A New Chapter in Migrant Worker Housing
In a recent visit that drew attention online, Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) ambassador Sumun Biswas shared a glimpse of the soon-to-open NESST Tukang Dormitory in Jurong through a TikTok video.
The upcoming facility, which will be officially operational in early 2026, is Singapore’s first purpose-built dormitory for migrant workers.
In his video under the account @/sumun.sumun07 on TikTok, Biswas and several construction workers could be seen exploring the spacious compound, smiling as they toured its courts for basketball, badminton, and pickleball.
Their reactions reflected genuine excitement and pride — not only for the dorm’s modern facilities but for what it represents. The facility is a step, among many, forward in ensuring dignity and quality of life for Singapore’s migrant workforce.
Designed With Workers, Not Just For Them
Another video, posted by @/amriqali, offered a detailed look at the dorm’s design and features.
“Take one minute with me and I’ll bring you around the NESST dorm,” he said. The walkthrough revealed airy rooms, spacious kitchens, private toilets, and laundry facilities.
Ali highlighted how the dorm was designed with pandemic resilience in mind. He also referred to how airflow and bed spacing were reconfigured to prevent virus spread.
“They really consulted with workers,” Ali added.
“Where the bus stop was, the walkways, rest areas — everything was thought through. They learned from COVID.”
A Dream Realised for Biswas and His Peers
For Sumun Biswas, now 45, a Bangladeshi hydraulic operator who has lived in Singapore for 15 years, the new dormitory is deeply personal.
Since 2023, Biswas has been actively involved in consultations to improve migrant worker housing. Seeing those ideas come to life at Tukang is “a dream come true,” he said in a 2024 interview with The Straits Times.
“We are happy, from our heart,” said Biswas. “It’s good to see the things we discussed — private spaces, single beds, big kitchens — all happen here.”
NESST Tukang Dormitory: A Closer Look
Located at Tukang Innovation Lane in Jurong, the NESST Tukang Dormitory will house up to 2,400 residents and set a new standard for purpose-built migrant housing.
Each floor is divided into smaller sections — accommodating up to 120 residents per block — to improve comfort and safety.
In-room features include:
- Ensuite toilet, shower, and laundry area
- Dedicated social nook separate from sleeping space
- Lockable personal storage
- Six ceiling fans for airflow
- Nine single beds and three loft beds per room
Communal amenities include:
- Kitchens on every floor with gas stoves and sinks
- Multi-functional dining and recreation areas
- Open-concept gym and cricket lanes
- Green spaces for relaxation
- Privacy nooks for personal downtime
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the dorm
The entire complex was built with flexibility in mind — including an open carpark area that can be repurposed for emergency tentages in case of future health crises.
Setting a New Standard
As Ali put it, “This is version one — the only way is up.”
Both Biswas and Ali praised efforts to listen to workers and employers alike in shaping the dorm’s design.
They both separately agreed that NESST Tukang represents a real step forward.
“This time, they really did the effort,” said Ali in his video.
Watch the videos here:
@amriqali Had a chance to check out the @nesstsg dorm which is run by @sgministryofmanpower. Happy that the workers in our company are moving there in Dec 👍🏽💪🏼
@sumun.sumun07
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
A Selfless Act: Migrant Worker Jumps From Lorry to Remove Road Hazard
Before the Boarding Gate: A Migrant Worker’s Tearful Goodbye to His Daughter
Serving Kindness: Shaheed Alam & TikToker Turn Tennis Match Into S$500 Donation for Migrant Workers
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