NTUC Club celebrates 25th anniversary

SINGAPORE: NTUC Club celebrated its 25th anniversary by recognising 100 individuals for their contributions.

At a special dinner — ’Celebrate 25 Years of Fun—Being’ — at Downtown East on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer Yeo Khee Leng described them as visionaries, architects and builders.

He said they helped the club grow and develop by laying strong foundations, such as building leisure facilities and providing activities which promote and strengthen the fraternity between union members, their families and friends.

Former president Ong Teng Cheong, who was the first Chairman of the NTUC Club Management Council, was among those honoured.

The late Mr Ong set up of the NTUC Clubhouse in Shenton Way in 1987 and the NTUC Pasir Ris Resort in 1988, also known as Downtown East today, to meet members’ social, recreational and cultural needs.

Another was Mr Lim Boon Heng, who succeeded Mr Ong as Chairman and oversaw the expansion and enhancement of NTUC Club facilities.

Clubhouses Celebrations, J’Springs, Paradigm and Happy Days were opened around the island to bring leisure facilities closer to members.

NTUC Pasir Ris Resort was redeveloped and rebranded as NTUC Lifestyle World — Downtown East, with the addition of Escape Theme Park and Wild Wild Wet.

Those who had supported and served alongside both Mr Ong and Mr Lim in the NTUC Club Management Councils included vice—chairmen Joseph Tan and Matthias Yao, secretaries Goh Chee Wee and John Chen, chief executive officers Heng Chee How and Chng Hee Kok, and its members.

Labour chief and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Lim Swee Say, said it’s important to celebrate the people who have helped to create the club’s success.

"They do not just include the leaders, but also members, volunteers and staff. This strong sense of camaraderie will continue to spur us to serve our workers and members even more, even better in future," said Mr Lim.

— CNA/de