The document discusses the author's experience working at NTUC Media over the past four years. It describes the workplace as a second home where people enjoy celebrating together and helping each other to get work done. The author emphasizes the strong sense of camaraderie between colleagues built through social activities and teamwork during challenging projects. This camaraderie is what makes the publication fun and ensures its continued success even as individual employees come and go.

1. Upfront
I was warned. And when I do get down to work (what, you think I’ve
got elves writing stories for me?) I actually enjoy my
“No flattery, ah!” my already stern-looking boss said work, which makes chasing stories, juggling multiple
sternly. According to managing ed Tan Shee Lah, this projects and meeting deadlines a little easier.
column is meant for me to thank, and say bye-bye to my
fans (that’s if I have any, in the first place). Sure, we’re all human and work can be hell. Amid
pressing deadlines and a sometimes too-heavy
And knowing me and my big mouth, my humble boss workload, it’s inevitable that we grumble and argue.
has already issued a gag order, so I cannot praise – and
possibly embarrass – her in this column (that’s if I have But at the end of the day, the job gets done and the
anything nice to say, in the first place – ha!). griping, quickly forgotten.
So dear reader, you will not hear me sing praises of After all, we share a deep sense of camaraderie in NTUC
my boss. Instead, I will sing praises of this lovely place Media, built up from years of random o ce celebrations
that’s been second home to me, for the past four years. (birthday parties and whatnots), BBQ and beer sessions
after work, and company retreats.
I love this place where I’ve been allowed to break the
routine with running, swimming, gymming. and pantry Yes, work is important but people-relations are equally
meetings for lunch, tea and ice cream. vital. My principle is, go beyond being professional, and
don’t distance your colleagues. To me, colleagues can be
friends. It’s whether or not you abuse that relationship.
If the workplace is going to be second home to many of
us, then we should be sincere and treat co-workers like
friends and family.
Which is why at NTUC Media, when the going gets
tough, everyone gets going: Two years ago, when we
organized a big-scale event at the Singapore Flyer
(event management is one of our company’s services),
everyone in the company chipped in to help. It was hard
work, packing goodie bags, communicating by walkie-
talkie, and ushering guests around.
But we were all happy to be involved.
v
Recently, Lifestyle organized a series of Kluang trips for
readers. Again, sta from various departments happily
volunteered to go along to lend a helping hand.
As I count down to my last day, I am beginning to, for
the very first time in Lifestyle, drag my feet to work.
But I am very sure that everyone in NTUC Media – bound
by camaraderie – will continue to keep this publication
fun and friendly. Which reminds me, I should sign on as
a subscriber!
Leong Wai Kit