Singapore Turf Club will let go of 90 staff members in first round of retrenchments

SINGAPORE: For Mr Subramaniam, the Singapore Turf Club is more than just a place of work.

It is also where the 68-year-old was born and raised at a time when the racecourse site was located in Bukit Timah and had staff quarters. 

Following in his father's footsteps, he took up a job with the Singapore Turf Club. He started out as a painter at the age of 23, working on wooden railings and jockeys’ display boards.

“Last time, they didn't have digital (boards) or anything, so we had to … use our painting to do up the jockeys’ names," he said.

In his 45 years at the racecourse, Mr Subramaniam, who goes by one name, took on various roles, including race-day work and being part of the broadcast team. 

But soon, he will be among 90 employees who will bid goodbye to the club. They will be the first batch of workers to be let go gradually between this November and April next year.

EXCLUSIVE JOB FAIRS

Authorities announced the club’s closure last year, much to the shock of employees like Mr Subramaniam. 

They said at the time that retrenchments of the club’s workforce, including horse trainers and jockeys, will take place in phases.

Around 700 horses will be exported and the last race will be held on Oct 5, 2024.

The around 120ha land parcel in Kranji that is home to the Singapore Racecourse will be redeveloped for housing and other potential uses, including leisure and recreation.

The land will need to be returned to the government by 2027.

To ease the transition for employees, the club has identified more than 300 training courses. A majority of the workers, about 95 per cent, have made use of these courses, the club said.

Most of them have clocked about 42 hours of training each, it added.

The club will also hold two exclusive job fairs in September for its 350 employees. More than 1,800 jobs across the hospitality, healthcare and government sectors will be available to them. 

The timeline for when the rest of its employees will be let go is still being firmed up.

THE FUTURE

Ms Sandy Yong, assistant officer at the membership and rewards department, said that she has enjoyed her five-year stint with the club because it is family-friendly and there is a culture of teamwork.

She was disappointed to find out that she would have to leave, she added. 

“It's hard to find a job that has good colleagues and good bosses,” she said.

With work at the racecourse coming to an end, employees like Ms Yong are gearing up to pursue different careers.

“I'm looking for an admin assistant role so I will be able to work during office hours. Currently I'm well-prepared,” she said. 

“The courses are very useful in teaching us how to write a resume and prepare for interviews.”

Mr Subramaniam has also gone for classes to take up a licence for security officers. However, he plans to take a long break before embarking on part-time work. 

Mr Samsudin Rakidin, who has worked at Singapore Turf Club for more than 45 years in two jobs - in the veterinary department and then in the stable barn where he was involved in the import and export of horses - similarly said he is planning to rest before taking up another job.

“I cannot stand still at home. I still have to do work. Anything I can do, I’ll do,” said the 69-year-old, adding that he is interested in working at a hospital.