as I can, I will continue to work and give my 100 per cent.”
AGE: 62, ALEENA
SOONG, ROOMS
QUALITY MANAGER
“My company recently informed me that I would be reemployed. I love and take pride in my job. So I’m really grateful that I’ve been allowed to continue my career in the Hospitality Industry. I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years now and it’s become my second home. I may want to retire someday, but for now I still want to carry on working.”
AGE: 66, NEBESA BIBI MAHIDIN,
SECURITY OFFICER
“Hiring people beyong the retirement age will allow mature workers like myself to be financially independent. To survive, I don’t have to depend on my children and I don’t have to depend on the Government. Reemploying mature workers gives us a chance to keep up with the rising cost of living in Singapore. Letting Mature workers continue to work past retirement age allows us to keep our dignity as individuals.”
AGE: 68, KAMALUDIN GHAZALI,
SENIOR BELLMAN
“I continue to work to keep my mind active…For many mature people, they will start feeling like a burden and useless to their families when they stop working. So it’s good that Labour Movement is pushing to raise reemployment age for workers like me. I hope to continue working well into my 70s if possible.”
AGE: 64, AMY HO,
DEPARTMENT STORE
MANAGER
“At my age, I’m still actively learning and upgrading myself, even after my reemployment two years ago. If my company is willing to hire me after I turn 65, I won’t pass on the opportunity. Even though my work is fast paced, I always do my best to keep up… and I feel happy when my company recognizes my contributions.”
Source – This article first appear on NTUC Thisweek magazine
