Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin (left, in red T-shirt), Lian Beng Executive Chairman Ong Pang Aik (centre) and Executive Director Ong Lay Koon lay hands on a globe at the official opening of the Westlite Mandai Dormitory.
Westlite Mandai Dormitory is a 6300-bed workers' dormitory 55% owned by Lian Beng Group and 45% owned by Centurion Corp.
Photos by Sim Kih
The move acknowledges the importance of the migrant labor community to Singapore's development.
On Good Friday, the Acting Minister of Manpower, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, was the Guest-of-Honor at the official opening of Westlite Mandai Dormitory, a joint development by Lian Beng Group and Centurion Corp.
The dormitory has a well-stocked mini-mart, a food court, a gymnasium, sports facilities, laundromats, free Internet access, ATM machines, as well as communal activities.
"The Manpower Ministry will be introducing a regulatory framework for larger dormitories, as part of its efforts to better manage and look after foreign workers in Singapore," said the Minister.
"Dormitory developers and operators such as Lian Beng and Centurion shoulder a high social mission by providing facilities that cater not only to workers' basic living conditions, but also to their social and recreational needs," said Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin.
Lian Beng Executive Chairman Ong Pang Aik (left) with Centurion CEO Kong Chee Min.
"This dormitory business is expected to contribute to Lian Beng’s long-term recurring income," said Mr Ong Pang Aik, executive chairman of Lian Beng Group.
"We look forward to exploring other suitable opportunities to build quality workers’ dormitories with Centurion." 
Lian Beng Executive Director Ong Lay Huan (center) with Mediacorp artiste Huang Shinan (right).While the Singapore government continues to manage the inflow of foreign workers into the country, the two companies believe the need for these workers and the demand for workers' dormitories are unlikely to abate.
Indian and Bangladeshi nationals cheer as performers of their ethnic origin belt out familiar songs.
As the operator of 8 dormitory estates in Singapore and Malaysia, Centurion spends between S$100,000 to S$200,000 a year on each one to build up communal life for the foreign workers.
There are also subsidized excursions to tourist destinations like the zoo, Underwater World, Singapore Flyer, Universal Studios, and special events such as the Singapore Airshow.
Thanks to the home away from home environment it has created, it comes as no surprise that these dormitories are operating at full capacity.
The kopitiam at Westlite Mandai Dormitory features several stalls offering Indian cuisine.
Several medical doctors provided dormitory residents with free health checks on the Good Friday public holiday.
Reading room with local newspapers, national newspapers from India and Bangladesh, free WIFI access and PCs.
Westlite Mandai Dormitory's comprehensive facilities include a gymnasium.
Tan Chuan-Jin chats with residents in the games room.
Spotted at the official opening: Founder and Executive Chairman of SGX-listed Xpress Holdings, KK Fong (left) with food tycoon Sam Goi.
Tan Chuan-Jin autographed several footballs before proceeding to the dormitory ball court for games with its residents. 
Tan Chuan-Jin kicks up a mean game of football with the dormitory residents and management.
Residents gathered under the ceremonial tent at the dormitory's basketball, volleyball, sepak takraw, futsal and cricket batting courts for the official opening of Westlite Mandai Dormitory.
