She once interviewed boy bands – now she fights for migrant workers’ dignity and rights
Almost two decades of advocating for migrant workers in Singapore have changed how Stephanie Chok sees everyday life. From restaurant staff’s work passes to whether a domestic worker gets her day off, the HOME executive director says she is always alert to the inequalities migrant workers face.
Stephanie Chok, now 53, has spent almost two decades advocating for migrant workers in Singapore. Her work has led her to see everyday activities, like dining out or visiting someone at home, through a different lens. She constantly scrutinizes the work passes of restaurant staff and wonders about the employment conditions of migrant workers she encounters on the street.
Chok, who is the executive director of the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME), often finds it difficult to separate her professional life from her personal life, stating that she doesn't know how to "switch off". Despite her success in advocating for migrant workers, including Indonesian domestic worker Parti Liyani, Chok's roots lie in entertainment and lifestyle journalism.
She even explored this path before deciding to help others through her work with migrant workers. Growing up with a prominent architect father and a medical social worker mother, Chok was exposed to societal issues from a young age. Her experiences volunteering with animal welfare organizations and travelling to Cambodia deepened her understanding of inequality and human trafficking.
Her doctoral research at Murdoch University focused on labour justice and political responsibility, which led her to volunteer with various organizations supporting migrant workers. Chok's dedication to the cause has earned her a prominent role at HOME, where she continues to fight for the dignity and rights of migrant workers, often highlighting the day-to-day indignities they face.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
