Balakrishnan receives NTUC's highest May Day honour for labour leadership

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan received the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Medal of Honour on 13 May 2026, the labour movement's highest award, at the annual May Day Awards ceremony held at Orchid Country Club.

The event was attended by approximately 1,200 guests. A record 188 awards were presented across 159 individuals and 29 organisations, the largest number handed out in a single year.

The Medal of Honour recognises individuals who have demonstrated sustained leadership and commitment in advancing workers' welfare and industrial relations. Dr Balakrishnan has advised multiple unions over more than two decades, spanning the energy, education and hospitality sectors.

NTUC cited him for demonstrating "principled leadership, deep empathy for workers and an unwavering commitment to uphold the tripartite spirit, particularly during periods of economic and industrial transformation."

The labour movement also noted his continued role in navigating Singapore through an increasingly complex global environment, helping safeguard the country's economic resilience, security and international standing.

"By strengthening trust and expanding cooperation with like-minded partners, he has helped sustain trade and investment flows that underpin business continuity, quality jobs and long-term opportunities in our highly trade-dependent economy," NTUC said in a statement.

Role in Shell divestment

Dr Balakrishnan's union advisory roles have included the Singapore Shell Employees' Union, Singapore Refining Company Employees' Union, United Workers of Petroleum Industry, ExxonMobil Singapore Employees Union, Aster Chemicals and Energy Union, Singapore Teachers' Union and Attractions, Resorts and Entertainment Union.

At Shell's Pulau Bukom facility, he helped mediate issues arising from the transition to 12-hour shift arrangements, a restructuring exercise that affected approximately 500 jobs, and the extension of collective union representation to professionals, managers and executives.

When Shell divested its Energy and Chemicals Park in 2024, Dr Balakrishnan worked with government agencies, companies and unions to support affected workers. He also took on an advisory role with the newly formed Aster Chemicals and Energy Union following the divestment.

In an interview with NTUC's Labourbeat portal, Dr Balakrishnan described the divestment as "not just a corporate transaction" but one that affected livelihoods, families and a workforce that had built deep capabilities over many years.

"It was therefore important to step in early, work closely with all parties and ensure workers were treated fairly and kept informed throughout the process," he said.

Personal ties to the labour movement

Dr Balakrishnan said his commitment to workers was shaped in part by his father's involvement in the Singapore Teachers' Union decades earlier.

"My father was involved with the Singapore Teachers' Union many decades ago. He used to share snippets of the pressure and dilemmas that unionists faced in the early, difficult years," he said.

"I saw first-hand the importance of standing up for others and working through issues in a fair and constructive way. So, I always said 'yes' whenever NTUC or the unions summoned. I believe in your cause."

Tributes from NTUC leadership

NTUC president K. Thanaletchimi paid tribute to Dr Balakrishnan's record of engagement with the labour movement.

"His commitment to workers goes beyond words, reflected in more than two decades of dedication alongside unions and tripartite partners to advance workers' interests and welfare," she said.

"Through integrity and quiet resolve, he has strengthened tripartite relations and made a meaningful difference to workers across sectors."

NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng presented the full complement of awards at the ceremony, recognising contributions across a broad range of industries and organisations.

Other recipients

Among the individual award recipients was Arvin Tang, 38, founder of AKIN, a business-to-business consultancy that assists companies in adopting artificial intelligence and upskilling their workforces. Tang also serves as vice-president of Tech Talent Assembly, where he works to prepare technology professionals for the impact of AI on their careers.

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) was among the organisations honoured. The hospital was recognised for enhancing staff benefits, implementing progressive employment practices, redesigning workforce structures and fostering psychological safety and staff well-being.

Prof Chua Hong Choon, chief executive of KTPH, said the award affirmed the hospital's direction and motivated continued improvement in employee well-being and workplace experience.

Thanaletchimi, addressing all recipients, said she was confident the awardees would continue leading by example and mentoring the next generation of unionists.

"I am confident that the awardees will keep leading by example, mentoring the next generation of unionists and partners in the same spirit of service and solidarity," she said.