Westport treated its employees and their families to a fun-filled Family Day at the mini-stadium of Kelab SUK in Shah Alam recently.

Executives and non-executives alike had fun participating in the telematches and games, which was followed by a buffet lunch.

Employees had a pleasant surprise when they found their executive chairman Tan Sri G.Gnanalingam among those dishing out the food for them at the buffet line.

The highlight of the day was the announcement of 21 employees who had been selected into Club 21, which is Westport's Hall of Fame of exemplary workers. The award recipients each received a cash incentive of RM500 and a certificate of appreciation.

Gnalingam praised the 21 for their dedication, saying they were excellent role models for their colleagues.

"We decided to set up Club 21 to honour these fine people who serve with pride and lead by example. It is our Hall of Fame of our best employees," he said.

Club 21 membership is solely for non-executive staff.

Earlier in his speech, Gnanalingam said Westport's team spirit was a key factor that contributed to staff productivity.

"As a team, there is a keen sense of friendly competition. The team culture also inculcates a strong sense of belonging among employees which leads to high productivity that is enabled Westport to achieve a number of world records." he added.

Container operations manager Major (Rtd) V.Manisegaran said: "We do not consider ourselves only as Westport workers but as 'Westportians', a big family where members care for one another.

"We have a group of very young and dynamic operation managers who are capable of leading the young workforce.

"The organization structure, which resembles a military organization, allows vessel operation managers who are the leaders, to plan and take care of their workers welfare.

"This structure also allow for a free flow of information, which is vital because a well-informed worker is also a very productive and motivated worker."