Beyond Transportation: Placemaking MRT Stations to Create Quality Public Spaces for All - SMRT and Holdinghands Studio launch migrant worker photography exhibition

1. Singapore, 17 July 2023 – To recognise and appreciate the contributions of Singapore’s migrant workers community, SMRT Trains, in collaboration with Holdinghands Studio, will display photographs taken by them in its MRT network.

2. From 17 July to 23 August, 22 carefully curated photographs depicting the country’s landmarks, sceneries and daily activities will be featured in a six-week long exhibition titled “Singapore: Through the Lens of Our Migrant Workers” at Bayfront MRT station on the Circle Line. The photos will also be displayed in trains and at stations on the North-South, East-West and Circle Lines.

3. By envisioning MRT stations as quality public spaces that can support societal causes beyond transportation, Ms Margaret Teo, SMRT’s Group Chief Communications Officer, said: “We are delighted to provide our migrant workers the opportunity to showcase their creativity in our MRT network. We hope to create a vibrant and engaging station environment to enhance commuters’ experience, and seek to bring greater value to every community around our stations.”

4. This collaboration with Holdinghands Studio also seeks to foster social cohesion and mutual understanding by bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds closer together.

5. The photographs were taken by migrant workers from various industries, including domestic work, oil and gas, and healthcare. Some of them have been working in Singapore for more than 20 years.

6. Mr Seah Moon Ming, Chairman, SMRT Corporation, was the Guest of Honour at the launch today (17 July). Also present were Mr Chia Der Jiun, Permanent Secretary (Development), Ministry of Manpower; Mr Goh Teck Seng, Deputy Chief Executive, Land Transport Authority; and Mr Ngien Hoon Ping, Group CEO, SMRT Corporation.

7. Holdinghands Studio founder Tan Chin Hock said: “This exhibition is a perfect platform to showcase our migrant workers’ work, talent and creativity. I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to SMRT for organising the photo exhibition. The partnership has enabled us to raise awareness about the stories and contributions of our migrant workers.” Holdinghands Studio is a social enterprise supported by local photographers with the objective of uplifting under-resourced communities through photography by providing free workshops and camera rental, and platforms to showcase their creative talents.

-END-