After becoming a union member, she gradually came to know about Young NTUC. Today, not only is she is an Executive Council member of DBS Staff Union, she is also a committee member at Young NTUC, representing DBS Staff Union.

At Young NTUC, Kendi and 90 other committee members organise and plan events. They call themselves Activists. “Our aim is to showcase our vibrancy through the events we organise. Events are here at a National level (120,000 youth members), or through our Youth Chapters (members from the individual Unions that we represent at Young NTUC).“ Discussions will first be carried out amongst the different union representatives and then communicated to the various union members and the youth members of Young NTUC when plans are confirmed. From there, the activists will ‘deploy’ people to participate from the various interest groups. For instance, they may get p.L.a.Y to put up a performance.

Kendi relates to YP one of her experiences—“The formation of the human flag during the National Day celebration in 2008 left the deepest impression on me. As one of the organizers helping to coordinate the event, I kept worrying about the “what ifs”. However, when I saw the effort put in by the people, and not just the committee, but participants too, I had the best feeling ever…it felt something very different, but in a nice way. The greatest gift is when you see the Padang lit with the Singapore flag”

Being an activist isn’t all about events. The activists also raise youth issues at work. The recent topic involved PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, Technicians), the group often regarded as ‘sandwiched’. As a group, they will discuss on the improvements in workplace representation, that can be made or what can be done to help them or to entice them to join the Labour Movement.

“Time management!” is one of the challenges that Kendi faces. She juggles work, union family, school and YoungNTUC. “It can be very difficult at times…but this is the prime age…the time to ‘chiong’ (to go all the way)...if I don’t do this now, I don’t think I will ever do it.”

One of the most valuable skills that Kendi has picked up is to listen. Everybody has a different story to tell, and as Young NTUC consists of members from various different backgrounds and ages, it is even more important to hear them out as each of the worker who comes to you shares his/her unique story. She believes that in order to succeed, everyone needs to work as a team embracing diversity. “Different people have got different ideas. Hence, you got to be receptive.”

Apart from work, union and volunteerism, the 26-year-old also is pursuing a part-time Degree in Psychology. She rushes to SIM 3 times a week for lectures after work. “Although it is very taxing for me, I feel that whatever I am studying is surely meaningful and relevant...it helps me understand the people around me better and I can attempt a better approach when attending to my customers”.

During her free time, Kendi swims at her nearby swimming complex. It is her way of relaxation and exercise. According to her, she loves being in the water because, she doesn’t perspire. Apart from that, Kendi also loves to travel, even if it’s just to Malaysia. She goes on small trips whenever she has the time. However, nothing tops her list of hobbies but food. Like most Singaporeans, food is the way to go. She enjoys her food in the company of her best buddies at least once a week.

It was also from these workshops that new friendships were formed.” Upon completing the workshop, she was informed that Young NTUC was putting up a musical- Labour of Love, to commemorate May Day. With her talent, she breezed through the auditions effortlessly. That was her first debut as a p.L.aY! member.

Since then, Marjorie has attended various workshops and performed in various functions. This includes the concert after the solidarity walk, Charity Night, National Day celebrations at the Padang, dinner and dance etc…”At p.L.a.Y!, we are encouraged to take up various challenges…singing, acting, dancing...”

Apart from p.L.a.Y, the 35-year-old holds a full-time job as an administration and finance manager. She is also a mother of a girl and a boy, both still in Primary school. “I’ve got to make sure that they don’t forget me”, she said jokingly. “For the May Day musical, we had rehearsals twice a week. But as time got nearer to the actual day, I found myself going for rehearsals at least 3 times a week. There were some Saturdays and Sundays, where I don’t get to see my family members because I’m at One Marina Boulevard rehearsing.” Having said that, she says that all that was worth it for the friendship and bonds that they have fostered. “My passion for acting is the driving force to join all these workshops and performances; and the maintenance of this driving force is the support from my family and the friends that I have made along the way.”

Marjorie hopes to take her skills to a different level. Over the years, she has gone for external auditions by professional groups. Unfortunately, she had to turn them down, as she was unable to commit full time.

During her free time, Marjorie loves to read. “Well, I don’t mind a round or 2 of mahjong with my family members”, she guffaws. But when she’s tired after a hard day’s work, she prefers to ‘veg out’ in front of the tv with cooking programmes. She likes chilling out with her close friends from p.L.a.Y. “We meet up for happy hour and dinner.” Recently, the group of them tried their hand at badminton, hoping to put in more exercise in their lives.

Marjorie’s ultimate goal is to stay happy. When asked if she considers herself to be successful, she answered “yes” without hesitation. “I have a wonderful family, great friends, a fulfilling career, and in addition to all that, am able to be involved in activities that I love and has the freedom to pursue my passion. I am indeed, blessed. I attribute my success to the unconditional support from my family. Without them, I will not be where I am today.”