Singapore’s lower-income and recently retrenched National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) members are set to receive a significant digital lifeline, thanks to a collaborative initiative with Singtel. This program promises complimentary or heavily discounted connectivity solutions.
Over the next five years, as many as 6,000 NTUC members in need will gain access to essential digital services free of charge, courtesy of Singtel. This joint effort between NTUC and Singtel, formalized with an agreement on 4th July 2024, focuses on inclusion to prevent digital divides, providing family access to crucial online educational tools.
Retrenched individuals also stand to benefit considerably from this partnership. Up to 50,000 retrenched members, along with elderly who are younger in spirit but senior in years, will have access to affordable plans for mobile, broadband, and television subscriptions. These benefits complement NTUC’s ongoing career support initiatives, like the Job Security Council, designed to help members with re-employment.
In this era where online presence is nearly non-negotiable, Singtel’s contributions aim not just for temporary relief but enduring enablement, allowing individuals to engage in online learning, tap into necessary government and social services, and remain competitive in the job market.
Ng Chee Meng, NTUC’s Secretary-General, reiterated NTUC’s dedicated commitment to serving the workforce of Singapore. “As digital connectivity becomes ever more critical, our partnership with Singtel is set to empower our members and their families, allowing them to fully participate in and benefit from the nation’s advances,” Ng remarked.
Benefits for all NTUC members
The collaboration doesn’t stop with those in the most need. All of NTUC’s 1.3 million members can anticipate a suite of special offers and discounts on Singtel’s array of consumer services, ranging from mobile plans and broadband to television services. Members are poised to enjoy significant cost savings, including complimentary access to Singtel’s Red membership for a year—a benefit valued at up to $500.
To streamline access to these advantages, NTUC and Singtel will soon introduce an efficient sign-up method that combines NTUC membership fees with Singtel bill payments.
Focus on Digital Literacy and Scam Prevention
Aware that digital literacy is a critical skill in the modern age, an impressive count of 500,000 Professionals, Managers, Executives (PMEs), and migrant NTUC members are set to receive training focused on this area. Both NTUC and Singtel emphasize the importance of this educational aspect, particularly as cyber threats and scams become more sophisticated.
The training is aimed at equipping members with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of the digital world securely, safeguarding their personal information and enhancing overall cyber resilience.
Members looking to learn more about the program and the benefits it brings can find additional information by visiting Singtel’s dedicated webpage to this initiative: www.singtel.com/ntuc.
