Balancing life, with hope and help from NTUC

Chasing dreams ahead

Ahyarudin Jailani (far right) and his family together with NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Yeo Wan Ling (third from right).

At first glance, Ahyarudin Jailani, 42, carries the aura of a soft-spoken father of five. Yet as he shares about the goals he has for his young family, his voice asserts a sense of affirmation and grit that reflects the strong persona of the family man he is.

He signed up for NTUC Membership a year ago and was pleasantly surprised recently that two of his children with special needs received some support through the NTUC-U Care Fund.

His second child, Muhammad Haqqim is enrolled in Pathlight School and his third child, Fathma Radhiah is currently studying in Chongzheng Primary School.

View NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Yeo Wan Ling's post on Facebook 

“We just came to know that she is slightly dyslexic late this year. This money we have received from NTUC will be useful in supporting tuition classes that we have planned to arrange for her to cope and learn better with this new diagnosis,” said Mr Ahyarudin, who works as an engineer in the semiconductor industry.

With three school-going children, and two toddlers under the age of three, he said that being an NTUC Member has given him some peace of mind with the additional financial assistance.

Meanwhile, he is keen to explore other membership perks exclusive for professionals like him through Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP).

“While my wife is a homemaker and takes care of my children, I am looking into upgrading myself to build up skills for my career growth in the years ahead. And I am glad that there are opportunities for NTUC Members like me,” he added.

Keeping up faith

Luei Lee Kim (right) and her daughter Chew Tong En (left).

For several years now, Luei Lee Kim,55, has been holding the financial fort of her household all on her own.

Since the pandemic set in, her husband had to take a temporary break from the workforce. While he is in the midst of finding a permanent source of income, Madam Luei has kept her spirits up, doing her best to always show up for her 16-year-old daughter, Chew Tong En.

Tong En is a student from Swiss Cottage Secondary School, who also received the financial assistance for her education from NTUC this year.

“It is definitely time for a small treat for her as she has done well in school. And of course, the extra allowance is a bonus for us to manage family expenses,” said Madam Luei, a long-time NTUC Member who works in an administrative role at a church.

“Being an NTUC Member, I am aware of the services at e2i over the years. So, I have been constantly encouraging my husband and friends to seek help to look for better jobs,” she shared.

For now, she looks forward to helping her only child prepare for the school year ahead and celebrate the festive season in a simple and cosy way with her close-knit family.

Showing true mettle

Subba Reddy Rajalakshmi (right) with her daughter Tarini Rajan (left).

Like most parents, Subba Reddy Rajalakshmi, 42, had a moment of relief and joy when her daughter, Tarini Rajan, from Yuhua Primary School, assured her that she had given her best shot at Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) this October.

What made her happier was that both her children qualified to receive support from NTUC-U Care Fund this year.

Her elder son, who is pursing Mechatronics in the Institute of Technical Education, along with her daughter, have pocketed extra cash to tide over education-related expenses for the upcoming year.

“A much lighter load for me this year end,” said the single mum, who signed up for NTUC Membership at a roadshow in the heartlands. She expressed contentment that her hard work has paid off through her children’s resilience in their studies.

View NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Melvin Yong's post on Facebook

The beneficiaries this year also received another 'gift' for the new year.

As part of NTUC and Singtel's strategic partnership, Singtel sponsored a complimentary 12-Month Singtel Prepaid Mobile Service to provide better connectivity for them to assess learning resources.

Madam Subba said: “Tarini will be in secondary school next year and must travel further from home. I hope to get her a mobile phone to reach her while she is on the way to and from school. So, we are happy to receive this from Singtel too.

“It is not just the financial help that matters to us as NTUC members. The constant care and support means a lot to our families.”