At FEO Secretaries Conference 2004, held on 18 and 19 September 2004 at Changi Village Hotel, ideas flowed and issues were raised as this important group of support staff made their voices known.

“What we said were heard. Some of our ideas were taken up and implemented. That gave us a sense of empowerment,” said Ms Azlina Abas, Special Projects.

These ladies came together to brainstorm ideas to improve their work processes, came up with solutions to help the company save money and time, and generally built linkages of emotional and social ties that will strengthen the company.

Amoeba Work Improvement Teams (WITS) of eight secretaries Amy Cheah, Irene Choo, Ng Siu Ling, Vanessa S Ng, Joanne Tan, Christina Wong and Linda Ramly working in two teams presented their findings and recommended solutions for two work processes, the requisition of stationary and streamlining despatch services. Their recommended solutions were for most part carried out and successfully implemented.

“We are glad to be involved and have a say in the development of the organisation,” said Ms Linda Ramly of Corporate Affairs Division. She added, “This conference is great for getting to know one another. The level of cooperation among us has increased since we met face to face”.

Plans are already afoot for the next Secretaries Conference, which will be held next year.

Far East executives and assistant managers also held their own communication session. This session, held on 2 and 3 October 2004, was also organised by Club i.

Club i (i refers to interactive) was set up under the auspices of the Knowledge Management Committee as a social platform for cross-functional interaction with the aim to build rapport and bonds among staff.