In the 1990s, before the emergence of budget airlines, a holiday overseas would have been costly.
The solution for many back then was to throng the chalets in Pasir Ris, where it’s not uncommon to see maximum occupancy during the holidays.
The chalets in Pasir Ris were operated by NTUC Club, an NTUC social enterprise with a mission to make leisure activities accessible for every worker.
For many individuals and families, the idea of a beach resort holiday would have been an unattainable luxury accessible only to the rich.
The Singapore Labour Foundation first introduced the concept of a workers’ resort at a meeting chaired by Goh Chok Tong in 1979.
After the NTUC Triennial Delegates’ Conference in 1985, NTUC decided to expand the scope of services to workers through social and recreational facilities.
By 1986, this vision was realised with the establishment of NTUC Club, which provided affordable leisure options for all workers.
The NTUC Club at Shenton Way opened in 1987.
The inaugural clubhouse opened in Shenton Way in February 1987, featuring amenities such as air conditioning, a cafeteria, a television room, and entertainment options, including board games and live performances.
The NTUC Pasir Ris Resort.
In October 1988, the NTUC Pasir Ris Resort commenced operations.
The resort was inspired by the Butlins holiday camps in the United Kingdom after union leaders made a few learning journey visits to Europe.
The $38 million resort was located near the Pasir Ris MRT station. It featured a 14.7-hectare complex with 11 clusters of two-storey chalets, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a children’s fun pool and an amusement park.
During the launch, Lee Kuan Yew said that by providing such facilities to workers, NTUC is removing any sense of psychological exclusion the middle- and lower-income groups may otherwise feel if they were denied access to certain things in life.
Over the years, NTUC Club and Downtown East have evolved with the changing aspirations of the workforce.
Barbequing was so popular back then that a new two-hectare Barbeque Park was built in 1993 with bigger pits and seating capacity, improved lighting and wash areas.
Go-kart at Escape Theme Park.
In 2000, NTUC Club opened the Escape Theme Park, bringing tons of fun with family-friendly attractions and thrilling rides. The star of the show was the Daytona Go-Kart, which back then was one of the highest multi-tiered go-kart tracks in the world.
Then in 2004, NTUC Club added the waterpark Wild Wild Wet at Downtown East.
NTUC Club went on to launch nEbO, U Live, and U Sports in 2007. These are communities that are all about connecting with members and embracing inclusivity.
By 2015, the club went big with a $200 million renovation, turning the chalets into D’Resort at Downtown East—the first nature-inspired resort in Singapore.
The Downtown South is expected to be ready by 2030. Credit: Sentosa Development Corporation
Looking forward, the Government has set aside Pulau Brani as a second resort called Downtown South as a gesture of appreciation for workers' contributions to the nation.
Downtown South is expected to be completed around 2030.
As you think about your next getaway, it is worth remembering the rich history and community spirit behind NTUC Club and its social purpose.
More than merely a resort, it serves as an avenue where workers forge cherished memories and unwind with their families.
Gain access to privileges and better workplace protection by signing up to become an NTUC member.