An office and part-time staff at last.

For a long time BMSG(S) had discussed and dreamt of an office space of our own, and a part-time staff to relieve the Executive Committee of their heavy workload. Around 1996 the Committee began actively exploring ways to obtain a tax-exempt status, which would help us to fund-raise. BMSG(S) was eventually granted this status in 1997, under the Ministry of Health's "Health Endowment Fund", through the unstinting efforts of Michelle Lam. In 1998, Vice-President Bessie Low actively searched for possible premises. The Singapore Council of Women's Organizations' announcement that they were renovating premises in Waterloo Street for their headquarters gripped us with excitement. There would be some rooms available for lease to interested affiliates. When SCWO first mooted the idea of a headquarters back in 1994/ 1995 and asked if affiliates would be interested, Doris Fok immediately responded that BMSG(S) would be. Her far-sighted response placed us way ahead in the queue of contenders, now that the headquarters was a reality in sight. Fund-raising became our immediate and urgent concern. Two great fund-raising events stand out: the World Breastfeeding Week 1998 Walkathon, chaired by Dr Lucy Leong, and the Chinese Cultural Night in May 2000, sponsored by Mr Sim Wong Hoo at Creative's open-air amphi-theatre. Wong Mei Kwui and Michelle Lam were the prime movers behind this, and Mr Sim generously matched what we raised dollar-for-dollar. These two events, along with all the healthcare professionals' seminars we have organized exemplified the best efforts of BMSG(S) -togetherness, co-operation and wonderful camaraderie in working towards a common goal -Promote Breastfeeding! We had great fun, and forged strong friendships working together. That period from 1998 to 2000, we raised about $107,000, well above the cost of some $53,000 for the office, with a healthy surplus to look for part-time office help, which we finally accomplished in 2001.

International Networking

From the earliest days, SBMG / BMSG(S) representatives have taken the opportunity to participate and learn from international lactation conferences and seminars. These have provided invaluable links with sister groups in other countries. We were particularly active in such representations in the 1990s, joining conferences organized by NMAA, LLLI, IBFAN, as well as various Lactation Consultant associations. Hong Kong's BMSG received help from us in formulating their constitution in the mid-1990s. Today, BMSG(S) is also represented on the international breastfeeding scene by Doris Fok, who is on the International Board of Lactation Consultants Examiners (IBLCE). Such international awareness also plugged us firmly with World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), and each year since 1992 we have celebrated World Breastfeeding Week with Seminars for the Public and/or Healthcare Professionals, picnics in public parks, a Walkathon in 1998, Baby Shows in 2001 and 2002, and a Nurse-out March with LLL(S) in 2003.

Profession Wong Hock Boon with President Wan Siew Kwun (2000) and Michelle Lam

Vice-President Jilyn Chew (2000) discussing with IBM staff about office facilities for breastfeeding mums.

Professor Lars Hanson (2002) in consultation with BMSG(S) counsellors.