NTUC Club continues to make the sport accessible and affordable for all through partnerships and its estate-less golf club, My Golf Kaki, amid plans for a new, integrated golf development.

SINGAPORE, June 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — This Sunday on June 30, Marina Bay Golf Course (MBGC) – Singapore’s first and only 18-hole public golf course owned and managed by NTUC Club – will shutter as its land lease expires. Since its inception in 2006, MBGC has had an illustrious 18-year history, welcoming members of the public to experience its world-class facilities. It made its mark by earning numerous accolades including Best Public Golf Course in Asia Pacific and ranking among the Best Top 3 Best Golf Course in Singapore.

Fun fact: In the past 18 years, the well-loved MBGC has seen more than 1.3 million people on the greens and dispensed over 419 million driving range golf balls.

Despite the closure of MGBC, NTUC Club will continue to make the sport accessible and affordable through its estate-less golf club My Golf Kaki (MGK). This has been done by providing more slots to MGK members during weekdays as well as increasing the number of days night-golf is available at the Orchid Country Club (OCC). Together with the recent expansion of MGK’s portfolio of local and overseas courses including in Indonesia and Malaysia, MGK members can not only enjoy an easier planning and booking process, but have a wider variety of golf courses to choose from as well. 

Mr Lim Eng Lee, NTUC Club’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Despite the closure of MBGC, we hope to continue to make golf an affordable and accessible sport. In anticipation of MBGC’s closure, we have stepped up efforts since last year to promote the affordable MGK membership to golfers. We are encouraged by the response with the community growing from 7,000, to over 9,000 members in the last 12 months. I am pleased that NTUC Club has been working closely with the SGA in our shared vision that golf can be an inclusive sport to be enjoyed by all.”

Mr Tan Chong Huat, President of the Singapore Golf Association (SGA), remarked: “The closure of the hugely popular Marina Bay Golf Course will significantly impact Singapore’s golfing community without access to a private golf club. We acknowledge the impact of land scarcity on the entry barrier and accessibility to playing golf in Singapore. As the national custodian of the sport, SGA will continue to play its leadership role in developing a robust golf ecosystem that strives to promote and develop the game of golf for all Singaporeans from all walks of life.”

He added that SGA will uphold its commitment to making golf an inclusive sport that contributes to the physical and mental well-being of Singaporeans. It remains dedicated to this mission and looks forward to working with stakeholders, including NTUC Club, to achieve pragmatic and beneficial outcomes aligned with urban growth needs and the development of golf in Singapore.

Similarly, NTUC Club is deeply committed to grow Singapore’s golfing community, and has been in discussion with the authorities for potential sites that can be developed under the Labour Movement (LM). NTUC Club plans for future LM golf courses to be inclusive with a new, integrated golf concept – one that is enhanced by additional recreational spaces for family-friendly activities such as cycling tracks, nature trails, and common spaces for picnics and performances. Future LM golf courses will welcome not just golfers, but the public and people from all walks of life.

Visuals of MBGC are available here.

About Marina Bay Golf Course

Opened in November 2006, Marina Bay Golf Course is Singapore’s only 18-hole public golf course. From a humble reclaimed land to the transformation into an award-winning golf course, this landmark is best known for the only par 6 in Singapore and signature island green overlooking the cityscape. Marina Bay Golf Course is operated by NCI Golf Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTUC Club.

About My Golf Kaki

Golf for all, Golf for Good. 

Teeing up a vision to be the trusted and leading golf community where everyone can experience and immerse themselves in the game of golf, regardless of status and abilities, My Golf Kaki (MGK) is an energetic community powered by UPlay. As avid golfers ourselves, we’re driven by a deep passion for making golf accessible and growing our community of Golf Kakis. Established in 2002, in 2023, we embarked on an exhilarating transformation, complete with a refreshed look and exciting new experiences for our kakis. We’re now even more committed to provide members with affordable and amazing golf experiences, complemented by unparalleled service. Join our vibrant golf community in making a positive difference through golf, where we create social impact and foster a strong sense of community! For more details on MGK, visit  www.mygolfkaki.com.

About NTUC Club

Established in 1986, NTUC Club is the leisure and entertainment arm of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in Singapore. As part of the Labour Movement (LM), we are committed to providing diverse recreational options guided by values of care, passion, trust, and service. NTUC Club manages clubhouses across the island, Downtown East, D’Resort, Wild Wild Wet, Aranda Country Club, Orchid Country Club, and UPlay. Launched in 2023, UPlay offers ‘phygital’ recreational experiences, partnering with unions and companies to enhance social well-being and community engagement. NTUC Club also oversees community initiatives like nEbO, U Live and My Golf Kaki – promoting engagement and enrichment for workers. For more details on NTUC Club, visit www.ntucclub.com.sg.

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HONG KONG, June 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from Xinhuanet:

On June 29, “‘See the Spectacular and Kaleidoscopic China’—Victoria Park Celebrate the Return of Hong Kong” opens in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, and Deyang, catching the audience’s attention with its unique charm. In the exhibition, people immerse in the whole archaeological research process via Sanxingdui VR interactive cabin, buy the lovely Sanxingdui cultural and creative products, see the ingenious skills of intangible cultural heritage, queue up in front of various speciality food stalls…… They fully enjoy themselves in Deyang’s beautiful cityscape and the mysterious Sanxingdui culture.

Sanxingdui becomes the most popular in Deyang’s exhibition. In Sanxingdui VR interactive cabin, the audience “walk” into the exact Sanxingdui archaeological site, and close contact with the new archaeological technologies used on site. They can also scan the QR code of Sanxingdui Museum, appreciate the over 2-metre bronze statue, the bronze mask with protruding eyes and big ears, and the mask with a gold content of about 85%. They feel like travelling back, as the life of ancient Shu people slowly unfolds in front of their eyes.

Also, more than 40 cultural and creative products from Sanxingdui Museum appear in the exhibition: “Chuan Shu Xiaodui” blind box, “Long Hu Zun” tea set, bronze bird plush toy, bronze standing man…… They are all popular among the audience.

Mianzhu New Year’s painting, Deyang Chaozhou-style round fan, Luojiang soybean meat, eight delicacies oily cake, Changlin century egg…… The local specialities, old brands, intangible cultural heritage skills and distinctive food have attracted many audience to stop to watch, try and buy. The exhibition also highlights Deyang’s other urban cultural landmarks such as China Dried Noodle Village, China Mianzhu New Year’s painting Village, Sanxingdui and Long Men Zhi Dian International Tourism Resort.

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, June 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The 2024 “Future World” International Youth Art Exhibition was grandly inaugurated at the National Museum of Tajikistan in Dushanbe. This event, co-organized by the Committee on Youth and Sports Affairs of the Government of Tajikistan, the China Intercontinental Communication Center of the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China, and the Media Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, was hosted by Yunnan SCO Culture and Sports Co., Ltd., Shanghai Art Fair International Exhibition Co., Ltd., and the “Future World” International Youth Art Exhibition Organizing Committee. It received support from the Embassy of Tajikistan in China, the Embassy of China in Tajikistan, and UNESCO. The aim was to build a bridge for youth exchanges among the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), promote understanding of cultural diversity, and foster deeper knowledge of China among global youth through artistic creation.

Distinguished guests, including Safarzoda Anvar from the Tajik government; Ji Shumin, Chinese Ambassador to Tajikistan; Gulahamzoda Zulfikar Ahmad, Chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sports Affairs of Tajikistan; Colleagues from the International Cooperation Bureau of the State Council Information Office of China; and Ahmedzoda Zolfia Kabir, Vice President of the Presidential Academy of Tajikistan, along with over 800 attendees, participated in the event.

“Future World” Painting Exhibition: Showcasing Youthful Creativity

Before the opening ceremony, guests and media representatives visited the “Future World” Painting Exhibition. This exhibition featured over 200 artworks by young artists from 26 countries, combining physical and digital formats. Sections included “SCO Family,” “River of Civilization,” “Lighting Up Technology,” “Endless Life,” and “Prosperous Olympics.” Young artists expressed their unique insights and creativity on topics like peace, ecology, development, and civilization, conveying a vision of a better future world. Tajikistani youth representatives guided the audience through the exhibition, sharing the stories and inspirations behind the artworks.

Opening Ceremony and Cultural Performance: A Celebration of Youth and Art

At the opening ceremony, Zafarsho Ibrohimzoda, Director of the Tajikistan National Museum, welcomed participants, highlighting that this was one of the most significant events ever held at the museum. Safarzoda Anvar emphasized the long-standing relationship between Tajikistan and China, noting that this event provides a solid foundation for further artistic and cultural exchanges. Gulahamzoda Zulfikar Ahmad spoke about the strong development of Tajik-Chinese relations over the past three decades, stating that youth are a great force for national progress, and the successful hosting of the “Future World” exhibition marks a further deepening of cooperation in youth development.

Ambassador Ji Shumin noted that continuous youth cultural exchanges are due to the high attention paid to youth work by the leaders and governments of both countries, based on a long history of friendly cooperation. He expressed hope that this generation of young people, living in the golden age of Tajik-Chinese relations, would contribute positively to the friendly cooperation between the two countries. Colleagues from the International Cooperation Bureau of the State Council Information Office of China, emphasized that youth are the witnesses and pioneers of the future. He highlighted that the “Future World” exhibition, held on the eve of the SCO Summit, serves as a bridge for communication and understanding among the youth of SCO member states, especially between China and Tajikistan.

Following the speeches, a vibrant cultural performance jointly created by Chinese and Tajikistani youth took center stage. Performances included Tajik traditional instrumental music, folk dances, and solo songs, showcasing Tajikistan’s rich cultural heritage. Chinese youth captivated the audience with a solo dance titled “Rain in the Bamboo Grove,” a martial arts performance “Dynamic Universe,” and a group dance “Twelve Stars of Chang’an,” earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. These performances highlighted the talents and creativity of the youth while expressing their aspirations and wishes for the future.

“Reading SCO, Cultural Creative Fair”: A Feast of Culture and Innovation

The “Reading SCO, Cultural Creative Fair” also provided a unique cultural experience for the audience. The book exhibition featured a variety of interesting and informative Chinese cultural books, interactive reading experiences, and new media products. Books such as “The Language of Music” introduced children to music, and “Xinjiang Travelogue” by Kyrgyz writer Aydarbek Salmanbetov attracted widespread attention with its trilingual presentation in Chinese, Russian, and Kyrgyz. The cultural and creative products at the fair, including themed blind boxes, fridge magnets, and copper mirrors, were highly popular among the youth, who enjoyed hands-on experiences like archaeology and mirror polishing.

The “Future World” International Youth Art Exhibition project was initiated by the China Intercontinental Communication Center in 2023. Since its inception, it has successfully held two exhibitions at UNESCO headquarters during the “Cinema Heritage” International Film Festival in November 2023 and the Global Symposium on the Concept of Intercultural Dialogue and Mutual Learning in April 2024. It has gradually become a high-level artistic event with extensive categories, recognized by youth, and having significant international influence.

The successful hosting of the 2024 “Future World” International Youth Art Exhibition not only showcased the artistic talents of youth but also deepened the understanding and friendship between the young people of China and Tajikistan, injecting new vitality into the cultural exchange of the SCO. In the future, “Future World” will continue to promote global youth cultural exchange and cooperation, allowing more young people to enhance dialogue through the language of art and contribute to building a peaceful, prosperous, and diverse future world.

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STOCKHOLM, June 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Curt Bergfors Foundation is honored to announce that C40 Food Systems, a global network, was awarded the Food Planet Prize, the world’s biggest environmental award, on June 28 in Stockholm, Sweden. This recognition highlights their exceptional contributions and strong potential to transform urban food systems to benefit people and the planet.

As urbanization continues to surge, 80% of all food produced globally is expected to be consumed in cities by 2050. Moreover, food is currently the biggest source of consumption-based emissions in major cities (13-20%).

C40’s Food Systems Network works directly with its 50+ member cities from around the world to make it easier for residents to eat food that is good for people, the planet, and prosperity by developing healthy, equitable, and accessible food systems that also reduce food loss and waste.

Through the C40 Good Cities Accelerator, 16 cities worldwide are working to deliver sustainable food policies and achieve a “Planetary Health Diet” for all by 2030, informed by the EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health. The cities participating in the Good Food Cities accelerator are Stockholm, London, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Oslo, Copenhagen, New York City, Toronto, Montreal, Los Angeles, Lima, Seoul, Quezon City and Tokyo. These cities collectively serve over 500 million meals. Though every city is shaped by local context, good solutions can be quickly scaled and refined to suit other cities facing similar challenges.

“We are deeply honored to stand among these amazing finalists and receive the Food Planet Prize 2024 from the Curt Bergfors Foundation. This recognition underscores our shared responsibility in addressing the climate crisis without delay. With this award, we are poised to drive transformative change and lead the way forward.”

The prize will empower cities to accelerate toward delivering a planetary health diet for all within a decade. C40 mayors are at the forefront, taking decisive action to make sustainable food choices accessible and appealing to all. As they continue to lead, national governments will follow suit, amplifying these efforts across the entire food value chain,” said Zachary Tofias, Director of Food and Waste at the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.

In awarding the Prize to C40 Food Systems, the Food Planet Prize jury commented:

“Cities, where 70% of all food in the world is consumed today, play a pivotal role in the global transformation to healthy and sustainable food systems. C40, a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities, has a long track-record in climate action and increasingly food systems, and can provide city-led leverage towards positive tipping points that can radically shift the global trajectory towards a sustainable food future.

In particular, the Food Planet Prize jury sees that C40, a locally anchored global force, can work with cities across the world, supporting them in areas of food policy, public procurement and school food programs to reduce food loss and waste, and improve governance. C40 has a unique opportunity to build synergies with other urban sustainability networks on food and provide a city-led global acceleration for our food system.”

About the Jury
The Food Planet Prize International jury has ten members, representing the very best of academia, business, non-profit, civil service, and practical work within food. With members located on four continents and in all parts of the food system, both theoretical and practical, the jury reflects the diversity of perspectives needed to understand and evaluate the broad range of nominations we receive. Co-chairs Johan Rockström and Magnus Nilsson act as moderators, facilitating their work.

About the Food Planet Prize
The Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize is the world’s biggest environmental award, rewarding 2 million USD to one winner. It can only be awarded to projects working within the food system. 

The Сurt Bergfors Food Planet Prize was established in Sweden on August 30th, 2019, in acknowledgement of the perils that our current food systems pose to the health of people and the planet and with the conviction that the ways we produce, distribute and consume food must be radically and urgently reformed if future generations — and the planet itself — are to survive and thrive.

The Prize supports initiatives that significantly reduce the environmental impact of the way we eat. No other human activity puts more strain on our environment, and stopping eating is simply not an option.

Unlike many awards, the Food Planet Prize recognizes initiatives for their potential future impact on the environment rather than past achievements.

The Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize’s vision is a well-nourished world population on a thriving planet.

Press contact

For any additional information, please contact anya.gerzhan@foodplanetprize.org, or +46 73 360 71 93 (Anya Gerzhan).

Winner of the Food Planet Prize 2024: C40 Food Systems. Zachary Tofias, Director of Food and Waste, and Stefania Amato, Head of Food Strategy at C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, posing with the winner’s diploma together with the Co-Chairs of the Food Planet Prize jury: Johan Rockström (left), Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and Magnus Nilsson (right), Michelin Star Chef, organic apple farmer and Director-General of the Curt Bergfors Foundation.

Winner of the Food Planet Prize 2024: C40 Food Systems. Zachary Tofias, Director of Food and Waste, and Stefania Amato, Head of Food Strategy at C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group posing with the winner’s diploma.

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