She went home when her work permit expired in January 2009 to visit her family, especially her 12-year old daughter. She is ready to start working again in Singapore anytime now.

Background
Meiyati is from Semarang, Central Java. Domestic helpers from this part of the Indonesia are highly regarded by employers for they are generally hardworking, thrifty and respectful.

Her father is a farmer. Meiyati's remittance helped him to increase his acreage. Meiyati is 3rd among 5 children.

Employment History

1. The first time Meiyati ventured abroad was in 1997 when she went to work for a Chinese family in Penang. Madam was a teacher. Meiyati helped with the childcare, cooked, did the laundry and general cleaning. Madam sent her 1-year old to childcare centre when she was in school and the 5-year went to kindergarten. She would pick the children up when she went home.

2. Between 2000 and 2002 she worked for a local Chinese family. There were three children and Madam stayed at home, and did much of the childcare herself with Meiyati helping with the cleaning and sterilizing of the feeding bottles, etc. Meiyati did mostly cooking, cleaning and laundry/ironing. She went home after 2 years.

3. In 2003 she returned to work for an old lady in her eighties. Meiyati was like a caregiver-cum-companion for the old lady lived alone. She was not sick.

4. Her last position was with one Mdm Lee, beginning in March 2006 and endingin January 09 when she went home, almost three years later. Mdm Lee and her husband live on landed property and one of Meiyati's duties was gardening. She enjoyed working in the garden, tending to Madam's orchids. She knows how to repot the plants and fertilize them. The garden was fairly big, with room for a fish pond.

Cooking
Meiyati cooked for her 4 host families Chinese food. She can prepare

• Char siew, roast belly pork, bah kut teh
• Ma po tau fu
• Chicken steamed, roasted or baked; Chicken curry, Chicken rice
• Steamed fish, Fried fish, Asam pedas, Curry fish
• Vegetable soups, Stir fried vegetables

Childcare
Meiyati has cared or helped to care for 5 children with ages ranging from 1 to 7. Childcare is not her strong suit, but she is prepared to work for a family with young children.

Personality
Meiyati is neat and tidy, unassuming and fairly outgoing. She speaks fairly good English. She has a secondary education (9 years). Unlike first-time domestic workers, Meiyati will not have to undergo a written test failing which means they have will not be issued a work permit and have to go home.

General Observation:
Meiyati has a good track record having completed at least two years with each family; 3 years with her current family.

When available: Early Feb 09

Profile by Karl Tan
Licensed Employment Agent since 1981