Bridget Tan, the founder of the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), an organisation that fights for the rights of migrant workers in Singapore, has passed away at the age of 73.
She was the first person in Singapore to advocate for the rights of migrant workers in Singapore, and HOME released a statement about her passing on Facebook.
Here is what they said
HOME’s founder, Ms Bridget Tan, passed away peacefully today (18 April 2022). She suffered a stroke in February 2014 and has been spending the last few years in Batam, where she recuperated while working with non-profit groups there. We are deeply saddened by the news, and our prayers are with her family.
Before setting up HOME, Bridget worked in the field of human resources and was the Chairperson of the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI).
Bridget was an untiring advocate and champion of the rights of migrant workers. She played a key role in establishing HOME’s current activities, which include our shelter for abused domestic workers, skills training programmes, and our 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. She played an active role in contributing to public discussion on the welfare and rights of migrants to change mindsets and policies. She was also active on international and regional advocacy platforms. 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.
She once said, “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.” Her life has truly 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.
Details of the wake service will be announced once they have been confirmed.
