May Day and 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Music, Memories and Gratitude: Sister Dewi's Piano Performance at CDE's May Day and 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Some melodies have a special way of bringing us back to cherished memories. For Sister Dewi, Richard Clayderman’s Ballade pour Adeline is one such piece.

At CDE’s May Day for Domestic Employees and 10th Anniversary Celebrations, Dewi captivated the audience with her piano performance of the classical favourite, a melody that reminds her of her hometown in Central Java, Indonesia.

Inspired by the timeless beauty of classical music, Dewi dedicated herself to mastering the piece despite her busy schedule and long working hours. Her commitment was especially evident in learning its fast-paced arpeggios, demonstrating the perseverance and passion that have been part of her musical journey for many years.

Music has long played an important role in Dewi’s life. Before coming to Singapore, she performed in a band in Indonesia, playing not only the piano but also the drums and guitar. Taking the stage at the celebrations allowed her to reconnect with that passion while sharing her talent with the wider community.

For Dewi, the performance was more than a musical presentation. It was an opportunity to express her gratitude and connect with others through a language that transcends borders and backgrounds.

Reflecting on her experience, she shared a simple but meaningful message:

Through her performance, Dewi reminded us of the power of music to preserve memories, inspire growth and bring people together. Her journey is a testament to the importance of pursuing one's passions and embracing every opportunity to learn and connect with others.

Rhealyn Nudalo: Finding Strength in Voice and Community

Following the sharing of Hellina’s journey, we spotlight another May Day Award recipient, Rhealyn Nudalo, whose story reflects the power of encouragement, resilience, and community.

For the past eight years, Rhealyn has been volunteering with CDE, dedicating her time and voice to supporting fellow MDWs. Through her experience, she came to realise that volunteering is not only about helping others — it is also about inspiring individuals to step forward and discover their own strength and potential.

One of the most meaningful aspects of her journey has been knowing that her voice is heard. While there were moments when she felt overwhelmed, she also found deep fulfilment and encouragement in being able to share her experiences and perspectives. This sense of belonging and empowerment motivated her to continue contributing actively to the community around her.

Through various upskilling opportunities and volunteer experiences, Rhealyn has grown in confidence and self-belief. These experiences have also encouraged her to dream bigger, including her aspiration to form a support group for MDWs who may be silently struggling and in need of encouragement, guidance, or simply someone who understands them.

Rhealyn’s story is a reminder that empowerment grows when individuals support one another and create safe spaces for voices to be heard. By sharing her journey with openness and sincerity, she continues to inspire others to believe that their voices matter and that no one should have to face challenges alone.

Celebrating Partnership: Silver Ribbon (Singapore) Honoured at NTUC May Day Awards 2026

Silver Ribbon (Singapore), represented by Ms Porsche Poh, has been a valued partner of the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE), supporting the mental well-being of MDWs through a range of initiatives, including mental health workshops, crisis counselling, and culturally sensitive mental health programmes.

Through this collaboration, MDWs have been equipped with practical tools to build resilience, while also ensuring that timely support is available during periods of crisis. The partnership places strong emphasis on addressing social isolation and fostering a sense of community among MDWs.

Notably, this collaborative effort has been recognised by the World Health Organization as a model for reducing isolation and promoting social cohesion, highlighting its impact and relevance in supporting vulnerable communities.

CDE and Silver Ribbon (Singapore) continue to work closely to strengthen support systems for MDWs, ensuring that their mental wellbeing remains a key priority.