Friends and human rights colleagues are remembering former IYCW Asia-Pacific leader Sinapan Samydorai, a founding member of the Cardijn Community International, who died on 27 March 2025.
We send our condolences to his wife, Yun Shan Shum, their sons, and all family, friends and colleagues.
This is a tribute from Hans Goh, a former YCW leader from Singapore:
Samydorai had a keen sense of justice and he cared for workers. He spent about 45 years of his life advocating for the dignity of workers, workers’ rights, and human rights.
In 1984 he worked in a factory with a mission to extend Young Christian Workers Movement (YCW). He spent time getting to know his fellow workers, listened to their stories to understand their reality. He visited them at their hostels and homes. He built friendship with his fellow workers and brought them to the YCW Workers Centre in Jurong for leisure, friendship, learning and to know about YCW. He contributed to the formation of leaders.
Sam spoke up for his colleagues who faced poor and unsafe working conditions. He worked with them to seek better protection including writing to the Ministry of Labour.
Fr Patrick Goh, former National Chaplain, YCW paid tribute to Sam. “He is always there for the workers in Singapore, Malaysia and Asia. Always faithful to the Review of Life (See, Judge and Act), seeing me almost every week to review his work in the factories, the YCW groups in the parishes and in Asia.”
Sam was the President of YCW from 1983 to 1986. He worked Part-time for YCW for about two years. During his leadership YCW Singapore published the Report on 12-hour Shift, and Retrenchment Report, calling for better protection of workers and job security. In 1987, he worked full-time for Asia Pacific IYCW based in Hongkong. Sam continued his apostolate work with the Christian Family Movement (CFSM), Singapore.
After that he spent many years working for different Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), worker organisations and human rights groups. He built networks and organised many training sessions for workers and the leaders of NGOs. He was the Regional and International Team member of World Movement of Christian Workers (WMCW) for two terms. In this capacity, he had an audience with Pope John Paul II to share the reality of workers in Asia.
Sam was a leader of Think Centre, Singapore. He organised the 1st and 2ndAsean Civil Society Conference in Singapore where civil society organisations from Asean and around the region met to share ideas, network, and support one another’s works in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Sam was elected to Forum Asia’s Executive Committee where he helped to take the organisation forward. The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development is regional human rights organisation in 23 countries across Asia.
He was involved in labour work for International Labour Organisation (ILO). He helped start the Task Force on ASEAN Migrant Workers. This is a group of representatives of civil society organizations and trade unions working for protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers. The group bought many parties together and was recognised by governments, unions, and employers in ASEAN.
Sam was a resolute leader. He had some health issues. Despite that he was always on the move working for and with the workers. His contribution and expertise will be missed. The workers have lost a good friend,
Former YCW members, friends in Singapore and oversea have asked me to convey our deepest condolences to Sam’s family and thank them for their support for Sam through the years. The family support was important for him in his mission.
I end this tribute to Sam with a quote from Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept faith.”
Sam, indeed, you have fought a good fight for workers. Rest in peace.
Hans Goh
Former YCW and long-time friend of Samydorai.
Note: This tribute includes the sentiments of former YCW members and Sam’s friends.
Cardijn Community International convenor, Ruben Joseph, also recalled Sam’s enthusiasm and dedication to the cause:
I have always admired Sam’s enthusiasm and dedication. He gave his all to the cause he chose as the priority of his life. He spent most of his life outside the comfort zone of his family.
I share the sentiments expressed by Hansern. I know the health issues he faced but that never stopped his work. He was always on the move. His love for Cardijn and his methodology was something to be greatly appreciated. He was a good trainer.
As a member of IYCW Asia Pacific Team he made a mark especially in terms of extension and training.
Sam was very supportive of Cardijn Community International (CCI) from its very foundation. He participated in all CCI programs and encouraged us. Thank you Sam for being a ‘model leader’. You have fulfilled the meaning of your life. Rest in peace Comrade!
Ruben Joseph
In Malaysia, Glorene Dass, executive director of human and worker rights NGO, Tenaganita, also honoured Sam with this Facebook tribute:
In Loving Memory of Sinapan Samydorai
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sinapan Samydorai, a passionate advocate, a tireless defender of migrant rights, and a dear friend to so many across Asia.
I first met Samy in 1999, when I began my journey at Tenaganita as a mere case officer. From the very beginning, he was someone who radiated warmth, wisdom, and an irrepressible sense of humour. Even in the face of personal health challenges, he was consistently positive ,full of life, laughter, and encouragement. Conversations with him were always filled with inspiration, and his unwavering belief in justice gave strength to many of us in the movement.
He was a true giant in the fight for dignity and rights for migrant workers, dedicating decades of his life to causes often overlooked and underfunded. His work across regional platforms has left an profound mark on the regional human rights landscape. He connected communities, bridged movements, and nurtured leadership across generations.
Thank you, Samy, for your relentless pursuit of justice, your laughter in difficult times, and the love you poured into this struggle. You have touched countless lives, and your legacy will continue through every step we take for a more just and compassionate world.
Rest now in strength and love. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
With heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who walked this journey with him.
Glorene A. Das
Executive Director, Tenaganita
Remembering Sam
