Transforming PLAY, Enriching Lives
Transforming PLAY, Enriching Lives
Innovation remains at the forefront with a collective sense of purpose to better the social wellbeing of our members. Building on our success in engagement, UPlay marks our transformation to support our unions and companies in deepening workers' engagement. We enrich lives, strengthen bonds, and build futures for a more vibrant and inclusive society.
Innovation remains at the forefront with a collective sense of purpose to better the social wellbeing of our members. Building on our success in engagement, UPlay marks our transformation to support our unions and companies in deepening workers' engagement. We enrich lives, strengthen bonds, and build futures for a more vibrant and inclusive society.
Enhancing Experiences with UPlay
Launched in Oct 2023, UPlay embodies our commitment to strengthen and engage our workers and members through an expanded range of recreational and lifestyle experiences. Beyond NTUC Club’s existing facilities, UPlay maximises partnerships to aggregate and curate leisure services, both locally and overseas, to give members increased accessibility, affordability and opportunities to play!
Strengthening Worker’s Welfare through UPlay
Aligning with NTUC’s broader strategy to care and help workers live a better life, UPlay supports unions and companies to boost workers’ engagement and wellbeing.
UPlay provides a comprehensive suite of Social and Recreation Management Solutions, such as curated team bonding programmes and leisure benefits for employees. UPlay aims to undertake the role of the go-to-partner for unions and companies, to curate quality programmes and services for their staff.
Since its launch, UPlay has earned favourable testimonials from clients across diverse sectors, including public services, grassroots organisations and private companies. Our satisfied clients e2i, PSB Academy, SMRT and UWEEI have attested to the benefits and impact of UPlay.
We were looking for proposals to organise our D&D and UPlay was able to mix travel, entertainment and play together for an overseas experience in Batam. We really enjoyed the day activities. What was even more memorable was the night beach event with fireworks – it really added to the atmosphere! UPlay provided a good opportunity for all staff to come together and build bonds.
UPlay also establishes strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, allowing better deals than if we approached the vendors directly. This resulted in cost savings for us and allowed us to have access to high quality services and products.
Ms Lorraine Chua, Director, Digital Business at NTUC LearningHub & Chairwoman, D&D Committee 2023
The Training and Placement Ecosystem Teambuilding Organising Committee wanted a different experience for this year’s teambuilding. Amongst the event companies invited for proposals, UPlay stood out in their understanding of our requirements best. We appreciate the efforts that UPlay put into designing the game play from scratch, including researching the various aspects of the Labour Movement and its history to infuse the learning elements in the teambuilding programme. UPlay team was responsive to the committee’s inputs and suggestions throughout the planning process, and we are happy with the execution of the event.
Ms Fiona Lau, Deputy Director (Grant Process) at e2i Social Enterprise
We received outstanding service and support from UPlay at our overseas retreat event. The team’s unwavering commitment to accommodate our requests and render assistance throughout made a significant difference in deepening our employee engagement. From the initial planning stages to the execution on the day of the event, UPlay's versatility, professionalism and dedication did not go unnoticed.
We truly appreciate UPlay’s attention to our specific needs and proactive problem-solving approach that exemplify the level of excellence which sets UPlay apart. The positive feedback from our attendees is a testament to the exceptional value and seamless services of UPlay.
Ms Judi Ong, Human Resource Specialist at PSB Academy Corporation
We have explored and not many providers provide both facilities and event management services. We were happy to have found NTUC Club who provides both. This comprehensive approach to engaging employees is definitely a key standout feature of UPlay. This has made it possible for SMRT to hold our major company events with NTUC Club. For example, our 35th Anniversary celebrations in 2022, where we had seven half-day sessions at Downtown East (to accommodate our employees, who mainly work shifts); Annual Awards in 2023 and more.
Ms Lee Yem Choo, Group Chief Human Resource Officer at SMRT Corporation Ltd
Since UWEEI has onboarded UPlay, we found that it has lightened our administrative workload. It also helps us maintain a database, allowing us to effectively work with our members and understand their needs.
Ms Pearl Chua, Industrial Relations Officer of the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries (UWEEI)
Young NTUC is excited to partner with UPlay, to leverage NTUC Club's extensive expertise in engaging youth within the Labour Movement through nEbO, particularly in social and recreational domains. Together, we will feature recruitment events, promotional packages, and membership benefits on the UPlay portal.
Ms Natasha Choy, Director of Youth Development at NTUC & Executive Secretary at Young NTUC, Workforce limbs
We are delighted that the “NTUC-ARU Social Hour’’ was a huge success. In collaboration with UPlay, the event provided an excellent platform for ARU staff and management to connect and unwind. We are grateful for the partnership and the whole-of-integrated NTUC #WIN spirit in making the Social Hour event a successful and memorable one. Thank you UPlay!
Mr Mike Chua, HR Director at NTUC-ARU
UPlay expands workers’ outreach through companies and supports membership stickiness by providing a wider range of recreational opportunities, better value and convenience through partnerships for our members and workers’ leisure needs – fulfilling Club’s role as the play arm of the Labour Movement.
A day of jubilee for more than 1,000 SMRT staff at Downtown East
A day of jubilee for more than 1,000 SMRT staff at Downtown East
An unforgettable Overseas Dinner and Dance for NTUC LearningHub in Batam
Team bonding event for Singapore Refining Company Employees’ Union at Orchid Country Club
A fun team bonding event with SP Group at Orchid Bowl
42 Unions and Companies have engaged UPlay
5 unions and companies signed year-long contracts with UPlay to undertake their social and recreational needs for their workers
In total, more than 50,000 workers were engaged
Engaging
Members and Workers Digitally
Engaging Members and Workers Digitally
UPlay’s online portal allows Club to extend its reach to engage members and workers at a bigger scale, and speed. Unions and companies can now customise and co-brand their landing pages with UPlay. These customised platform solutions provide their employees with finger-tip access to a plethora of local and overseas experiences, versatile event spaces and vibrant community-based activities, anywhere and at any time.
The UPlay portal has greatly enhanced UWEEI member engagement by providing a diverse range of activities that members as well as their families can enjoy. Our union members appreciate the easy access to the UWEEI page on the UPlay portal, where they can view various activities we have organised. Recently, our archery and perfume-making classes were so successful that we had to organise more of these. Thanks to our partnership with UPlay, we can offer these activities at discounted and affordable rates.
Ms Harshika Sharma, Industrial Relations Officer of the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries (UWEEI)
UPlay Portal and Customised
Landing Pages for Unions and Companies
UPlay Portal and Customised Landing Pages for Unions and Companies
HSEU onboarded UPlay since March 2023. Throughout the year, our members and leaders were engaged through many events including our Pre-Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference, Bursary Awards, and Wellness Day for unionised Public Healthcare Institutions and overseas Learning Journeys. UPlay has carefully curated these unique experiences to deepen engagement with our members. The UPlay portal also allows HSEU to better connect with the suite of relevant engaging UPlay experiences.
Mr Steven Goh, Executive Secretary at Healthcare Services Employees' Union (HSEU)
Living Up to Higher PLAY Expectations
The benefits of UPlay are three-fold: it allows us to connect with unions and companies by supporting their social and recreational needs; it supports communities based on their age and interest; and leverages technology for us to better connect with our members. UPlay gives our members wider choices, greater convenience and bigger value!
Members’ preferences and demand for PLAY experiences will continue to evolve with time. Based on survey insights, the recreational landscape reflects a growing interest in travel, golf, Esports, F&B and attractions. UPlay pays added attention to cater to these sought after interests by our members and workers.
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Transforming PLAY, Enriching Lives
Building a
Vibrant Golf Community
Building a Vibrant Golf Community
NTUC Club believes that no one should be excluded from facilities and services which only the affluent can enjoy. In 2021, Club, the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) and the Singapore Professional Golfers’ Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote golf and make the sport affordable and accessible to all. My Golf Kaki (MGK) was also refreshed in 2023 to create an inclusive golf ecosystem with bigger mass appeal. To date, MGK has witnessed a steady increase in new memberships to more than 9,000 members.
The MOU with SGA and SPGA aims to grow the golfing community and reach out to 50,000 workers in three years
To make learning golf easy, MGK Academy was set up to provide members with end-to-end services from certification to hitting the greens with kakis. Group courses are offered at 40% below market rate.
MGK Academy helps our union leaders deepen their learning in golf
MGK ensures to provide members more opportunities to play with the introduction of new experiences such as MGK Golf 6 (new play format) and night golf. Members also gain access to an enlarged network of local and overseas golf courses at preferential rates. This includes Orchid Country Club (OCC), Warren Golf & Country Club, Sembawang Country Club, and Seletar Country Club. In addition, there are five affiliated overseas courses in Indonesia and Malaysia such as Palm Springs Golf & Country Club in Batam.
A Telegram channel was introduced in 2023 to strengthen communication touchpoints with members, keeping them abreast of the latest golfing activities and promotions. The user base has since grown to about 2,000 members. A mobile app to bring one-stop logistics services and added convenience to golfers is slated to be ready by the end of 2024. Plans are in the pipeline to introduce golf simulators for new play experiences.
Forging Camaraderie through Esports
Moving along with trends, master classes, workshops and Esports community tournaments were introduced to boost outreach to PMEs and youths. Weekly online E-gaming sessions culminated in the launch of the inaugural Esports tournament, ECHAMP. This was done in collaboration with The Gym Esportscentre. The importance of a healthy gaming culture was emphasised as gamers found new motivation to turn their passion into careers.
As of 2023, our Esports initiative reached more than 72,000 people
ECHAMP winners receiving their prizes after a hard-fought victory
Raising awareness of Esports among our members
John Koh, President of the Singapore Airlines Staff Union (SIASU) Esports Club, spearheaded the formation of the Esports nucleus in the union, which grew to 500 members. They held their first internal union tournament and competed in the 2022 ECHAMP tournament. John finds relevance in Club’s offerings and actively promotes membership benefits to drive recruitment.
Cycling session with nEbO and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng
Emphasising
Sports and Wellness to Keep Members Healthy and Fit
Emphasising Sports and Wellness to Keep Members Healthy and Fit
Our programmes remain effective for members to connect and build camaraderie through their shared love of sports. Seeing the popularity of cycling, the sport took centrestage with increased frequency of group sessions. Dragon boating also sustained the interests of our fervent enthusiasts as they committed to regular training regimes. Even during the pandemic, we innovated Zumba and brought it online to set the Longest Zoomba Relay in the Singapore Book of Records 2021. Another successful highlight was a virtual charity run Run to Care, which was held for a month to support the underprivileged.
Offering Travel
as a Key Benefit
to Members
Offering Travel as a Key Benefit to Members
Workers today aspire to travel, regardless of their social standing. We introduced discounted airfares and affordable travel deals to neighbouring countries, fulfilling members’ passion for exploration and travelling.
Launched in April 2024, our weekly one-day Batam shopping trips have gained popularity for their quality and value. In response to the diverse needs of our customer segments, we plan to expand these offerings to other destinations, which includes golf trips and free and easy travel with extended staycation and package options.
For unions and corporates, Club also facilitated overseas team bonding activities, family days and D&Ds in Malaysia and Indonesia, and these overseas elements have added novelty to their staff engagement.
NTUC LearningHub team bonding activity at Palm Springs Golf and Country Club in Batam, Indonesia
PSB Academy retreat at Belalang Adventure Park, Batam, Indonesia
(Left) NTUC LearningHub team bonding activity at Palm Springs Golf and Country Club in Batam, Indonesia
(Right) PSB Academy retreat at Belalang Adventure Park, Batam, Indonesia
Dishing up Attractive Deals on F&B and Attractions
Bonding over good food and enjoying drinks together have become popular pastimes for everyone. Enticing discounts on popular and new F&B entrants continue to attract workers of all collars and ages. In the pipeline are plans to not only elevate gastronomical experiences but foster dynamic connections through wine and dine. To cater to members’ increasing desire for premium lifestyle experiences, we are on the constant lookout for partnerships to bring bigger and better value.
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Enhancing Experiences with UPlay
Transforming PLAY, Enriching Lives
nEbO Strengthens Youth Empowerment
With over 100,000 members, the junior membership arm of NTUC integrates three key pillars in youth engagement and development to be:
To equip youths with essential Work-Ready skills to ease their transition to working life and prepare them to be productive workers of tomorrow.
To prepare youths to be highly adaptable to different environments.
To inculcate resilience and socially competent attitudes in youths.
Empowered youths in action
Giving Youths a Headstart in their Career Aspirations
Giving Youths a Headstart in their Career Aspirations
nEbO’s key programme, Headstart, was revamped in July 2020 to take on a more structured approach to expose our youths to the different industries in Singapore, helping them deepen their knowledge, cultivate essential skillsets and enhance their leadership capabilities. Strategic partnerships and MOUs with unionised companies helped to open doors to career opportunities, facilitated by internships, bootcamps and workshops.
Our key partners include:
ITE, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and Republic Polytechnic
Carousell and Creative Media and Publishing Union, SATS Ltd and Air Transport Executive Staff Union, SingPost and Union of Telecoms Employees of Singapore, Singapore Teachers’ Union, CPG Facilities Management and Building Construction And Timber Industries Employees’ Union, and YCH Group and Supply Chain Employees’ Union
Representing
the Voices of
our Youths
Representing the Voices of our Youths
A community of 100,000 nEbO members presents strength in a collective voice to represent youths on social issues at a national level. nEbO is actively involved in dialogue sessions with the Labour Movement, government agencies such as the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Central Provident Fund Board, and industry partners. These inputs help to shape policies that would impact our future generation of workers.
Our nEbO youths in conversation with then Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, then SNEF President Robert Yap and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng
Building the Next
Generation of Leaders
Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Developed in partnership with Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi), the nEbO Leadership Programme was revamped in April 2021 to provide a series of curated programmes that delivered impactful development. This included leadership opportunities to spearhead ground-up activities and participate in key dialogue sessions on social and youth-related issues.
To date, more than 350 of our youths have graduated to become nEbO ambassadors
nEbo Leadership Programme graduation at OTCi with Guest of Honor, Mrs. Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and and Information, Second Minister for Home Affairs, and Chairman of OTC Institute Board of Governors
Spreading the Love of Giving
In the last four years, nEbO leaders championed more than 150 projects, impacting more than 1,000 beneficiaries annually. Life-Ready initiatives and programmes equip youths with essential skills and opportunities to give back to the community.
One of the key youth-led initiatives saw handwritten notes and curated care packs from ITE College East students to express appreciation to unsung heroes like school cleaners. Other Do Good activities included Singalong Karaoke and canvas painting workshops for the elderly, outings to Jewel Canopy Park for migrant workers and Beach Day Out to benefit less privileged children from Care Community’s Student Care Centre, Loving Heart, and Muhammadiyah Welfare Home.
To raise awareness on social and environmental issues, beach and coastal clean-ups were organised with partner schools, and organisations like Kokomo Beach Club.
Recognising an increasing emphasis on mental health, nEbO leaders organised dialogues and intensified outreach efforts to address this important social issue and impact.
nEbO leaders conceptualised and filmed two “live” dialogue sessions to share their personal stories on YouTube with professional and expert leaders from the community
I’ve helped many of my friends and family get through emotional times. My hope and goal (as a youth volunteer) is to empower more youths to take care of themselves emotionally and in turn, to be able to help and support their peers.
Leom Sheng Peng, 25, Volunteer Youth Leader in nEbO’s Peer Supporters Programme
Spreading love to the orphans in Batam
Beyond our local shores, nEbO’s community care efforts extended overseas as our youths raised over $8,000 worth of daily necessities for the orphans and slum villages in Batam. Such Do Good efforts reflect the strong commitment of our youths to spread hope and joy to the less fortunate.
“Life Begins at 55” – U Live Advocates Purposeful Living
"Live your life and forget your age" is the mantra of our vibrant U Live community. Our active seniors embody healthy and purposeful living as they embrace the next chapter of their lives.
Launched in July 2009, U Live serves as an engagement platform for over 300,000 active agers, advocating positive aging, healthy living, productive employment, and purposeful retirement.
This dynamic community of fun seekers and lifelong learners enjoy a redesigned suite of outreach programmes, play experiences, and membership privileges, enabling them to live The Good Life!
Batam trip post COVID-19, with our U Live community and its committee Chairman, Brother Ken
Embracing Lifelong Learning
To enrich the everyday lives of our seniors, U Live encourages active agers to stay abreast of technological trends and embrace lifelong learning. This is achieved through regular virtual and physical workshops which helped our seniors familiarise with popular applications for greater convenience. Popular programmes included:
Finance:
Singtel Dash, iBanking and virtual wallets
Lifestyle:
Grab and Healthy 365
Productivity:
Google Workspace
New Technology:
Artificial intelligence, virtual rehabilitation and 3D printing
U Live’s focus group sessions gathered insights to the learning needs of our members to keep them savvy and up to date.
Optimising the Golden Years
Optimising the Golden Years
Regular curated activities and initiatives were organised to promote safe and healthy living for our seniors. These ranged from vigilance against online scams, improving nutrition and sleep quality, stress management to Traditional Chinese Medicine workshops. Many of these programmes were conducted in collaboration with field experts, and they were well-received by our seniors.
Other popular workshops featured estate planning and will writing supported by Income and Fortis Law. In the last four years, we have engaged more than 200,000 members to keep them happy, healthy, purposeful and productive.
Scam prevention talk @ STU Retirees' Luncheon
Online courses and workshops to equip seniors with new knowledge
Online courses and workshops to equip seniors with new knowledge
Championing Advocacy
With a sizable membership strength, U Live represents a significant demographic of the population. Drawing from rich lifetime experiences, their perspectives and contributions are deeply valued.
To date, we have groomed and empowered over 300 U Live Ambassadors who continue to serve as a valuable support system and inspiration to others. More than 100 ambassador-led projects were organised. These included interest-based activities such as ukulele performances at national-level events, inter-generational workshops to combat ageism, and Do Good initiatives such as Mangrove Walk for the SPD.
Our U Live and nEbO leaders who graduated from the OTCi Leadership Programme
IRASSU in collaboration with U Live at a terrarium-making session with residents of Orange Valley Nursing Home
Our talented U Live ambassadors spreading festive cheer through their ukelele performance
Our U Live ambassadors and nEbO leaders at a workshop to learn more about combating ageism through storytelling
U Live bonds with families and children at SG Clean Day
My Family Kaki Champions Family Bonding through
Fun Learning
Rebranded from eXplorerkid to My Family Kaki (MFK) in 2023, it focuses on enriching family bonds through experiential PLAY. MFK encourages peer-parenting support through exchange of ideas, positive influences and resource sharing.
MFK made its debut at the annual Communities Day Out at Downtown East
Experiential Learning
Back-of-house Tours for Eye-Opening Experiences
Praised by parents and teachers, our behind-the-scenes visit to Orchid Bowl gave Little Skool House students eye-opening insights into the backend operations and mechanics of the bowling center. With our slew of recreational facilities ranging from resort, water park, bowling, golf, country clubs and clubhouses, learning out of school with MFK promises a fun-filled curriculum.
A visit to Tampines Fire Station to equip young minds with basic first aid and safety knowledge
Captivating the little ones with a back-of-house visit to Orchid Bowl at Orchid Country Club
(Left) A visit to Tampines Fire Station to equip young minds with basic first aid and safety knowledge (Right) Captivating the little ones with a back-of-house visit to Orchid Bowl at Orchid Country Club
Outdoor Discovery Journeys to Appreciate what Nature has to Offer
With MFK, one can embark on outdoor discovery journeys that celebrate the beauty of our natural surroundings, rich with diverse flora and fauna. By stepping away from digital distractions, families and children can learn and explore at Pasir Ris Mangrove, Chek Jawa Wetlands, and St John's Island. These experiences not only provide excellent mental and physical benefits but also foster deeper inter-generational understanding and bonds through the guidance of U Live ambassadors.
Learning journey at Pasir Ris Mangrove to appreciate diversity and learn about eco-sustainability
Developing Life Skills to be All-rounded Individuals
MFK emphasises the importance of life skills that cannot be learned from books but through hands-on experiential learning in a safe and trusted environment. Pilot programmes teaching pre-school children how to cycle have been successful, and plans are underway to expand these to more schools. MFK will continue to identify essential life skills to support holistic development.
Learn to Cycle programme with Little Skool House
FamForward Springs into Action
In support of the Made For Families national initiative, MFK curated FamForward, a monthly series of downloadable kits, comprising DIY activities, family fun projects and exclusive promotional deals. To foster family bonding in the workplace, MFK nuclei are built within companies to drive regular family-inclusive and meaningful events.
Emphasising Inclusiveness
In the last four years, we have engaged more than 350 underprivileged children through various activities including outings to farms, the Singapore Science Centre and the Museum of Toys. We have a calendar of volunteering sessions to promote community care and involvement.
Deepening and Expanding
Union Engagement
Deepening and Expanding Union Engagement
Celebrating Hari Raya with our unions at Orchid Country Club
Celebrating the festivities with our union leaders
A different CNY celebration on board the Royal Albatross luxury tall ship
As the recreation and leisure arm of the Labour Movement, NTUC Club maintains close ties with the 58 unions and seven affiliated associations in Singapore. These close-knit connections allow us to connect with the ground and enhance our offerings to remain relevant to members and workers.
Union engagement has witnessed a growth from 53 union events in 2020 to 84 in 2023 at Club’s facilities. The popularity of our products and services also saw Club disburse $360,000 in total as part of the Union Support Scheme. A suite of benefits from Club for leaders of the Labour Leadership Lighthouse (L3) is extended to aid them in building bonds and perpetuating engagements with NTUC members.
All-year round, we seek opportunities to bond with our unions, which includes large-scale celebrations such as May Day, Lunar New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali. We look forward to working together with unions to expand outreach to more members and bring a bigger impact to their social wellbeing.
Championing Migrant Workers’ Welfare
NTUC Club aligns with NTUC to care for workers of all ages, collars and nationalities, addressing their welfare and social needs. This includes our commitment to advance the interest of migrant workers.
Since 2019, we have been supporting NTUC in managing the Migrant Workers’ Recreation Centre (RC) at Soon Lee. Recently, the government announced that NTUC will take over the operations of three more migrant worker centres in Singapore for three years from 1 August 2024. This appointment grants an added advantage to aggregate services, enabling us to scale our activities at more centres to benefit larger groups of migrant workers. For example, popular programmes like native artist performances can be replicated and scaled across multiple centres.
Upgrading the Centres and Programmes
Plans are in place to upgrade the centres to include more versatile spaces to accommodate a diverse array of retail, food and recreational services. To cultivate a more inviting ambience, new design concepts such as an alfresco bar will be explored and piloted at selected centre(s). Importantly, migrant workers can look to us for their engagement and welfare needs. These range from leisure and entertainment events, insurance coverage, welfare advocacy, training and enrichment programmes. These endeavours are made possible through whole-of-integrated NTUC (WIN) and partnerships to bring holistic offerings to migrant workers at their doorstep.
Heightened excitement at a futsal tournament for migrant workers
May Day 2024 sports carnival (futsal)
Bonding in high spirits during Hari Raya
Making merry with native performers during Pongal celebrations 2024
All smiles at a bodybuilding competition during the May Day Migrant Workers’ Celebration 2024
A slew of events from festive celebrations to regular sports tournaments and team bonding programmes, will be tailored to suit the lifestyle preferences and cultural norms of the migrant workers. This is alongside expanded collaborations with non-governmental organisations and community-driven Do Good initiatives to provide migrant workers more meaning and fulfilment in their social lives. In all, Club’s enlarged undertaking to care for migrant workers will see the transformation of the RCs into vibrant hubs where migrant workers are welcomed to unwind, recharge and connect with their peers.