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When we look back at the various worker stories from NTUC, we might find it easy to dismiss them as just another headline—quickly skimmed and just as swiftly forgotten.

Yet behind every headline are real people: workers finding their footing, families trying to catch a break, and young Singaporeans hoping to realise their dreams.

 

Over the last 12 months, NTUC’s efforts have resulted in achievements such as structured training opportunities, wage increases through the Progressive Wage Model, and financial aid for students, all of which led to better outcomes for workers and their families.

 

Opportunities like a worker discovering a clearer career path, a parent better supporting their child’s education, or a youth having the chance to step onto a national stage.

 

These moments reflect the Labour Movement’s continued walk alongside workers and their families. From work to home and at every stage of life.

 

Supporting families through the NTUC-U Care Fund

Beyond workplace progression, NTUC’s commitment extended into the homes of many.

Lower-wage workers and their families often face daily financial pressures, and the NTUC-U Care Fund was a vital lifeline for them throughout 2025.

Through the NTUC Care (Education Awards) 2025, 534 students received a total of $170,400 in awards to help with their educational needs.

For private hire driver Chua Sim Yee, the support meant more than just funds; it was a boost for his family’s peace of mind.

 

Chua Sim Yee (top left) and his family.

“The extra support from NTUC gives my family a lift-up, especially for our kids. And for me, it matters that my voice is heard,” he said.

For others, support from the NTUC-U Care Fund came at a time when life felt especially overwhelming.

Caregiver Zuridah Hassan, 56, found herself supporting four dependents on a single income while trying to stay afloat after a sudden job loss.

 

Zuridah Hassan (left) and her children.

While the assistance she received from the NTUC-U Care Fund did not erase her struggles, it did help to ease them.

“It’s not much, but it helps,” she shared.

For families living paycheck to paycheck, that reassurance can make all the difference.

 

Building stronger careers

 

Through stronger representation

The enactment of the Platform Workers Act in 2025 marked a significant step forward in strengthening protections for platform workers.

Championed by NTUC, the move gave associations rights to represent workers’ interests just like unions, and allowed associations to work more closely with platform companies to improve workers’ livelihoods and welfare.

With clearer protections and stronger representation in place, this shift quickly translated into action on the ground.

One such example was the National Delivery Champions Association’s (NDCA) partnership with GoGoX to boost driver-partner well-being and skills.

The collaboration introduced structured training and incentives, showing how unions and companies can work together to deliver better outcomes by helping workers upskill, feel supported and build confidence on the job.

For 44-year-old GoGoX driver-partner Jeremy Ooi, continuous upskilling has been key to making work more sustainable.

 

Jeremy Ooi.

 

He said: “At the end of the day, the more skills you have, the more productive and more efficient you become, you work less but earn more.”

 

The Progressive Wage Model

Cassandra Neo’s career journey illustrates how the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) has helped reshape traditionally static jobs into more dynamic professions.

 

Cassandra Neo.

She began her hospitality career in housekeeping. Shortly after, she progressed to leading a team as a Loss Prevention Supervisor at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach.

This came after her company embraced the PWM, creating a structured career ladder for the hotel’s security team.

“The PWM provides clarity on career progression and remuneration. It outlines the mandatory and elective modules required to advance, which motivates staff by showing the path to better recognition and positions,” Cassandra shared.

In the retail sector, workers like found new confidence and stability through the PWM.

 

Sharifah Natasha Mohd Onran.

 

She shared how wage increases have allowed her to support her family while building savings for her future.

“The wage increases help me feel more stable. Now I can help my family with groceries and save for my future,” she said.

 

Helping seniors stay relevant

 

NTUC also continued to work with employers in 2025 to create meaningful opportunities for older workers who want to remain active and employed.

One such example is Mary Ho, a senior worker at Mandai Rainforest Resort. Through agreements between the resort, NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union (FDAWU), senior workers like Mary were offered redesigned roles, training and flexible work arrangements.

 

Mary Ho.

 

NTUC’s e2i even helped her with her resume and interview skills to ensure she would secure a role she desired.

“I was impressed by e2i’s speed and efficiency. They were involved in every step of my hiring process, from arranging the interview at the mass recruitment drive to interview preparation, and ensuring that I was placed in a role that was suitable for me,” Mary shared.

The resort will also work with FDAWU to form a Company Training Committee (CTC) to transform its business and upskill its workforce.

 

Empowering youth to shine

 

NTUC’s work in 2025 was not just about helping workers stay afloat.

It was also about helping young people step forward with confidence.

Through NTUC Youth, young Singaporeans were given opportunities to explore their interests, build skills, and test themselves on bigger stages.

For polytechnic students Cheyanne Immanuel Ng and Evelyn Carolyn Indriani, what began as hosting school events eventually led to something much bigger.

 

Evelyn Carolyn Indriani (left) and Cheyanne Immanuel Ng (right).

 

With support and platforms provided through NTUC Youth, they found themselves hosting major events such as the NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations.

“I think NTUC provides a lot of opportunities for youth to try things out and also encourages other youth. ‘For youth, by youth’ is what I always hear NTUC Youth say, and that is what sticks with me the most,” said Evelyn.

 

Looking Ahead to 2026

 

These stories highlight NTUC’s core mission on the ground: clear career paths, timely family support, and empowering youth to pursue their dreams.

As 2026 approaches, NTUC remains committed to listening closely, adapting to workers’ needs, and finding new ways to uplift lives.

 

Every headline is a real story. And each NTUC effort brings Singapore’s workers and families closer to lasting hope and opportunity.

 

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