The NTUC’s key objectives as laid out in its constitution is to improve working conditions and enhance the economic social status of workers, as well as promoting good industrial relations for the benefit of workers, employers, and the economy.

The five-year partnership sees Singtel invest over S$5 million to provide free or subsidised connectivity to NTUC members who are retrenched and come from lower-income families, as well as digital literacy training to help members fight against scams.

“In a world where digital connectivity has become a need, we are excited to partner with Singtel to ensure our members and their families have access to digital services that enable them to thrive. NTUC cares and will continue to fulfil the needs of our members in the areas of work, live, and play, so that no one is left behind in Singapore’s progress,” said NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng.

“As a homegrown technology company, we’ve been providing connectivity to all segments of society so they can tap on digital tools, access job and educational opportunities,” said Singtel CEO Ng Tian Chong.

NTUC members will gain access to offers and discounts across Singtel’s consumer products.

Highlights include substantial savings on phone plans and broadband services, along with complimentary Red membership for one year (total savings of up to $500).

New NTUC and Singtel customers can soon easily sign up through a streamlined process that incorporates membership fees into their Singtel bills.

NTUC currently has programs under its Care and Share umbrella, helping 10,000 lower income members and their families annually. Over the next five years, Singtel will provide free connectivity for up to 6,000 such members.

Due to economic disruptions and various other factors, some NTUC members may experience retrenchment. To support them during these difficult times, NTUC helps match retrenched workers with job vacancies through its Job Security Council.

Singtel is lending its support by providing up to 50,000 retrenched members and young seniors with subsidised mobile, broadband and TV subscription plans, along with other value-added services so that they and their families can continue to maintain digital connectivity and have access to online training, skill development, essential government and social services.

Championing digital literacy and scam awareness
In line with NTUC’s focus to do more for its members, as well as Singtel’s goal to boost cyber resilience and scam awareness among the general public and businesses, up to 500,000 members from the PME and migrant worker segments will undergo digital literacy and scam awareness training as part of the collaboration.

Beyond these initiatives, the alliance will also offer more volunteer opportunities for NTUC’s members and Singtel’s staff at events such as Singtel’s annual Carnival for special needs students.

This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 05 July 2024.