It’s not every day that colleagues get to swap their workstations for laser tag arenas, pickleball courts and creative workshops. But that’s exactly what happened when staff from Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Engineering (SoE) came together on 14 October 2026 for a memorable day of learning, laughter and team bonding at CSC @ Tessensohn.

With staff spread across different offices, departments and teaching teams, opportunities to connect beyond daily work can be few and far between. SoE Day offered a welcome change of pace, bringing colleagues together to reconnect, make new friendships and strengthen their sense of belonging ahead of the new semester.

The day kicked off at CSC @ Tessensohn’s Galaxy Ballroom with an interactive TetraMap workshop, helping participants better understand their own communication styles and those of their colleagues.

While workplace communication might sound like a serious topic, the workshop proved to be an engaging way to break the ice.

“Learning about our main TetraMap elements showed us how to approach colleagues in ways that suit them. It makes starting conversations more positive and makes work easier for everyone,” one participant shared.

For another participant, the highlight was simply meeting new faces: “SoE is a big school with offices on both the west and east sides, so there are hardly any opportunities to meet colleagues you don’t usually work with. Today made that possible in a really natural and enjoyable way.”

These interactions reflected the organising committee’s goal of creating opportunities for colleagues across different sections and roles to better understand one another, build camaraderie and strengthen collaboration.

After a morning of learning, it was time to put teamwork into action! The afternoon brought a lively mix of activities, from laser tag and archery tag to pickleball and hands-on arts and crafts. With something for different interests and comfort levels, everyone had an opportunity to join in the fun.

Laser tag emerged as a crowd favourite, bringing out some unexpected competitive streaks. “I took part in Laser Tag, and it was a lot of fun! It struck the right balance between light-hearted competition and inclusivity,” shared one participant, who described the activity as a great icebreaker. Another joked that the game revealed which colleagues had surprisingly good aim!

For those who preferred something less action-packed, creative workshops offered a chance to slow down, unwind and explore their artistic side. From moss art to batik painting and crafting personalised trays, colleagues could create something of their own while chatting with teammates.

Although hazy conditions affected some of the planned outdoor activities, there was still plenty of enjoyment to be found. Most importantly, the programme encouraged people to step outside their usual routines and make connections that might never happen in a typical work setting.

The celebrations did not stop at team activities. SoE Day also brought colleagues together for a special birthday celebration, complete with cakes, group photographs and plenty of smiles. The shared occasion added a personal touch to the festivities and reinforced the spirit of appreciation and togetherness within the SoE family.

For the SoE organising committee, finding a venue that could accommodate both professional development and recreational activities was an important consideration. CSC @ Tessensohn provided the convenience of having everything in one location.

From the morning workshop in the Galaxy Ballroom to the afternoon’s activities and creative sessions, participants could move seamlessly between programmes without travelling to another venue. The variety of facilities also helped the committee plan an inclusive experience catering to different interests, energy levels and preferences.

“We chose CSC @ Tessensohn because it offered everything we needed in one place, for both professional development and staff bonding,” the organising committee shared.

The experience extended beyond the activities themselves. Food was another highlight, with colleagues praising the buffet. The DIY Nonya Laksa, complete with prawns and condiments, and Truffle Mushroom Soup were clear favourites. Two buffet queue lines also helped guests collect their meals efficiently.

Behind the scenes, CSC’s team played an important part in bringing the event together. The organisers appreciated Jan Yeo and the CSC @ Tessensohn team for their recommendations on activities and menus, as well as hands-on assistance with setup and logistics throughout the day.

“From setup through to packing up, we never felt we were managing on our own, because help was always close at hand,” the committee shared.

Beyond the friendly competition and memorable moments, SoE Day was a reminder of the importance of making time for meaningful connections at work. For staff who rarely cross paths during the semester, the event offered a space to catch up, discover shared interests and build relationships beyond their immediate teams.

It also highlighted the wider role CSC plays in supporting the well-being of public officers, whether through workplace cohesion events, recreational facilities or leisure experiences with family and friends. Participants recalled enjoying the pools at CSC @ Bukit Batok and bowling at CSC @ Tessensohn, while others looked forward to trying the gym, karaoke facilities and chalets.

For one participant, CSC represents more than access to recreational facilities: “Being part of CSC also gives us a great sense of pride in being in the public service. It’s a tangible reminder of the community we belong to.”

Inspired to organise your own team bonding day? Whether you’re planning a departmental retreat, staff cohesion event, team development workshop or a fun-filled day of activities, Civil Service Club offers a variety of venues, facilities and programmes to bring colleagues together.

Ready to plan your next cohesion event? Enquire with us at [email protected]!