Singapore-based employer Richard and his wife, Mee Ling, traveled to Indramayu, Indonesia, on June 22 to attend the wedding of their domestic helper, Nur Anisa. The couple, who have employed Nur Anisa for four years, used the trip to combine personal milestone celebrations with corporate social responsibility efforts, including the renovation of a local preschool.
Building bonds beyond the workplace
Richard, the marketing and operations director of Singapore Healthcare Alliance, stated that he hopes his family’s experience will encourage other employers to foster positive, respectful relationships with their domestic helpers. According to Richard, the couple maintains an “excellent” relationship with Nur Anisa, which includes sharing dinner together regularly and involving her in family activities, such as a trip to New Zealand last year.
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For the wedding, the employers gifted Nur Anisa a pair of 916 gold earrings. They also provided gifts for her family, including Casio watches for her father, stepfather, groom, and son, as well as a handbag for her mother and various cash gifts.
Nur Anisa, who has worked for the family for four years, has expressed a desire to continue her employment with them until her nine-year-old son reaches working age.
Corporate social responsibility in Indramayu
The visit to Indonesia coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Singapore Healthcare Alliance. Richard decided to focus the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives on Nur Anisa’s home village. On June 23, the couple inaugurated a rural preschool that the company helped fund.
The sponsorship covered significant infrastructure improvements, including new external walls, a new school gate, classroom flooring, and corridor tiles. Beyond the school renovations, the couple distributed school bags, stationery, lunch boxes, and financial assistance to students and teachers. They also provided household essentials and cash to other families in the village and visited a former helper of the family who resides in the same area.
What happens next for the family and community
The immediate impact of the visit included the provision of essential items, such as a new mattress and standing fan, for the family of another domestic helper known to Richard’s relatives. As the Singapore Healthcare Alliance continues its operations, the renovated preschool may serve as a sustainable resource for children in the Indramayu village, potentially improving educational conditions in the area.
Regarding their household, the family expects to maintain their current arrangement with Nur Anisa. Richard noted that the helper remains a regular part of their family life, including being present for visits from his elderly mother and parents-in-law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did the couple travel to reach the wedding?
Richard and Mee Ling traveled for more than seven hours, consisting of a two-hour flight and a five-hour drive.
What specific improvements were made to the preschool?
The funding provided for new external walls, a new school gate, new classroom flooring, corridor tiles, and repairs to damaged classroom walls.
Why did the couple visit the village besides the wedding?
The trip served as a way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Singapore Healthcare Alliance by conducting corporate social responsibility work in Nur Anisa’s hometown.
Have you ever had the opportunity to support the home community of a person who works in your household?
