Veteran healthcare unionist elected NTUC president

She says training will be key focus area as it ensures workers’ employment, employability

- Tay Hong Yi

SINGAPORE – The labour movement elected 21 members to its highest decision-making body for a four-year term ending in 2027 as it gears up to push for better wages, welfare and job prospects for workers.

Fellow members voted for veteran unionist K. Thanaletchimi, 57, as president of the National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) central committee on Nov 23.

She takes over the helm from Ms Mary Liew, 61, who did not seek re-election after two terms as president.

Mr Ng Chee Meng, 55, who has been secretary-general since 2018, was also re-elected.

Nearly 450 delegates from NTUC’s 58 affiliated unions elected the new committee by secret ballot during the two-day National Delegates’ Conference from Nov 22 to 23 at Orchid Country Club.

The elected committee members, in turn, voted to elect the office-bearers.

The committee also appointed Mr Heng Chee How, Senior Minister of State for Defence, as deputy secretary-general, bringing the total number of members to 22.

NTUC elects a new central committee and charts out the direction the committee will take in its term during the quadrennial conference.