SINGAPORE – When Ms Ika Septia Purnamasari came to Singapore from Indonesia in 2013 for her first job as a domestic worker, she knew how to say only “yes” and “no” in English.
Her employer, Madam Jamie Too, 55, paid more than $1,000 for her to attend lessons at a community centre and a course for the International English Language Testing System test.
Madam Too later encouraged Ms Ika, 35, to take on a three-year diploma course in international hotel and restaurant management with a specialisation in digital business, and funded part of her education.
On Feb 25, Madam Too received the Employer of the Year Award, for which Ms Ika had nominated her, at the annual Chinese New Year celebration and awards luncheon of the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore), or AEA(S). Held at the Amara Singapore hotel in Tanjong Pagar, the event highlights the contributions of outstanding domestic workers and employers.
Ms Ika, who has worked for the same family for more than 12 years, will go home in mid-2026 to take care of her family, including her 13-year-old son.
Noting that she wanted Madam Too to receive the award as a gift, Ms Ika told The Straits Times: “It’s a surprise for her because I feel very blessed meeting her.”
Ms Ika’s first job was her first time travelling out of Indonesia. Madam Too, a business manager at her husband’s events management firm, taught her everything from cooking to taking the bus.
When Ms Ika wanted to quit at the six-month mark because she felt overwhelmed, Madam Too convinced her to stay, saying: “I know you can make it.”
Gradually, Ms Ika’s English proficiency grew through the lessons she attended and conversations with the family. Her cooking repertoire expanded to include Teochew, French and Italian cuisines.
