Uplifting the Unseen: Holdinghands Studio & SMRT Showcase Migrant Workers' Talents through Photography

Holdinghands Studio has partnered SMRT, one of Singapore's leading train operators, on a project to showcase migrant workers' photos in MRT stations and trains. The project aims to promote greater cultural exchange and understanding, while beautifying the stations and trains with stunning photography. This initiative celebrates the contributions and creativity of migrant workers and inspires other initiatives that aim to uplift them.

A photowall exhibition will be on display at Bayfront MRT station from 13 July 23 over a 6 week span. Through the power of visual storytelling, we inspire to create dialogues, challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity.

Here are the migrant workers' stories and their photos on display.

Night of Wonder | Henry Fortaliza | Philippines | Singapore’s oil and gas industry | 12 years

Nature’s Playground | Haryanti | Indonesia | Domestic Helper | 14 years

 

Rhythmic Artistry | Criz | Indonesia | Domestic Helper | 13 years.

 

Nautical Spectacle | Hermie | Philippines | Healthcare industry | 8 years 

 

Skyward Splendour | Carolina | Philippines | Domestic Helper | 21 years

 

 Reservoir Retreat | Genelyn | Philippines | Domestic Helper | 20 years

 

Riding Off into the Sunset | Renelyn | Philippines | Domestic Helper | 12 years 

Icon of Faith | Junar | Philippines | Oil and Gas industry | 3 years

The Social Distancing Era | Ana | Indonesia | Domestic Helper | 12 years

 

  

Gleaming Marina Majesty | Agnes | Philippines | Domestic Helper | 20 years

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

 

Special thanks to our invaluable partners who have played a crucial role in making this project a success. Their unwavering support and commitment to the cause have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.

Community Initiative by

SMRT is a leading public transport operator in Singapore, providing a range of services, including trains, buses, and taxis. The company operates one of the most extensive networks of rail lines in Singapore, including the North-South, East-West, Circle, and Thomson-East Coast lines. 

SMRT is also committed to giving back to the community, with a focus on supporting social causes and initiatives that benefit the underprivileged and vulnerable. The company has established several programs and partnerships to promote community engagement and social responsibility, making it a socially responsible and well-respected organization in Singapore. Visit their website to find out more

In Collaboration with Holdinghands Studio

Holdinghands Studio is a social enterprise supported by local photographers with the objective of uplifting less-resourced communities through photography by providing free workshops, camera rental and platforms to showcase their creative talents.

Supporting Partners

Aidha is an award-winning charity in Singapore that offers financial education and self-development programmes such as money management, computer literacy, communication, and entrepreneurial skills for migrant domestic workers and other lower-income women. Aidha envisions 'sustainable futures through financial education' so that every woman has the opportunity to determine her own future. With Aidha students sharing their skills with their families and friends, a whole community benefits, making the multiplier effect of our financial literacy programme significant and life-changing. By educating one woman, we can help impact nine lives.  

Visit their website to find out more.

Camera Rental Centre Singapore (CRC) is a reputable camera equipment rental company that offers a wide range of professional photography and videography gear to meet the needs of photographers, videographers, and filmmakers. The company provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for those who require high-quality camera equipment for their projects, without the need for them to invest in expensive gear.

Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST) is a charity supported by Ministry of Manpower and an Institute of a Public Character (IPC). Since its inception in 2005, FAST has planned and organised many core skill courses and specialised and professional skill programmes for about 25,000 MDWs annually. These courses include cooking, baking, infant care, eldercare, foot reflexology, nursing care, computer skills, English language, stress management, financial management and entrepreneurial skills. FAST works with training providers and community centres to provide these courses at a subsidised rate for MDWs. FAST also conducts a two-day Onboarding and Integration Programme to help new MDW arrivals adjust and adapt to work life in Singapore, learning life essentials such as how to use public transport and road safety. 

Visit their website to find out more.

Healing Health TCM Pte Ltd is a renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic located in the central business district of Singapore, dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services to patients. The clinic offers a range of natural healing therapies, including acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine, aimed at restoring balance and promoting overall wellness.

With a focus on patient safety and satisfaction, Healing Health TCM Pte Ltd has established itself as one of the leading TCM clinics in Singapore. The clinic's commitment to providing effective and reliable healthcare services has earned it a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in promoting better health through natural healing. They are having a 1 for 1 promotion for selected TCM treatment.

Visit their website to find out more.

Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) is dedicated to supporting and empowering migrant workers who experience abuse and exploitation. Three pillars guide us: Welfare, Empowerment and Advocacy. We work with corporations, government agencies and community partners to promote inclusion, justice, equality and dignity for all.

Visit their website to find out more.

Choose Your Maid is a trusted and reliable maid agency in Singapore that provides comprehensive domestic helper services to households in Singapore. The agency has a team of experienced consultants who are committed to providing personalized services and support to ensure that families find the right domestic helper to meet their needs.

Choose Your Maid takes pride in providing excellent customer service, and its team of consultants works closely with clients to understand their unique requirements and preferences. The agency provides a range of services, including maid placement, maid training, and work permit applications, making the hiring process seamless and hassle-free.

With a reputation for reliability, quality service, and professionalism, Choose Your Maid is the go-to agency for families in Singapore who require domestic helper services.

Visit their website to find out more.

Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) wants to encourage everyone to start, show and share kindness by inspiring graciousness one kind act at a time. Over the years, it has executed numerous successful and memorable campaigns such as A Kinder You, A Stronger Us, Be Greater, Courtesy campaign (remember Singa, the Courtesy Lion) and many more.

Kindred Spirit Circle (KSC) was created in 2013 to affirm individuals and ground-up groups dedicated to spreading kindness. Today, there are more than 160 Ground-up Movements (or affectionately known as GUMs) that promote the message of kindness to the community in Singapore. We are also proud to share that we were birthed first as a GUM 'Everyone Can Take Wow Pictures' and have aspired towards bigger dreams with Holding Hands Studio. 

A BIG thanks to the SKM for lending invaluable support in our early days to rally camera donations and support from fellow photographers.

Visit their website to find out more.

 

Check out other works of our Migrant Photographers