Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan was awarded the Medal of Honour on Wednesday, May 13, marking the highest recognition at the annual May Day Awards organized by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
The accolade is reserved for individuals who have “demonstrated exemplary leadership, longstanding commitment and transformative impact on workers’ welfare, industrial relations and national progress,” according to an NTUC media release.
This year’s ceremony, held at the Orchid Country Club, recognized a record 188 awardees, including workers, tripartite partners, and union leaders praised for their dedication to the labour movement.
Decades of Advocacy and Industrial Transition
NTUC highlighted Dr Balakrishnan’s “exceptional and continued contributions” to workforce development, noting his role as a steadfast partner to the labour movement for over two decades.
A significant portion of this recognition stems from his support of the oil, petrochemical, energy, and chemicals sector. He is credited with helping to maintain industrial harmony by mediating sensitive issues through close engagement with management at energy company Shell.
Key achievements in this sector included the extension of collective representation to professionals, managers, and executives, as well as the management of a restructuring exercise.
During Shell’s 2024 divestment of its Energy and Chemicals Park—which now operates as Aster Chemicals and Energy—Dr Balakrishnan worked with government agencies, Shell, and the SSEU to advocate for responsible employment outcomes.
To ensure workers maintained a collective voice, he volunteered as the advisor for the Aster Chemicals and Energy Union (ACEU) even before the union was officially formed.
Linking Global Standing to Local Resilience
Beyond domestic industrial relations, NTUC commended Dr Balakrishnan’s leadership as foreign minister in navigating an “uncertain global environment.”
The labour movement noted that by expanding cooperation with like-minded partners and strengthening trust, he has helped safeguard Singapore’s economic resilience and international standing.
These diplomatic efforts are seen as essential for sustaining the trade and investment flows that underpin business continuity and long-term opportunities for the local workforce.
Future Outlook
Given the current focus on low-carbon and digitalised operations, future initiatives may likely prioritize similar upskilling frameworks across other industrial sectors.
The proactive approach taken during the Aster Chemicals and Energy transition could serve as a potential model for how the government and unions handle future corporate divestments to ensure fair treatment of workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medal of Honour?
It’s the top accolade of the annual May Day Awards organized by the NTUC, conferred on individuals who show exemplary leadership and a transformative impact on national progress, industrial relations, and workers’ welfare.
How did Dr Balakrishnan support workers during the Shell divestment?
He engaged with Shell, the SSEU, and government agencies to advocate for responsible employment outcomes and volunteered as the advisor for the Aster Chemicals and Energy Union (ACEU) before its formation to ensure workers had a collective voice.
How many awards were handed out at the 2026 May Day Awards?
A record 188 awards were given to individuals and organizations, including tripartite partners and union leaders.
How should governments balance international trade goals with the immediate needs of workers during industrial transitions?
