Rejuvenating Spaces, Innovating Offerings
Rejuvenating Spaces,
Innovating Offerings
Rejuvenating Spaces, Innovating Offerings
In keeping up with the times to stay fresh and in demand, we continue to pivot our offerings in the physical and digital spaces to ensure increased accessibility, affordability and value to our members.
In keeping up with the times to stay fresh and in demand, we continue to pivot our offerings in the physical and digital spaces to ensure increased accessibility, affordability and value to our members.
Injecting Vibrancy, Refreshing Ways to have Fun
Downtown East has been faithfully serving the lifestyle and recreational needs of our members since 1988. Moving away from traditional retail concepts, we have introduced new experiences such as indoor rock climbing, indoor roller skating and a baking studio to draw new crowds and engage members of all generations. Our offerings undergo regular refresh to inject novelty and relevancy to members.
Attracting diverse demographics, Downtown East organises signature events all-year round to foster communities, bond families and forge new social ties. In addition to festive celebrations, mega bazaars, street art festivals and iconic displays sustained a high annual footfall of more than 10 million visitors at Downtown East.
New thrills: Downtown East welcomes an indoor rock-climbing facility
The iconic Songkran Music Festival at Wild Wild Wet
Songkran
Music Festival
Songkran Music Festival
A key highlight at Downtown East was the iconic Songkran Music Festival held at Wild Wild Wet (WWW). Since its debut in 2019, the second edition of the highly anticipated event in 2023 showcased a breathtaking ensemble of water and light displays, alongside heart-pumping grooves from local and international DJs to enthrall our members.
Launch of LITE ON! to attract more visitors to Downtown East
Lite-On
To celebrate the year-end festivities and to attract more visitors to Downtown East, we launched LITE ON! in November 2020. Supported by National Arts Council and part of the Singapore Art Week, the event featured multi-sensory works by a collective of local artists and groups, including visually stimulating installations that draw their inspiration from sources ranging from imagined landscapes to everyday objects.
Space Odyssey Christmas
To reignite vibrancy during Christmas 2022, Downtown East welcomed the SPACE OUT! exhibition revolving around a Space Odyssey theme. Supported by the National Arts Council, members were treated to immersive experiences such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive light-projection artworks.
Members were treated to an immersive experience at SPACE OUT!, an exhibition supported by the National Arts Council
5 Of A Kind Street Art Festival 2023
Originally conceptualised as a festival for street dance, the 5 Of A Kind Street Art Festival was held at Downtown East in 2023, encompassing five disciplines of dance, music, art, fashion and food. This event seeks to showcase local talent in various art forms and expose the public to unique sub-cultures.
A fun-filled day at the 5 Of A Kind Street Art Festival held at Downtown East
After the pandemic, D’Resort opened its doors to the delight of guests with the addition of a new family-centric attraction, Gallop Stable, featuring horse riding, animal feeding, educational workshops and stable tours, that added to the excitement of family staycations. Other highlights included Metro Farm to deepen members’ interests in aquaponics and organic farming. A refreshed children’s playground, Sea-The-World, at WWW, also opened mid-2024.
Gallop Stable @ Downtown East
Latest Sea-The-World children's playground at Wild Wild Wet (WWW)
(Left) Gallop Stable @ Downtown East
(Right) Latest Sea-The-World children's playground at Wild Wild Wet (WWW)
After the pandemic, D’Resort opened its doors to the delight of guests with the addition of a new family-centric attraction, Gallop Stable, featuring horse riding, animal feeding, educational workshops and stable tours, that added to the excitement of family staycations. Other highlights included Metro Farm to deepen members’ interests in aquaponics and organic farming. A refreshed children’s playground, Sea-The-World, at WWW, also opened mid-2024.
Artist impression of the new D'Marquee in 2025
An All-New D’Marquee to Steal the Limelight in 2025
In the last two decades, D’Marquee served as the destination of choice for unions, communities and members’ engagement. Annually, D’Marquee sees more than 24 events and 80,000 guests. Key events ranged from sports tournaments, consumer events, to large-scale carnivals and multi-racial festive celebrations.
D'Marquee is currently undergoing a year-long redevelopment to bring bigger and better MICE facilities for work and play. With a 30% increase in space and capacity, our unions, members and clients can look forward to larger-scale events ranging from international exhibitions, consumer shows, product launches, mega concerts and more. Slated to open before May 2025, D’Marquee is set to be Downtown East’s new icon.
National Bikers Weekend held every year since 2022
The first Muay Thai championship held at Downtown East
Weekend Warehouse Sale by Performance Motors Limited
Jurassic Dinosaur Adventure Park at Let’s Play Carnival
An All-New NTUC Club Clubhouse @ SingPost Centre
In June 2022, NTUC Club Clubhouse was launched at SingPost Centre. Located in the bustling commercial hub at Paya Lebar, the sprawling 10,600 square feet venue features a sake and whisky bar, a Japanese restaurant and a sushi bar. Designed for members’ enjoyment and relaxation, the new clubhouse plays host to many union, corporate, and member events.
NTUC Club Clubhouse @ SingPost Centre
Recreational offerings at NTUC Club Clubhouse @ SingPost Centre
Recreational offerings at NTUC Club Clubhouse @ SingPost Centre
Recreational offerings at NTUC Club Clubhouse @ SingPost Centre
Optimising Experiences at our Country Clubs
Enhanced golf experiences following a facelift to Orchid Country Club's golf courses
Vanda Hole 9
Aranda Hole 6
Aranda Hole 5
Aranda Hole 4
Vanda Hole 2
Orchid Country Club and its golf courses received a facelift to elevate members’ recreational experiences. Its golf courses underwent significant upgrades alongside the introduction of new buggies for better golf play. New tenants were also brought aboard to provide a wider range of dining options.
Prawning arena Bait 'N Catch at Aranda Country Club
Prawning arena Bait 'N Catch at Aranda Country Club
Luxury suites at Momley Loft, Aranda Country Club, featuring self-care programmes for new mums
Luxury suites at Momley Loft, Aranda Country Club, featuring self-care programmes for new mums
Aranda Country Club also underwent a makeover to focus on wellness and relaxation with upgraded luxury suites, self-care programmes for new mums, recreational prawning and restaurants featuring non-local cuisines.
For the longer term, NTUC Club is in talks with the authorities for new developments with enhanced recreational space for the public. Concepts will emphasise inclusiveness – allowing the use of golf courses for public good as well as for family-centric experiences.
Turning Barren Land into
a Golfer’s Playground
Marina Bay Golf Course (MBGC) was Singapore's first and only 18-hole public golf course. It ceased operations in June 2024 upon its land lease expiration.
Mooted by then Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and NTUC Secretary-General Lim Boon Heng, the development led to fruition under his bold leadership. A swamp land was transformed into a gem of a golf course, in particular, a public golf course that promised affordability and accessibility to all, defined by its prestigious quality.
Achieving that level of success was no easy feat for the founding team. The early beginning was beset with challenges as they started from scratch with no blueprint for reference. Throughout the development, there were many stumbling blocks. This included environmental concerns, complex construction issues, and the need to strike a balance between the requirements of a challenging golf course and great landscaping. It took many iterations to overcome these hurdles and achieve its high standards of today - an award-winning golf course.
NCI Golf Pte Ltd founding Board of Directors (L-R: The late Mr. Edwin Lee, Mr. Ng Ser Miang, Mr. Lim Jit Poh and Dr. Chua Sian Eng) with Mr. Choo Wee Khiang, MBGC’s General Manager
Construction of golf cart paths
Building of a rest area and rain shelter for golfers
A Golf Course for Average Workers
Two decades ago, many Singaporeans would not have been able to afford a golf club membership. MBGC challenged that notion and broke the financial barriers to bring premium and yet affordable golf services to workers of all social standing. This aligned with the vision of our founding father, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, to provide universal access to activities enjoyed by the affluent. The golf course further distinguished itself with impeccable standards that rivalled exclusive private clubs, earning numerous accolades, which included Best Public Golf Course in Asia-Pacific from 2015 to 2022, and ranked among the top three golf courses in Singapore.
MBGC’s commitment to innovation witnessed novel concepts such as night golf for enthusiasts to enjoy the game in an atmospheric setting, against the backdrop of a beautiful dusk. The introduction of the 6-hole putting course presented a compact yet challenging option to cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. These concepts have not only differentiated MBGC within the golfing community but also contributed significantly to its appeal. A 100% utilisation rate that had seen about 8,000 golfers teeing off each month before its closure, attested to the popularity of the course.
In the past 18 years, the well-loved MBGC saw more than 1.3 million people on the greens and dispensed over 419 million driving range golf balls
A picturesque golf course, set against a beautiful evening landscape
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to each member of NTUC Club’s golfing family, for their extraordinary contributions and passion. You have created a robust and inclusive community, where friendships are forged, and memories are made. Our golfing partners and Singapore Golf Association have also elevated the experience for our members, and we look forward to an even more fruitful collaboration.
Mr. Lim Eng Lee, Chief Executive Officer of NTUC Club
Oct 2021
A revamp introduced Singapore’s first driving range with multiple target greens. The surrounding waste bunkers allowed golfers a clearer view of their shots and aided in more effective drainage management during heavy rainfall
May 2019
MBGC launched a second course (2-in-1 course) configuration to allow golfers to derive a new golf experience
Nov 2017
MBGC introduced a unique 6-hole putting course
Aug 2010
MBGC first implemented Global Positioning Systems on the entire fleet of buggies. New and improved tablets that replaced the old devices were rolled out over the years
Nov 2006
MBGC featured the only four-tier driving range in Singapore with the largest outfield
Oct 2021
A revamp introduced Singapore’s first driving range with multiple target greens. The surrounding waste bunkers allowed golfers a clearer view of their shots and aided in more effective drainage management during heavy rainfall
Oct 2019
MBGC became the first and largest driving range in Asia-Pacific equipped with Total Range™, a cutting-edge system that combines launch monitor technology with a broad spectrum of performance and entertainment software
May 2019
MBGC launched a second course (2-in-1 course) configuration to allow golfers to derive a new golf experience
May 2018 & Oct 2019
Launched two and three-wheel scooters
at MBGC
Nov 2017
MBGC introduced a unique 6-hole putting course
Jul 2016
The first and only par 6 hole in Singapore was launched in conjunction with MBGC’s 10th anniversary celebrations
Aug 2010
MBGC first implemented Global Positioning Systems on the entire fleet of buggies. New and improved tablets that replaced the old devices were rolled out over the years
May 2009
The May Day Solidarity Walk and Concert at MBGC saw a 7,000 strong crowd demonstrate their support for the Labour Movement
Nov 2006
MBGC featured the only four-tier driving range in Singapore with the largest outfield
Looking Forward to a New Era
of Golf
Looking Forward to
a New Era of Golf
The closure of MBGC does not mark an end to the journey with golf but the beginning of a new chapter for the Labour Movement to continue to make golf affordable and available to all through My Golf Kaki (MGK). Today, MGK is the largest estate-less golf club in Singapore; it continues to expand efforts to cater to the golfing needs of workers. The longer-term plan is a replacement site for public golf in Singapore.
We will increase the access to golf by providing more golfing slots to MGK members during weekdays as well as increasing the number of days for night golf at Orchid Country Club. Together with the recent expansion of MGK’s portfolio of local and overseas courses (including those in Indonesia and Malaysia), MGK members not only enjoy easier planning and booking processes but also have a wider variety of golf courses to play at. All these efforts signify our ambition to grow a strong and vibrant golf community.
Looking ahead, we will continue to detail our plans for workers to enjoy continued access to affordable recreational experiences and meet the evolving demand for the sport. Future golf concepts with family centric features like cycling tracks, nature trails and versatile spaces for large-scale community events are envisioned as discussions with relevant national agencies continue. In the short term, enthusiasts can look forward to golf simulators at our premises as we cater to the growing trend of alternative play options.
Special Thanks to
NCI Golf Chairman Ng Ser Miang, Deputy Chairman Lim Jit Poh, board members and MBGC’s dedicated staff, especially General Manager Choo Wee Khiang whose efforts made everything possible.