Press release -
UOL and PPHG Expand Community Uplift Programme with Mathematics Tuition, Enrichment Classes and Culinary Arts
Singapore, 18 January 2025 – UOL Group Limited (UOL) and its hotel subsidiary Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) today announced the expansion of their UOL-PPHG Community Uplift Programme, which aims to support ComLink+ families, who are those with children below 21 years old living in rental housing.
New areas of support were unveiled in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) ComLink+ initiative during the UOL-PPHG Community Uplift Programme celebrations held this morning at PARKROYAL on Beach Road. The expansion includes support for weekly Mathematics tuition for more than 65 primary and secondary school children and youth, amounting to $100,000. In addition, the Group will sponsor regular weekly enrichment sessions for primary and secondary school children from ComLink+ at Jurong West. This sponsorship provides ComLink+ students with opportunities and empowers them to pursue their interest in specific activities such as sports, art and music that they are committed to.
Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration and Advisor to West Coast GRC Grassroots Organisations, Mr Desmond Lee, joined in to celebrate the children’s achievements.
Minister Lee said: “The UOL-PPHG Community Uplift Programme is a unique model that showcases how strong partnership between the Government, corporates and the community can make a big impact in the community. By providing opportunities for learning and growth, the programme empowers children living in rental housing to learn new skills, build their confidence, and pursue their dreams. I am encouraged to see how the programme has grown over the past two years to enrich the lives of our ComLink+ families.”
As part of the pilot for the sponsored regular enrichment classes, two children from ComLink+ have benefitted in the second half of 2024. Nine-year-olds Emily and Kylie embarked on different enrichment journeys. Emily’s art courses have helped her better appreciate new perspectives and have improved her communication skills. Kylie’s badminton training has honed her decision-making skills and boosted her self-confidence. Both girls have progressed in their own unique ways.
Meanwhile, UOL and PPHG have piloted a culinary arts programme with ComLink+ for over a year, benefitting about 20 youths aged 13 to 18, where participants learned valuable skills in cooking, baking and pastry-making under the guidance of PPHG chefs. The programme was well-received by the youth, with some reporting increased confidence in assisting their parents and grandparents with cooking at home. Keen to expand their culinary skills, the youth expressed a strong interest in attending future sessions to master a wider variety of recipes. Given the success of the programme, the Group will introduce regular sessions for those committed to pursuing culinary interests.
At the event, three exemplary families were honoured for their progress and growth. Ashryn, a Primary 3 student, has demonstrated strong academic improvement and active participation in extracurricular activities, despite challenging family circumstances. Kylie, also in Primary 3, has excelled academically and contributed positively to class discussions, all while balancing family responsibilities. Primary 6 student Alia, the third child in a family of seven, has had to manage schoolwork and caring for younger siblings while pursuing her passion for sports and cooking.
A special award was also given to Primary 6 student Hannah, who has overcome her learning difficulties with dyslexia and health challenges, showing exceptional determination and successfully completing her Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).
PPHG Executive Director, Sustainability Partnerships, Lifestyle & Asset Wee Wei Ling said: “The families we work with demonstrate incredible strength and dedication in nurturing their children’s potential. Their resilience in overcoming challenges and the positivity with which they approach each day are truly remarkable.
“We are grateful to walk this journey with them, offering support as they strive to create meaningful opportunities for their children. These families remind us that success is not just about individual achievements but about the collective effort of a community working together to uplift one another.”
Launched in 2023, the three-year programme is part of ComLink+ efforts to partner families with children staying in rental housing to achieve stability, self-reliance and social mobility. The UOL-PPHG Community Uplift Programme offers a range of enrichment and learning opportunities specifically tailored to meet the developmental needs of children.
Last year, the UOL-PPHG Community Uplift Programme organised enrichment activities such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu and robotics classes with UOL mall tenants, an excursion to an art exhibition, and a mentorship programme by PPHG for students interested in hospitality careers.
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About Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Pan Pacific Hotels Group is a global hospitality company that owns and/or manages more than 50 hotels, resorts and serviced suites across three brands – “Pan Pacific”, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL – encompassing more than 30 cities across Asia Pacific, North America and Europe. Headquartered in Singapore, it is a member of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited.
Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts delivers sincere and graceful service to every guest with a passion for excellence.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Hotels and Resorts isdriven by our passion for life and sustainability.
PARKROYAL Hotels and Resorts is distinguished by its passion for people and places, immersing every guest into local and authentic cultures.
Visit www.panpacific.com.