Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) is a Singapore-based non-profit organisation established by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to promote fair employment practices and safeguard the well-being of domestic employees. The organisation supports both migrant and local domestic workers, as well as employers, through advisory services, mediation, counselling, and education programmes.

CDE offers practical assistance such as a 24-hour helpline, legal and employment guidance, and skills development initiatives, while also engaging the community through outreach and awareness programmes. Its work focuses on fostering respectful employer-employee relationships and strengthening the domestic employment ecosystem in Singapore.

As a freelance Translator and Interpreter working with CDE in Singapore, my role centred on facilitating clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication between migrant workers and relevant authorities. I supported individuals navigating complex employment-related matters, ensuring information was conveyed clearly and respectfully across language barriers. My responsibilities included:

Translation & Interpretation: Delivered English–Bahasa Indonesia written translations and live interpretation to support formal discussions, consultations, and documentation, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency of meaning.

Stakeholder Liaison: Acted as a communication bridge between migrant workers, employers, and authorities, helping all parties reach mutual understanding during sensitive or high-stakes conversations.

Consultation Support: Supported consultations by explaining employment-related terminology, processes, and workers’ rights in a clear and accessible manner, enabling informed participation and decision-making.

Clear Communication Advocacy: Ensured complex and sensitive employment matters were communicated accurately, ethically, and with cultural awareness, helping reduce misunderstandings and support fair outcomes.