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| Many
Fun Activities for MFA staff |
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| MFA staff
learning to brew Chinese tea. |
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Staff
welfare has always been and continues to be an
important and integral component of the Ministry
of Foreign
Affairs (MFA).
Lunchtime talks, outdoor activities, weekend outings and workshops are part of
a list of events that MFA staff can look forward to on a regular basis. Underlying
these outings and workshops are certain fundamental themes that the MFA Club
hopes to communicate to the staff.
To promote cultural awareness and increase cross-cultural understanding, various
hands-on workshops are held in conjunction with our local festivals. For instance,
participants would learn the art of ketupat weaving or lantern-making in the
days leading up to Hari Raya and Chinese New Year respectively.
MFA also started its own Arts Awareness Programme, with a focus on showcasing
Singapore’s unique multiracial make-up. To kick off the event, renowned
performing arts company Sri Warisan, led by Cultural Medalist Madam Som Said,
held a lunchtime workshop-cum-concert at MFA in November 2002.
MFA activities also have a social outreach and charity component. For instance,
MFA Club, in collaboration with the National Council of Social Service, held
a two-day Handicraft Charity Fair in December 2002. The participating welfare
agencies were the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS),
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Singapore Cheshire Home and
Asian Women’s Welfare Association. Through the collaboration, the MFA Club
aimed to increase awareness of the work and services of welfare agencies, as
well as to showcase the creative talents of special persons in our community.
All proceeds went to the participating agencies.
There were also fun-filled activities organised for MFA staff, such as the inaugural
MakanSutra Food Safari outing in October 2002, educational visits to farms in
Singapore, and a day trip to Desaru. These were all in addition to the annual
Dinner and Dance and Family Day events that bring MFA staff and their families
together.
At our overseas Missions, the staff and their family members gather to celebrate
festive events over a meal, and also organise activities like bowling and exploratory
trips to nearby towns.
MFA staff can also look forward to self-enrichment programmes such as personal
grooming talks. These are important not only because of the front-line nature
of MFA officers’ jobs, but also because they enhance individuals’ self-development
and well-being.
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Here’s
a fun way to learn more about a
different culture. |
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In
line with Singapore’s Healthy Lifestyle Campaign,
MFA staff can sign up for free health check-ups and
attend healthy cooking demonstrations.
Sports activities are also organised to inculcate a healthy lifestyle. Regular
tennis and badminton sessions provide the opportunity for MFA staff to hone their
skills and engage in healthy competition. Golf and bowling sessions cater to
those who prefer less hectic ball games.
The annual road race is one of the main sporting events on the MFA calendar.
That is when MFA runners pit their stamina and running prowess against one another
on a 2.4-km route. Last year, MFA took the road race event one step further by
incorporating a fundraising exercise. Staff managed to raise more than $600 for
our adopted charity - MINDS.
The MFA Club certainly offers Many Fun Activities for staff. |
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By
Yvonne Yew & Patrick Lim, MFA
Next: A
new paradigm
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