Young NTUC
Encyclopedia
Young NTUC is the official youth wing of the National Trades Union Congress
(NTUC). Launched in April 2005 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
, Young NTUC represents working adults aged below 35 years old and currently has a membership base of more than 160,000; making it the largest youth movement in Singapore. Young NTUC provides avenues for their members to express their concerns on workplace issues and at the same time ensures that the organization remains relevant and representative of Singapore’s workforce through youth engagement.
Young NTUC’s office is currently located at NTUC Centre, One Marina Boulevard.
Engagement is done through the organization of activities at the workplace and in the community. Events and activities are centred on the values of the 4 Betters – better self, better family, better community and better world. Besides organizing key large-scale events annually for youths, Young NTUC encourages young union members to initiate their own activities, providing guidance and resources for their passions.
Through engagement with the young workforce, Young NTUC strengthens membership and leadership development in the Labour Movement ensuring that unions remains representative of the workforce and that youths have a strong representation for workplace issues.
Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, was the advisor of Young NTUC until June 2011 when she retired from the position.
Most of the 60 NTUC-affiliated unions have their own Youth Chapters
for members below the age of 35. Those who are passionate in driving the Labour Movement can join their unions’ respective Youth Chapters to play an active role in looking after the interests of their colleagues. Each Chapter operates independently and organises social events to promote interaction among co-workers. Young NTUC also organises many activities for the leaders of Youth Chapters to network such as the Young NTUC Workplan Seminar, which is held annually to discuss global workplace issues.
Youths who do not have access to a union at their workplace are given resources to form affinity groups under the Team Young NTUC
(TYN) banner. Each affinity group is formed and managed by members themselves. TYN affinity groups give members an opportunity to pursue their varied interests. A broad range of interests from photography to dragon boating are represented by TYN affinity groups. Trainings and courses based on the relevant interests are organized regularly for members to continually develop their skills. Tapping on their skills and passions, TYN groups also contribute back to the community through active volunteering. TYN groups volunteer at least once a month at homes for the elderly as well as animal and environmental welfare organizations.
Volunteering activities include bringing less fortunate children on learning journeys to see the sights of Singapore.
More information on the activities organized by TYN can be found under “Key Activities of Young NTUC”.
There are currently 7 affinity groups under the Team Young NTUC banner and they include:
(NDP) as part of the Nation’s birthday celebrations since its first run in 2007. Over 10,000 members gather at The Padang each year to view the live telecast of the parade and enjoy performances by Young NTUC's performing arts interest group, p.L.a.Y.
Each year, Young NTUC attempts a record-breaking feat as a demonstration of the patriotism of youths. In 2007, 9000 participants formed the largest human Singapore flag using red and white umbrellas. In 2008, the feat was re-attempted with 12,288 participants. This time, inflatable red and white paddles were used to form the day flag and LED lights strobes were used to form the night flag. This achievement was recorded in the Singapore Book of Records. For the 2009 National Day Celebrations, 10,200 participants attended the event at the Padang. Candles were lit and the National Pledge was recited exactly at 8.22pm at the “Pledge Moment”.
and his wife, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong
, Singapore National Employers Federation President Stephen Lee
, Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan
, NTUC Sec-Gen Lim Swee Say
, NTUC President John De Payva, government officials, NTUC central committee members, union members and their families.
The concert was held at Marina Bay Golf Course's driving range and featured Young NTUC's in-house talents such as p.L.a.Y! (Team Young NTUC’s performing arts group).
A total of S$23 million was raised for the U Care Fund in 2009.
The topics discussed by guests so far include:
The 5 Values of Uth! Campus are
Three runs of the Uth! Campus have been conducted so far. The first and second intakes were 2 days 1 night residential courses held at the Sarimbun Scout Campsite. The third intake was a 1 day course held within the city area, coined as the "City Campus with a Difference - Urban Hunt in the City!"
efforts to the public. Volunteers shared about the perils of climate change and collected signatures and pledges from the public.
National Trades Union Congress
The National Trades Union Congress , also known as the Singapore National Trades Union Congress , is the sole national trade union centre in Singapore...
(NTUC). Launched in April 2005 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Lee Hsien Loong
Lee Hsien Loong is the third and current Prime Minister of Singapore. He is married to Ho Ching, who is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Holdings. He is the eldest son of Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew....
, Young NTUC represents working adults aged below 35 years old and currently has a membership base of more than 160,000; making it the largest youth movement in Singapore. Young NTUC provides avenues for their members to express their concerns on workplace issues and at the same time ensures that the organization remains relevant and representative of Singapore’s workforce through youth engagement.
Young NTUC’s office is currently located at NTUC Centre, One Marina Boulevard.
Objectives of Young NTUC
Young NTUC focuses on the engagement of youths to ensure the dynamic continuity and relevance of the Labour Movement. Through various platforms of interaction with union leaders, members and the community, the vision and values of the Labour Movement are imparted to the youths.Engagement is done through the organization of activities at the workplace and in the community. Events and activities are centred on the values of the 4 Betters – better self, better family, better community and better world. Besides organizing key large-scale events annually for youths, Young NTUC encourages young union members to initiate their own activities, providing guidance and resources for their passions.
Through engagement with the young workforce, Young NTUC strengthens membership and leadership development in the Labour Movement ensuring that unions remains representative of the workforce and that youths have a strong representation for workplace issues.
Our Vision
To be the largest and most vibrant Youth Movement in Singapore with youths who are active in a purposeful way.Key Personnel of Young NTUC
The current Chairperson of Young NTUC is Benjamin Tang, who is also the General-Secretary of the Port Officers' Union (POU).Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, was the advisor of Young NTUC until June 2011 when she retired from the position.
Engagement of Members
Young NTUC engages their members through two main avenues; unions and affinity groups that promote shared causes and interests.Most of the 60 NTUC-affiliated unions have their own Youth Chapters
Youth Chapters
In Singapore, Youth Chapters are the youth wings of the 60 National Trades Union Congress -affiliated unions and provide an avenue for working adults aged 35 and below to play an active role in their respective workplace unions. Youths are given the chance to take on leadership positions in their...
for members below the age of 35. Those who are passionate in driving the Labour Movement can join their unions’ respective Youth Chapters to play an active role in looking after the interests of their colleagues. Each Chapter operates independently and organises social events to promote interaction among co-workers. Young NTUC also organises many activities for the leaders of Youth Chapters to network such as the Young NTUC Workplan Seminar, which is held annually to discuss global workplace issues.
Youths who do not have access to a union at their workplace are given resources to form affinity groups under the Team Young NTUC
Team Young NTUC
Team Young NTUC is the social arm of Young NTUC the official youth wing of the National Trades Union Congress in Singapore. It consists of several affinity groups that are made up of young adults aged 35 and below...
(TYN) banner. Each affinity group is formed and managed by members themselves. TYN affinity groups give members an opportunity to pursue their varied interests. A broad range of interests from photography to dragon boating are represented by TYN affinity groups. Trainings and courses based on the relevant interests are organized regularly for members to continually develop their skills. Tapping on their skills and passions, TYN groups also contribute back to the community through active volunteering. TYN groups volunteer at least once a month at homes for the elderly as well as animal and environmental welfare organizations.
Volunteering activities include bringing less fortunate children on learning journeys to see the sights of Singapore.
More information on the activities organized by TYN can be found under “Key Activities of Young NTUC”.
There are currently 7 affinity groups under the Team Young NTUC banner and they include:
- • TYN Volunteers
- • TYN 20/20 (Photography)
- • TYN YCiS Net (Youth Alumni)
- • TYN p.L.a.Y! (Performing Arts)
- • TYN 350 Singapore
- • TYN Wildlife
- • TYN Black 8 (American Pool)
Key Activities of Young NTUC
Each Young NTUC event is designed to positively value-add either to self, family, community or world while raising the visibility of the Labour Movement.Run 350
Run 350 is organized annually in support of the global 350 movement which aims to reduce carbon emissions. Some 1,000 Young NTUC members and friends took part in the inaugural run held at Pulau Ubin in 2010. [3] In 2011, the event was held on a larger scale at the Marina Bay area for over 7000 runners. Funds raised from the event were also used to further the environmentalism cause through the Garden City Fund's Plant-A-Tree (PAT) program which seeks to reforest the nation.National Day Celebrations
Young NTUC Celebrates! National Day has been held concurrently with the National Day ParadeNational Day Parade
The Singapore National Day Parade is a national ceremony in Singapore that, as its name implies, includes a parade on Singapore's National Day on August 9, in commemoration of Singapore's independence that is usually held at the Padang , the National Stadium, various decentalized venues all over...
(NDP) as part of the Nation’s birthday celebrations since its first run in 2007. Over 10,000 members gather at The Padang each year to view the live telecast of the parade and enjoy performances by Young NTUC's performing arts interest group, p.L.a.Y.
Each year, Young NTUC attempts a record-breaking feat as a demonstration of the patriotism of youths. In 2007, 9000 participants formed the largest human Singapore flag using red and white umbrellas. In 2008, the feat was re-attempted with 12,288 participants. This time, inflatable red and white paddles were used to form the day flag and LED lights strobes were used to form the night flag. This achievement was recorded in the Singapore Book of Records. For the 2009 National Day Celebrations, 10,200 participants attended the event at the Padang. Candles were lit and the National Pledge was recited exactly at 8.22pm at the “Pledge Moment”.
Solidarity Walk and Concert
Organized by Young NTUC, the walk and concert on 23 May 2009 marked the culmination of the Labour Movement's fundraising efforts for the year and demonstrated the union leaders’ solidarity with the rest of the workforce. The 7000-strong contingent included Prime Minister Lee Hsien LoongLee Hsien Loong
Lee Hsien Loong is the third and current Prime Minister of Singapore. He is married to Ho Ching, who is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Holdings. He is the eldest son of Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew....
and his wife, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong
Gan Kim Yong
Gan Kim Yong is a politician from Singapore. A member of the governing People's Action Party , he is currently the country's Minister for Health.-Education and early career:...
, Singapore National Employers Federation President Stephen Lee
Stephen Lee
Stephen Lee is a professional snooker-player from Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, whose smooth cue action is regarded by some pundits as the most natural in the game. He has won four ranking titles, and spent 10 seasons in the Top 16 of the world rankings before dropping out for the snooker...
, Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan
Mah Bow Tan
Mah Bow Tan is a politician from Singapore. A member of the governing People's Action Party , he is currently a Member of Parliament representing the Tampines Group Representation Constituency...
, NTUC Sec-Gen Lim Swee Say
Lim Swee Say
Lim Swee Say is a politician from Singapore. A member of the governing People's Action Party , he is currently a Cabinet Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and the Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress....
, NTUC President John De Payva, government officials, NTUC central committee members, union members and their families.
The concert was held at Marina Bay Golf Course's driving range and featured Young NTUC's in-house talents such as p.L.a.Y! (Team Young NTUC’s performing arts group).
A total of S$23 million was raised for the U Care Fund in 2009.
Building Dreams
Building Dreams is a sandcastle building competition organized for union members and their family. Union members and their loved ones gathered to spend quality time together while doing their part for charity. All proceeds from the event went towards the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Home for the Disabled.YCiS
YCiS (Youths for a Competitive and Inclusive Society) is a platform for the young workforce to meet, interact and exchange views with decision-makers. YCiS 2008 Forum Series’ theme is “A Competitive Economy, An Inclusive Society”. Previous guests to the forum include Members of the Parliament and key decision-makers of various organizations. Participants also went on learning journeys to national and public institutions to reinforce ideas and issues discussed during dialogue sessions.Coffeeshop Talk
The Young NTUC Coffeeshop Talk is an informal dialogue session that allows participants to engage in passionate discussions with ministerial guests. Besides giving the public a better understanding of pertinent issues such as the Budget, inflation, labour and the CPF, these talks also seek to address any other concerns that the public might have.The topics discussed by guests so far include:
- "The Budget - Why it Matters to U" with Mrs Lim Hwee HuaLim Hwee HuaLim Hwee Hua was a Singaporean politician, who was formerly the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and appointed concurrently as Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Transport.-Early career:...
, Minister of State for Finance.
- "Creating an Innovative Workforce - Why it Matters to U" with RADM(NS) Lui Tuck YewLui Tuck YewLui Tuck Yew is a politician from Singapore. A member of the governing People's Action Party , he is currently the country's Transport Minister and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs...
, Senior Minister of State for Education.
- "Budget 2009 - Why it Matters to U" with Mr S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry.
- "Shaping Singapore's Future, Together" with Ms Grace FuGrace FuGrace Fu Hai Yien is the Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts, and the Environment and Water Resources in Singapore.-Education:...
, Senior Minister of State for National Development and Education.
A Labour of Love
Young NTUC’s first production was a musical entitled “A Labour of Love”. Held on 30 April 2007 at National University of Singapore’s Cultural Centre Hall, the musical was a tribute to past and present union leaders. Through a love story against a backdrop of NTUC’s history, gratitude was expressed to union leaders for their hard work and sacrifices made. This production was made possible with the help of 25 enthusiastic and vibrant TYN p.L.a.Y volunteers.Uth! Campus
Uth! Campus is a special program for young working adults. Through team-building and knowledge-sharing activities, members get to interact and have fun while gaining a clearer understanding of the role of NTUC in the Labour Movement.The 5 Values of Uth! Campus are
- • Change mindset
- • Communication
- • Commitment
- • Capacity building
- • Collaboration
Three runs of the Uth! Campus have been conducted so far. The first and second intakes were 2 days 1 night residential courses held at the Sarimbun Scout Campsite. The third intake was a 1 day course held within the city area, coined as the "City Campus with a Difference - Urban Hunt in the City!"
Volunteerism
Young NTUC members initiate various projects from animal welfare and environmental protection to care for the elderly. These events receive strong support from Young NTUC who provides guidance as well as necessary resources for project execution. Drawing as many as 50 volunteers per project, these young working adults are making a marked difference in the community.PC Project
A project initiated by TYN Volunteers where100 second hand personal computers were cleaned, reformatted and re-installed with fresh copies of operation systems. The computers were then distributed to the lower income union members to benefit their children. Another 30 sets were distributed during December 2009 in a mini PC Project by the volunteers in response to ad hoc requests.Free Hugs
The Young NTUC Free Hugs Campaigns were held along Orchard Road, where free hugs, collectibles and balloons were given away to spread the message of love.- • 1st Free Hugs Campaign (along with Singapore Kindness Movement) was held on April 2008.
- • 2nd Free Hugs Campaign was held on December 2008.
- • 3rd Free Hugs Campaign was held on Valentine's Day 2009.
Henderson Senior Citizens Home
Visitations to the Henderson Senior Citizens Home are organized monthly by TYN Volunteers. Activities like bingo and karaoke sessions are planned for a meaningful time of fun interaction with the elderly. Each visitation sees around 40-50 young adult volunteers mingling and bringing joy to the residents of Henderson.Caring for wildlife with ACRES
TYN Wildlife and ACRES (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society) are passionately championing the protection of wildlife animals from abuse. Founded in 2001, ACRES’ mission to create a caring and socially responsible society for animals ignited the passions of TYN Wildlife to do their part. TYN Wildlife volunteers give of their time to attend trainings on caring for animals and lent a hand to help upgrade the living conditions of the ACRES’ animal home.350 on the Streets
Held on 22 May 2010, International Day of Biodiversity, 350 on the Streets was organized to create awareness of the need to reduce carbon emissions. Volunteers went onto the streets of Orchard Road to encourage members of the public to adopt a single eco-friendly act to do their part for the environment.Coastal Clean-Up
An initiative by TYN 350 Singapore saw volunteers spending a day at Tanah Merah Beach clearing the litter from the coastal shoreline. The team of volunteers scoured the beach clean of leftover picnic rubbish, abandoned tires and fishing lines. Keeping beaches litter-free protects marine wildlife from the dangers of water pollution and promotes a healthy eco-balance in the seas.Earth Hour 2011 with Young NTUC
Held in conjunction with worldwide efforts to create awareness about climate change, Young NTUC gathered volunteers at Wisma Atria, Orchard Road to promote Earth HourEarth Hour
Earth Hour is a global event organized by WWF and is held on the last Saturday of March annually, asking households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change...
efforts to the public. Volunteers shared about the perils of climate change and collected signatures and pledges from the public.