In an inspiring gesture, Mr. Joseph Harison and his wife Leens Joseph showed their gratitude to their domestic helper, Rana Mamta, by purchasing a studio flat for her in Darjeeling, India. Hired in 2015 during a challenging time, Ms. Mamta has become an irreplaceable part of their lives, helping through difficult moments, including Mr. Harison’s hospitalization and Ms. Joseph’s second pregnancy. As Ms. Joseph reflects, “She is one of the greatest things that has happened in our lives.”

To celebrate her new home, the family flew to Darjeeling in 2022 for a housewarming, a moment Ms. Mamta, who has no close family, deeply cherishes. The family’s dedication to Ms. Mamta earned them the Exemplary Migrant Domestic Worker and Employer Award, a recognition of the unique bond that extends beyond employment.

Recognizing Contributions and Lifelong Loyalty

The Exemplary Migrant Domestic Worker and Employer Award was also given to another dedicated pair: Ms. Pothupitiya Gamathige Kusumawathie, 67, and her employer, Ms. Kewaljeet Kaur, 55, who have shared a bond for 30 years. Known to her family for her caring nature and her signature chicken biryani, Ms. Kusuma has witnessed and nurtured the family’s growth. “I love them like my children,” she says, expressing a desire to be there for future generations.

A Day to Honor Domestic Workers’ Impact

Organized by the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST), the third annual Migrant Domestic Worker and Employer Appreciation Day recognized 18 exemplary worker-employer pairs and awarded scholarships to 30 workers for eldercare training. The event, attended by 2,000 people, reflects Singapore’s appreciation for the 268,500 migrant domestic workers who play a vital role in countless homes across the nation.