Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) founder Ms Bridget Tan, 73, has passed away on Monday (April 18).
HOME announced the news in a Facebook post on Monday, noting that Ms Tan suffered a stroke in February 2014 and spent the last few years in Batam.
While Ms Tan recuperated, she worked with non-profit groups in Batam.
Ms Tan was an “untiring advocate and champion of the rights of migrant workers,” said HOME.
She played a key role in establishing the organisation’s current activities, such as the shelter for abused domestic workers, skills training programmes and legal and employment advice services for all migrant workers.
“A pioneer in the field, such services were almost non-existent when HOME was formally established in 2004,” the post noted.
“Bridget was a true friend and ally of the migrants; she always provided a listening ear and extended a helping hand to many in need,” said HOME.
“For me, social justice is the responsibility of each and every person. The strong must help the weak; the rich should help the poor. Those who are knowledgeable should help those who aren’t. We all have a part to play,” added HOME, quoting Ms Tan.
Ms Tan has been an inspiration to many in Singapore and overseas, helping countless people, from migrant workers to children. “Her legacy will live on here at HOME.”
Activist Jolovan Wham also wrote a message on Facebook, noting he always had a “love-hate relationship” with Ms Tan, “as it sometimes is with people whom you admire and respect.”
“I learnt what it was like to ‘walk the talk’ through her, and when you are determined to do anything, however, limited your resources, if you dream big, wonders can be achieved,” said Wham, who described Ms Tan as a “fierce advocate who never minced her words.”
“She was stubborn and could be maddeningly frustrating to work with but also incredibly generous, kind, compassionate with a deep commitment to social justice,” he noted.
Details of Ms Tan’s wake service will be announced upon confirmation.
Ms Tan was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2015 for her endeavours in championing migrant workers’ rights.
She also received the Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery Award in 2011 from former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. /TISG