Mandai Rainforest Resort to work with F&B union, e2i to support senior employment, career transitions

[SINGAPORE] Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree will collaborate with the Food, Drinks & Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) and the National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to support senior employment and facilitate career transitions.

Glen Cook, general manager of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) at a ceremony held at its Meranti Ballroom on Monday (Oct 27). The signing was witnessed by NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng.

The first MOU was with FDAWU general secretary Sankaradass S Chami, for the two parties to jointly form a Company Training Committee and facilitate the upskilling of the resort’s workers. 

Through the partnership, over 200 of the resort’s workers, representing up to 80 per cent of its workforce, could benefit from training and transformation that will enhance their skills and work prospects, said NTUC’s Ng.

Sankaradass said FDAWU will work with the resort’s management to align transformation with job redesign and upskilling, “ensuring every worker, especially senior staff, is equipped to meet the demands of a changing hospitality landscape”.

Ng also praised Mandai Rainforest Resort – which opened for stays in April 2025 – for embracing the partnership “early in its journey”, adding that the collaboration exemplifies how NTUC, its unions and partners support companies in building a resilient, future-ready workforce.

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MOU with e2i

The second MOU, signed by Mandai Rainforest Resort’s Cook and e2i’s deputy chief executive Gary Goh, “reinforces the shared commitment to strengthen workforce development and employability by enhancing job security, career progression and skills development, while building a strong and inclusive workforce”.

e2i’s chief executive officer Caryn Lim said the partnership allows e2i to bring recruitment and job awareness activities such as experiential job tours closer to diverse talent groups.

To complement this collaboration, Workforce Singapore is also partnering Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree to strengthen the workforce’s career health through proactive career and skills development, supporting business productivity and improving talent attraction and retention.

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“Both MOUs with FDAWU and e2i reflect our commitment in ensuring that our associates have the opportunity to grow, contribute and build long-term success in hospitality,” said Cook, adding that they aim to equip its workforce with emerging skills and create pathways for seniors and other underrepresented groups.

“As Banyan Group’s first property in Singapore, this initiative combines our world-class hospitality with community-focused employment solutions.”

The MOUs complement Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree’s operational ramp-up towards its Nov 26 grand opening.

The agreements will inform recruitment frameworks and placement opportunities connected to the resort, with more detailed implementation plans to be finalised jointly by the signatories, the resort said.