Because several associations have been in existence, whenever the Ministry of Manpower wanted to consult with representives of the industry, it had to send invitations to all the different associations. It would appear that one big association acting in concert would be more effective than several smaller associations competing for support. So for the last several years, there was talk of the associations merging to form one big association; but all came to nought. Ancient rivalries made a merger a mission impossible.

However, in 2002, the Ministry of Manpower managed to persuade the representatives of the various associations to form a new association. Thus was formed the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore). It is assumed that the old associations would die a natural death. In view of the fact that they have not been well supported by a majority of EA's in the first place, this is not an unrealistice expectation. The question now is: "Will AEAS be any different from its predecessors?" With the encouragement of MOM, there is ground for optimism.

If you care about your industry, please join the association and exercise your right as a member to make your voice heard. Come forward and serve or at least scout for talent and when you have found him/her, make him/her carry our banner.

Please be informed that the AEAS will be holding a meeting on 17th Sep 2002 at 2 pm at the PUB Auditorium. The pro-tem committee will probably explain their raison d'etre and answer what questions you have may. Then sometime in October*, an AGM will be called. Please join up and come to this meeting and elect a new committee (for the pro-tem committee having served its term would step down) to serve you.

Do attend the meeting and ask the pro-tem committee members, what goals they have set for the new association. Ask those who appear to be ready to offer themselves for election as office-bearers when the big meeting (the AGM) is called, whether they have enough faith in themselves to aim for self-regulation. Ask them if they have enough faith in themselves to devise a system of accreditation that will make us proud to be EA's.

Update: Finally a general meeting of members was held on 18 Dec 02 to elect a full-term committee. The committee have hardly warmed their seat and there are apparently people who feel that they should resign and hold elections to elect a new committee.

On 24 Feb 03, these Members will want to know why the Committee is deliberately contravening the constitution.

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