At APBS, we believe that togetherness is more than just a moment; it’s a purpose. We brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world, and sometimes, the best way to do that is by creating spaces where different stories can unfold side by side.
This vision led us to our rendition of Worlds Together, a global social impact initiative by HEINEKEN. Its purpose is simple but profound: to connect people who might have never met otherwise, bridging worlds in a way that goes beyond the day-to-day.
This year, we chose to connect with our migrant worker community in Singapore – individuals whose contributions shape the infrastructure we rely on daily yet whose stories are often left untold. Through Worlds Together, we aim to bridge those gaps and create space for real, human connection. We weren’t just there to host an event. We came to listen, to learn, and to honour the voices of those who work behind the scenes.
“We believe in a world where true togetherness can inspire positive change, and social progress begins when we foster meaningful connections. Worlds Together is a manifestation of our corporate purpose of ‘brewing the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world’.”
We collaborated closely with the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) to make this day one of genuine connection. But what truly made the day special was the hands-on involvement of five migrant brothers, who, as MWC ambassadors, were instrumental in bringing the event to life. Over two months of planning, these ambassadors helped drive the vision forward, balancing late-night video calls with work shifts and offering ideas to ensure the activities resonated with their community. Their insights brought a personal touch to the day – one that laid the groundwork for the rest of the upcoming engagement sessions. By highlighting what matters most to them, this initiative is set to evolve, bringing more opportunities for shared conversations and deeper connections.
“Working first-hand with our migrant brothers as event planners has been a truly humbling experience. Their dedication and fresh perspectives enriched every step of the process, resulting in an event that genuinely resonated with everyone involved. This truly showed me that our migrant brothers can be so much more if given the opportunity. The power of inclusion in fostering true connections is inspiring.”
The Call to Connect
When the day finally arrived, the skies gave us a morning shower, but the rain didn’t dampen the excitement. As everyone trickled into the big tent at Civil Service Club @ Changi, you could feel a collective buzz in the air. After words of welcome from Reinoud Ottervanger (Managing Director, APBS) and Michael Lim (Executive Director, MWC), everyone gathered for a photo – a snapshot marking the beginning of something genuine.
But it was in the smaller circles afterward, in the groups of strangers-turned-teammates, that the heart of Worlds Together began to truly come through. It wasn’t long before our migrant brothers and APBS volunteers settled into conversations, finding those little connections, things they could relate to or laugh over.
“One of our questions we had while getting to know one another was: ‘What is your favourite place in Singapore?’ I mentioned Changi Airport. Brother Murali who was in my group then jumped in to share that he spent 17 years and counting building Changi Airport! It was truly amazing to have had this chance forming friendships with someone who dedicated a large part of his life building up my memorable place.”
We moved indoors and kicked off bowling with a burst of energy, forming fun team names and cheers that got everyone in the spirit of friendly competition. For some of the migrant brothers, this was their first time bowling – but you wouldn’t have known it from the way they were playing. As the game progressed, the lanes filled with cheers. Each strike, each gutter ball was met with encouragement, and slowly, something deeper than the game began to take shape.
“Bowling [was] a beautiful moment that totally took away my stress today.”
More Than a Meal
After the celebratory high-fives and a quick prize presentation for the winning teams, everyone came together by the sea for a well-earned BBQ. People moved naturally from the lane to the mat and the beanbags, and conversations picked up right where they had left off with a new ease.
In the quieter moments, the migrant brothers shared their stories – stories seldom asked for and rarely given space to be told. Memories of families kept alive through video calls, small dreams that give purpose to each day, glimpses into lives lived far from home.
“I was fortunate enough to speak with John Peter, a dedicated individual who has spent the last decade in Singapore. As we chatted, he spoke fondly about his family and showed us pictures of his young daughter, whom he sees only once a year. Although I have lived abroad alone for some time, I can’t imagine how much he must miss his family over the past decade.”
These moments were simple but significant. In these ordinary conversations, the true purpose of Worlds Together came alive – not through grand gestures but through the honesty that arises when people listen, learn, and look for the common threads that bind us all.
“I want to express my gratitude to MWC and APB for organising the BBQ and bowling event. It gave me a wonderful opportunity to speak with the committee members and contribute to the activities at the bowling lanes and BBQ pits. Thank you for making this event possible and creating such a meaningful experience for all of us.”
A New Way Forward
As the day came to a close, we were reminded that fostering meaningful relationships doesn’t require grand gestures. Worlds Together is more than just an initiative; it’s a step toward greater understanding. It’s a reminder that togetherness can be as simple as making space for genuine interactions. From a bowling alley to a BBQ by the sea, these small, shared moments opened doors to conversations that might otherwise remain closed. We hope that through events like this, we can challenge misconceptions, promote inclusion, and ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
“Being a part of Worlds Together has made me feel like I am more than just a worker here. It’s a chance to share my story, my culture, and show Singaporeans who we are. I’m excited to meet new people, and I hope this is just the beginning of many friendships.”
Here’s to building a world where we can continue to connect, one conversation at a time.
