NTUC Club introduces its latest initiative, UPlay – a one-stop platform for all-things play
Singapore, Oct 18 2023 - NTUC Club, the leisure and entertainment arm of the Labour Movement (LM) in Singapore, is taking the next step to further its social mission of empowering all workers’ lives with an array of recreational experiences, with the introduction of UPlay and its communities on October 21 at Downtown East. UPlay is a ‘phygital’ (physical + digital) concierge of curatorial recreation experiences that enhances the social well-being of workers.
Powered by NTUC Club – and leveraging 27 years of play experience in engaging workers and their well-being needs – UPlay’s curatorial team and online portal uplay.com.sg provides a plethora of tailored local and overseas experiences, versatile venue spaces, portal solutions, and vibrant communities for everyone – individuals, unions and corporations. More uniquely, UPlay also offers company-branded web portal solutions for unions and local companies so that they are able to extend UPlay’s curated recreational experiences and employee-related activities directly to their members and workers to foster deeper engagement. With this, NTUC Club now provides Singaporeans and their families even greater access to a wide range of immersive, engaging and affordable experiences.
Mr Lim Eng Lee, Chief Executive Officer of NTUC Club, says, “UPlay aims to be at the top of
workers' minds when it comes to fun and play, offering engaging programmes, access to
facilities, and opportunities to be part of various communities. Our vision is to value-add and
create a one-stop platform, bringing together people from various backgrounds, and enable
them to forge meaningful connections based on their shared interests. Whether you're an
individual or part of a group like a union or corporation, UPlay will provide uplifting recreational
experiences that cater to one’s specific physical and mental needs through personalised
activities.”
This month on October 21, NTUC Club and SBS Transit, with the support of the National Transport Workers' Union (NTWU), will embark on a three-year partnership leveraging on NTUC Club's offerings and services to enhance the recreational needs of SBS Transit's members and workers.
Mr Melvin Yong, Executive Secretary of NTWU and Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC, says, “The new UPlay by NTUC Club offers a suite of social and recreational services, and we are delighted to witness this collaboration that SBS Transit has undertaken with NTUC Club. We look forward to seeing more uptake of UPlay’s offerings by unionised companies to enrich the lives of our workers and members holistically, beyond work prospects.”
Other early adopters to tap on NTUC Club's social and recreation services as well as experiences to build a sense of community at work is United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries (UWEEI) for their Family Day at Wild Wild Wet in June that saw over 2,500 participants – and SMRT Corporation for their 10,000 staff strength to enjoy curated employee benefits like staycations, team bonding, and own-time-own-target lifestyle experiences over the next three years.
To complement the UPlay platform, NTUC Club’s interest-, age- and cause-based communities will be enhanced under the My X Kaki brand to build deeper bonds and form lasting friendships through increased engagement with their kakis. For example, pet lovers can be part of My Pet Kaki; passionate individuals with green fingers can join My Green Kaki; baking enthusiasts can become a part of My Baking Kaki, and aspiring and seasoned golfers can join the vibrant golf community, My Golf Kaki.
On UPlay’s curation and versatility, Ms Gigi Low, Alignment Director of UPlay and Director of Experience at NTUC Club, shares, “We recognise the incredible value of diverse perspectives in shaping and enriching the collective experience of a community. This applies to the workplace - through purpose-driven fun experiences, companies can build a sense of community, with more productive and satisfied employees.”
The second edition of Communities Day Out, one of NTUC Club’s signature events, is returning to Downtown East on October 21. Making its comeback this year as Playverse, the convivial outing, along with its ambassadors, is going all out to wow visitors with its diverse interest-based communities for all ages.
The event is expected to welcome 4,000 attendees from the public, union members, corporates and community members. From 10am to 5pm, Playverse: A Communities Day Out will present three special zones – My FamPlay Kaki, My Volunteer Kaki and My Kakis. Visitors Page 3 of 5 can learn more about various inclusive communities formed around specially-curated interests – and revel in an array of specially-curated activities. Admission is free.
Families can find out about the upcoming engagements, in support of Dads for Life and Mums for Life – the national ground-up movements that empower fathers and mothers in building stronger families.
Visitors can also participate in the highly anticipated Hopscotch record-setting challenge. Following the 2019 record set on the Singapore Book of Records (SBR), Playverse has set its sights on clinching the country’s very first record for the greatest number of people participating in the African Hopscotch with a target of 1,200 participants. Pre-register here or sign-up at Downtown East on October 21 from 11am to 1pm or 2pm to 4pm.
Every pre-registered 'hopper' will receive an attractive goodie bag worth over $20 which includes an exclusive SBR e-certificate of participation. Plus, stand a chance to win attractive prizes in the lucky draw – staycation at D’Resort, Wild Wild Wet Tickets, Downtown East Vouchers and more – in the Hopscotch Draw. Winners will be announced from 4.30 to 5pm.
Other exciting programmes and activities to check out at the My FamPlay Kaki Zone include the family-friendly face painting from 10am to 11am, meet and greet with the endearing Enzo and Kayla mascots between 1pm and 1.30pm, as well as a Magic Show from 1.30pm to 2pm. An insightful story-telling session will also take place from 4pm to 4.30pm, recounting the heartfelt tale of Pedro, a young manatee, as he matures and discovers the importance of taking care of his grandparents, emphasising the theme of filial devotion.
Individuals with a heart of giving can discover volunteering initiatives for youth-at-risk and the elderly. Leaders and ambassadors will share their inspiring stories and love for volunteerism. Being a volunteer of nEbO – NTUC’s youth lifestyle club – has taught Irfan Bin Suhairi Alifi, 19, to be grateful for the little things in life. “Since I became a member of the community in 2021, including being part of the team that led the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project to the slums of Batam in 2022, I have since received invaluable opportunities to spearhead other Youth Immersion Programmes such as the 2023 Batam CSR Project.”
For nEbO alumni Yan Ning, 30, her first experience with Ways In Sharing Happiness (W.I.S.H) – a project to revamp poor living conditions of the underprivileged – inspired her to develop SPEDGROW, a software that allows vulnerable individuals to handle financial transactions in a safe environment, to help them make purchases independently and grow savings.
Those inspired to make a positive impact with nEbO can sign up for an annual nEbO membership at the booth and enjoy a one-day-only rate of $5 (U.P. $18). At this zone, be sure Page 4 of 5 to also participate in the activities for a chance to Spin and Win premiums such as an exclusive U Live Mini USB Fan, U Live Face Towel and more!
My Kakis zone will also feature the suite of experiences under NTUC Club – with My Cyber Kaki ambassadors sharing the benefits and providing guidance on the booking of the workshops and experiences via NTUC Club's online platform. Fun-seekers and hobbyists can sign up for various engagements from Eco-Garden Tours @ D'Resort by My Green Kaki; ground-up photography and baking lessons by My Photography Kaki and My Baking Kaki, respectively; and Esports games by My Esports Kaki. A highlight is My Golf Kaki, Singapore's largest estateless golf community, that will celebrate its 21st year with a fresh look and enhanced benefits.
Exclusive for all participants on October 21, they can enjoy savings on an array of specially curated exciting activities and experiences (refer to full list of promotions here), and NTUC members continue to enjoy the highest savings.