In other words: The legacy of the Singapore Interpreters’ and Translators’ Union

In May 1947, a small group of 40 interpreters and translators from the Chinese Secretariat and the courts came together to form one of Singapore’s first civil service unions—the Singapore Chinese Interpreters’ Union.

Their mission was simple yet vital: to stand together in protecting the welfare and professional standing of a specialised group whose work bridged languages and cultures in governance and law.

Just a year later, in 1948, the union widened its embrace by amending its rules to welcome Malay and Indian interpreters.

The Singapore Interpreters' Union Executive Council, 1967. [photo: National Library Board]

This inclusivity marked the beginning of a tradition that would see the union evolve in both name and scope. The union became known as the Singapore Interpreters’ Union in 1964 and the Singapore Interpreters’ and Translators’ Union (SITU) in 1971. This reflected the growing importance of translation alongside interpretation.

Affiliation with NTUC came in 1974, bolstering SITU’s ability to represent its members within the broader Labour Movement.

Over the decades, its membership extended beyond the courts to include interpreters and translators from the then Ministry of Communications and Information—today’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI)—the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the judiciary.

For 78 years, SITU served as a steadfast advocate for its members, safeguarding their rights and elevating the recognition of the profession within Singapore’s public service.

The Next Chapter

That long chapter of independence closed on 25 February 2025, when SITU merged with the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE).

AUPE held a commemorative dinner on 5 August 2025 at the NTUC Club Clubhouse @ SingPost to formalise the subsummation.

The event was attended by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, AUPE General Secretary Sanjeev Tiwari, SITU President Vincent Aw Chye Giap, and other key members who had helped steer the transition.

Under AUPE, the union will live on as the Singapore Interpreters’ and Translators’ Branch (SITB), representing its 92 remaining members.

“We made the decision to merge with AUPE—which is a much bigger public sector union with a broad base, a strong legacy, and the capacity—to support our union and our members’ corporate interests,” said Mr Aw.

“We are deeply heartened by the overwhelming support of our members for this merger. Your trust gave us the confidence to move ahead, and we thank you sincerely for standing with us.”

The SITB held its first branch meeting at AUPE on 21 May 2025, chaired by six of SITU’s former Executive Council members. AUPE’s priority now is to reconnect with all former SITU members, update them on the changes, and address any concerns.

Singapore Interpreters' and Translators' Union Commemorative Dinner on 5 August 2025.

Adapting to a changing profession

In his speech at the dinner, Mr Ng praised SITU’s nearly eight decades of commitment to this specialised group of civil servants. But he also underscored the challenges ahead, noting the impact of rapid technological change on the profession.

“You must up your game,” he urged. “But know that within the whole space of AUPE and NTUC, there are all the different tools that we can support you with in growing up your technology level, up your expertise and up your capabilities as well.”

As it steps into its new role within AUPE, SITB carries with it the weight of history and the promise of renewal—a continuation of SITU’s mission to give voice to those whose craft ensures that every word is heard, understood, and preserved.

SITU through the years: Key milestones

• 1947 – Founded in May as the Singapore Chinese Interpreters’ Union with 40 members from the Chinese Secretariat and the Courts.
  
  
• 1948 – Rules amended to include Malay and Indian interpreters.
  
  
• 1964 – Renamed Singapore Interpreters’ Union.
  
  
• 1971 – Became the Singapore Interpreters’ and Translators’ Union (SITU) to reflect growing translation work.
  
  
• 1974 – Affiliated with the NTUC
  
  
• 1970s–2000s – Membership expanded to include interpreters and translators from ministries such as Communications and Information, Foreign Affairs, and the judiciary.
  
  
• 2025 – Merged into the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) as the Singapore Interpreters’ and Translators’ Branch (SITB).
  
  

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