About Us

Who we are, our values, mission, and purpose.

About Ground-Up Initiative (GUI)

Ground-Up Initiative (GUI) is a non-profit society, with a mission to connect people with Nature, Self & Others. By creating a space to nurture connectedness, creativity & risk-taking, we aspire to build a 21st Century Kampung Culture that cultivates holistic solutions for a happier and more sustainable future.

Our Units

Farm

“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.” – Masanobu Fukuoka

We practise natural, soil-based, organic farming. Over the years, many pairs of hands have worked, sweated, laboured, fussed over, and harvested from our soil.

We’ve also grown a deep connection for the land and our food. We want to share this with visitors, to encourage a relook into the relationships humans have with both soil and develop a deeper appreciation and gratitude for the abundance of food we get to enjoy.

Craft

“He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist.” – Francis of Assisi

We use craft as a platform to engage individuals from all walks of life in a co-creation process. As we revitalise used wood, we inspire a DIY ethic and prompt a reevaluation of consumer habits that come with contemporary lifestyles. Our rustic but well-equipped workshop provides an authentic setting for quality time and letting the inner craftsman shine.

Earth Oven

“Cooking demands attention, patience and above all, a respect for the gifts of the earth. It is a form of worship, a way of giving thanks.” – Judith B. Jones

Discover how to make delicious wood-fired pizzas and artisanal breads in the ancient, time-honoured way, with our specialty Earth Oven. Temperatures get as high as 300 degrees —you can bet our baked goods won’t taste like the one you get off the shelf. We hope to promote a more sustainable and mindful relationship with nature through sharing our food-making practices.

Kampung Chief, Tay Lai HockIn Loving Memory of

Why was GUI created?

Singaporeans needed to be more daring and creative — a finding from the Remaking Singapore Committee in 2002.


Our late Kampung Chief, Tay Lai Hock, was 39 years old when he came across the news while backpacking around the world. It made him wonder: “How could creativity and risk-taking be nurtured when the very people who teach are risk averse, and when the environment does not allow these attributes to flourish?”

Lai Hock returned to Singapore, with a determination to do something about it. In 2008, his evolving answer to that recommendation took the form of Ground-Up Initiative (GUI).

Read more about Lai Hock’s story here.

Our Vision

Care, Initiate, Create

Imagine what it would be like when everyone cares enough to look after one another & initiate creative solutions for the common good.

Our Mission

Connectedness

We bring people together to connect with the Earth, with themselves and with each other while practising sustainable living.

Our Purpose

Creativity & Risk-Taking

We believe in the need for a space to nurture creativity & risk-taking. By involving people in the process, we create a happier & sustainable future.

Our Values

We aspire to build a 5G society: Gracious, Green, Giving, Grounded and Grateful – a foundation for a 21st Century Kampung Culture that cultivates holistic solutions for a happier and more sustainable future.

Our Team

The people that make up GUI

BingyuExecutive Lead

MeiChief Operating Officer
Khin BoonCraft Lead
LynnHR Representative
KwaSales Representative
Dr JohnAdvisor
LavanyaAdvisor
PatriciaAdvisor
Yeng Yen Volunteer Manager
Hui FangRetail
Mrs TangFarm Manager
Chin HuiFarmer
KimEarth Oven Lead

DerrickEarth Oven Master
Uncle LeeCraft
MaxCraft
YumeiCraft
Mun ChungKitchen Lead
Elizabeth LowDigital Marketing Trainee

Our Sponsors

We are grateful to our philanthropic sponsors!


XCEL

XCEL Industrial Supplies Pte Ltd was established in 1992 as a manufacturing representative serving in the electronics industry. Over the years, we have penetrated into other various industries in Singapore. While our core activities revolve around the supply of pallets and other packaging products, we also aim to create awareness on corporate sustainability and cargo safety.


CREUSE

CREUSE is a sustainable brand launched by XCEL Industrial Supplies Pte Ltd, a manufacturer and solutions provider of wooden pallets, crates and packaging materials. CREUSE represents the creative reuse of reclaimed materials, and we aim to educate and provide the masses with opportunities to be environmentally sustainable through our upcycled products, upcycling workshops, educational programmes and sustainable events.


APdS Architects LLP

APdS Architects LLP is a design-oriented practice founded and led by Desmond Chen. The firm’s design philosophy focuses on creating strong and clear architectural forms and space that are appropriate and contemporary; and using available technology and everyday operational problems to arrive at elegant solutions.

The company has since merged with a few other practices. Today, Desmond is one of the directors of LT&T AVID Architects Pte Ltd. The decision to merge was to meet the demands of design consultancy Services. We have now embarked on assorted projects of different scales and magnitudes within the region, ie. Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, Japan and various cities in China, The Invaluable experiences harvested have since stimulated our design paradigm towards providing holistic complements within the disciplines of master planning, architecture, interior and landscape design.


JS Tan & Associates

JS Tan & Associates was incorporated in 1994 with the aim to provide professional and quality civil and structural consultant services to the construction industry. In 2012, the company was incorporated to become a Private Limited company. Hence, the name was changed to JS Tan Consultants Pte Ltd.

The company’s mission is to provide efficient and economical design to ensure feasible construction without compromising safety and aesthetically design and to ensure the project is completed within the time frame set by the client.


iCON Consulting Engineers Pte Ltd

iCON Consulting Engineers Pte Ltd is a building services  consultancy company providing professional mechanical and electrical engineering services to the full range of  building construction projects including Institutional, Recreational, Industrial, Residential, Commercial, Hospitality and Retail sectors.

Established in 2007 as iCON Engineers LLP, the company was corporatised in 2014. The company is registered with the Professional Engineers Board (PEB) as a Licensed Multi- Disciplinary Partnership in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering and with Building Control Authority (BCA) as Public Service Panel of Consultants under category ME03. With knowledge and expertise gained from past projects spanning the full range in the construction sector, iCON is able to provide quality service to our clients and meet their expectations.


BCM Consultants Pte Ltd

BCM Consultants Pte Ltd is a professional consulting firm which provides a full range of quantity surveying, construction cost consultancy and estimating/tendering services to the construction industry.

BCM has over 40 years presence in the local construction industry and have established proven track records in the industry. We employ a team of experienced surveyors who is led by Mr Jerome Chung. Mr Jerome Chung And his team are actively involved in a number of pro bono jobs for charities and non-profit organisations including Ground-Up Initiative. The company believes in giving back to the society and working to make the world a better place. Our mission is to provide first class quantity surveying and consultancy services to our clients, which will assist them in securing the maximum commercial and viability opportunity in each project.


CH2M

CH2M leads the professional services industry delivering sustainable solutions benefiting societal, environmental and economic outcomes with the development of infrastructure and industry. In this way, CH2Mers make a positive difference providing consulting, design, engineering and management services for clients in water; environment and nuclear; transportation; energy and industrial markets, from iconic infrastructure to global programs like the Olympic Games.

Ranked among the World’s Most Ethical Companies and top firms in environmental consulting and program management, CH2M in 2016 became the first professional services firm honoured with the World Environment Center Gold Medal Award for efforts advancing sustainable development. Connect with CH2M at www.ch2m.com.


BSD

BSD provides specialised independent consultancy services in the field of climate change, energy and environmentally sustainable building designs, energy audits and usage optimisation, building commissioning, building research and development and continuous education. We have provided such advisory services to more than 300 projects in the region through our 4 offices in Singapore, Malaysia and China (Beijing and Chengdu).


Singapore Green Building Council

The Singapore Green Building Council forges public-private partnerships to germinate innovative industry solutions across the entire building and construction value chain. Through its green building product and services labelling programmes, SGBC sets high standards and benchmarks for green building solutions both locally and regionally to help build more sustainable cities for better living. As Singapore’s representative on the World Green Building Council, SGBC actively contributes to the global green building movement by  sharing expertise and knowledge during international conferences and events. Further information onSGBC  can be found at www.sgbc.sg.


Builders 265 Pte Ltd

Builders 265 Pte Ltd was incorporated in 2002. Under the stewardship of its director, Mr Nelson Lee and Chen Guo Qiang, together with their team of dedicated professionals, builders 265 have completed more than 100 projects in the areas of high-end residential projects, commercial projects and institutional projects such as pre-school centres.


Edenn Services Pte Ltd.

Edenn Services Pte Ltd. is an electrical works contractor and is led by Mr Tham.


NTH Construction Pte Ltd.

NTH Construction Pte Ltd. is a full service Plumbing and Sanitary contracting firm established by Mr Francis Ng in 1984. We specialise in site work and construction of underground and above ground utilities. Our capabilities include sewer & drainage, water, fire hydrant, fire hosereel and dry riser installation.

Today, we pride ourselves on our proven track record that lists many outstanding projects. Since inception, we have completed over 200 projects.

NTH Construction Pte Ltd has also extended its construction management expertise into the design phase of construction phase of construction projects through design-and- build projects.


Jin Shun Engineering Pte Ltd

Jin Shun Engineering Pte Ltd was incorporated in 2006. Our team has very good reputation with good responsibility and excellent work job done.

We provides Supply, installation, maintenance, repair, replacement, wide range of services for air conditioning, VRV system, chiller system and electrical installation to commercial & industries sectors includes factories, offices, high rise building, supermarket and specialties for shipyard on board.

We will continue to provide superior quality workmanship and services to our existing and future customers.


Akzo Nobel

Akzo Nobel creates everyday essentials to make people’s lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 45,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.


Hock Aik Trading Pte Ltd

Established in 1989, Hock Aik Trading Pte Ltd is a timber company that delivers hardwood timber from Indonesia. The company produces Decking, Solids, Finger Joint and Finger laminated from a variety of species such as Merbau, Bangkirai, Dark Red Meranti, Keruing, Kempas, Manilkara and others.

Hock Aik is a firm believer of sustainable sourcing. The company is certified by Forest Stewardship Council (BV-COC-121725) while its products are produced in compliant of certification bodies: Certisource (Legality), GLTAA (Adhesive / structural) and SVLK (Legality). We work closely with our suppliers to ensure consistent quality; and through innovation, bring new timber products to satisfy changing needs.


Leads Engineering (S) Pte Ltd

Leads Engineering (S) Pte Ltd was registered in 1983 as a civil and structural engineering consultant. Our current management took over the company from the second half of 1988 to operate it as a civil engineering company providing construction services to Shell Eastern Petroleum Ltd. at their Pulau Bukom refinery.

The Company from the year 1988 to 1995 provided oil refinery maintenance services and civil engineering construction of new plants. In 1996 the Company moved out of Pulau Bukom and has since extended our services to the local building industry.

Over these years, we have gained invaluable experience and knowledge of oil refineries, chemical plants and power plants and with the past projects undertaken we have good understanding and capabilities to undertake your new project better with safety, quality and meeting the expected schedule.


T T J Holdings

T T J Holdings is a long established Singapore based company with factories in Singapore and Malaysia. Our principal business activities are in the design, supply, fabrication and erection of a wide spectrum of structural steelworks for use in the construction of buildings, factories, plants, infrastructures and operation of dormitories.


Yan San Metals Pte Ltd

Incorporated in 1992, Yan San Metals Pte Ltd, led by Mr Quah, is today, the market leader who can offer a range of Aluminium products and services that is unmatched in the industries.


JOE Green Pte Ltd

Just One Earth, be a Green builder – THINK GREEN , BUILD GREEN

A sustainable green concrete panel with better build ability , superior quality and zero waste to help professionals save our just one earth and be a green builder.

JOE Green Pte Ltd, formerly known as Acacio Concept Singapore Pte Ltd, was incorporated in 2006 as a company specialising in the production and distribution of light weight precast walls for construction industries.


Facility Link

Facility Link is a leading interior fit-out specialist in Singapore, focused on the construction of prime office spaces for MNC clientele. We provide value-engineered, outcome-focused solutions to achieve every client requirement. Our projects are supported by in-house production facilities to enhance quality control, safety and sustainability.

Facility Link has pioneered and set the pace for sustainable interior construction in Singapore. Numerous firsts such as the Green Mark Pilot Project, the first Platinum award and an unprecedented BCA Green Mark and LEED dual certification of our own office, ensures Facility Link’s sustainability credentials stand at the forefront of the fit-out industry.


AGC (Asahi Glass)

Established in 1907, AGC (Asahi Glass) draws on more than a century of research and technical innovation to develop world-class expertise in various fields related to glass, chemicals, electronics and ceramics. AGC strives to reduce energy consumption by developing and offering energy saving and energy creating products.

AGC’s regional headquarters in Asia Pacific, AGC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (AAP), is also Founding Partner of WorldGBC’s Asia Pacific Regional Network. AGC is always seeking potential collaboration with organizations in the region to mitigate negative impacts and realise the positive benefits of green building on the environment. The environment has been an integral part of AGC’s shared values.”

Through these efforts, AGC was awarded Dow Jones Sustainability Index (2012-2014) and MSCI Global Sustainability Indexes (2015-2016) for its Socially Responsible Investing Indices and CSR ratings.


Meng Heng Glass

Equipped with up-to-date technology machinery, Meng Heng Glass aims to satisfy each & every client’s needs with prompt delivery of high-performance architectural glass without compromising standards & quality.

Since its inception in 1968, MHG has supplied glass to most of Singapore’s iconic projects, such as the Changi Internaional Airport Terminal 2 & 3, Marina Bay Sands Hotel and even the Sentosa Maritime Museum. Overseas projects include the World Trade Center 2 & Ciputra World Development in Jarkata.

Being acknowledged for its impeccably high standards of quality, MHG was commissioned by the Singapore Statuary Board, i.e. the Housing Development Board, to supply safety glass for both their large-scaled residential projects as well as their own office buildings.

MHG has maintained its position as leading glass processor in Singapore by keeping abreast with market trends, constantly upgrading our glass processing technologies & providing more value-added services to the building industry. Our success is only possible with the continuous support from glass manufacturers & supportive clientele over the years.


Mun Soon

Aluminium is Mun Soon forte. Mun Soon first started its business by supplying and installing aluminium windows, doors, gates and grilles to homeowners. Since year 2000, the company has gone through significant growth in manufacturing industry that solidify its position as the most reliable aluminium & glass solutions provider not only to homeowners, but also in the construction industry.

Through sustainable and cutting edge solutions we acquire, we manufacture the strongest windows, doors and facades that are durable for residential and commercial. Mun Soon has been highly esteemed by the industries for quality services that epitomise excellence, innovation and value attributes that have made Mun Soon a winner of several accolades.


ASSA ABLOY

ASSA ABLOY is the global leader in door opening solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience. ASSA ABLOY has a complete range of door opening products, solutions and services in areas such as mechanical and electromechanical locking, access control, identification technology, entrance automation and hotel security for the institutional, commercial and consumer markets.

Using the latest technologies and tried-and-tested techniques we are constantly developing innovative solutions that improve our customers’ lives through greater security, safety and convenience.

ASSA ABLOY has for the third time been ranked in Forbes’ list of the world’s most innovative companies 2016. Our aim is to continue to be the industry’s most innovative supplier of door opening solutions.


Bestal Roof and Fabrication Pte Ltd

Bestal Roof and Fabrication Pte Ltd was founded in 1993 with a compelling vision to establish ourself as the leading corporate roof specialist in Singapore. Since then, we have committed ourself to continual pursuit of excellence in every project undertaking to customize roofing solutions according to our customers’ needs. We have since gained a foothold in this industry with our reputation for excellence. Our core values of passion in quality products delivery, innovative solutions, supreme customer satisfaction and integrity in every undertaking is our underlying formula for success. This has won us accolades from our many customers who have experienced our professionalism in roofing solutions.


Sin Chew Alarm Pte Ltd

Established since 1980, to provide installation works for Security Systems.

In the past 37 years, the company has developed and recognized to be a provider of Security and Communication System solutions and services for both residential and various commercial industries. Growing from just 3 to 50 workers strength with a mobile fleet of about 10 vehicles in the field for our sales, installation and maintenance services.

With experiences gained and striving continuously to provide cost effective and practical solutions for clients need by adopting innovative and technological advancement in the field. Visit us at – http://www.sinchewalarm.com


Narada Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

Narada Asia Pacific Pte Ltd is committed to develop innovative energy storage solutions, Solar-Hybrid Energy Storage Solutions, Smart Grids, Green buildings and energy efficiency services.

Narada E Box – is a highly advanced and intelligent energy storage system and offers a scalable and flexible design that can be specially tailored to suit each customer’s needs. Narada E Box can be used as a stand-alone power source or as a back-up power system. It can be integrated with solar, electrical generator and grid power and even suitable for deployment in remote and isolated locations where grid power is not readily available.


Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi Electric is continuously striving for a greener tomorrow through cutting-edge environmental technologies and outstanding strength in manufacturing. From our wide range of equipment and solutions for homes, offices, factories, infrastructure and even outer space, we are contributing to the realisation of a sustainable society.

In line with our corporate statement ‘Changes for the Better’, it reflects our efforts to work together with our customers to change the global environment for the better.


Charis Electric

Approved by the Energy Market Authority, Charis Electric is a Singapore-based electricity retailer offering economical electricity plans for both SMEs and MNCs to run their business efficiently with lower energy costs without fluctuating energy bills.

At Charis, we are equipped to provide a mix of grid and solar energy solutions customised for your business use. By switching to our green plan (solar energy) like GUI, companies will be an adopter of renewable energy and be equipped with a monthly energy consumption breakdown of their energy mix that help all the stakeholders to manage and plan for their energy requirement efficiently.


New Marine Electric Trading

New Marine Electric Trading was established in 1993 and aims to be the leading wholesaler & supplier of LED lightings and other related Green products in Singapore.


Big Ass Solutions

BIG ASS SOLUTIONS designs, engineers and manufactures overhead and directional fans that range in size from 45.7cm to 7.4m in diameter. Unlike typical fans, Big Ass Fans couple energy-efficient motors with patented aerofoil designs, inspired by airplane wings, to move large volumes of air quietly and efficiently.


Triple Eyelid

Be it interior, furniture, or product design, Triple Eyelid studio’s focus is to re-define, re-design, and most importantly, reduce environmental waste. As Interior Designers for commercial, residential and hospitality background, we witness tonnes of waste materials discarded from job sites which we find especially wasteful. All up-cycled products and furniture are acquired from discarded industrial waste from the local job sites and hand made in Singapore.


Fresh Look

Fresh Look has vast experience in the construction industry and specialised in residential, commercial and industrial projects, she have completed projects in the field of architectural, structural design, electrical and mechanical. Our clientele include Government/Semi Government and public sector.

The Company is organised in five main divisions namely;
1. Interior Decoration
2. Civil construction Division
3. Carpentry manufacturing Division
4. Electrical and Mechanical Division
5. Facilities Maintenance Division


ECK SHEN CONSTRUCTION & TRADING PTE LTD

ECK SHEN CONSTRUCTION & TRADING PTE LTD is envisioned and strive to be a leading civil engineering contractor in the construction industry. ECK SHEN CONSTRUCTION & TRADING PTE LTD is committed to provide quality service and products to achieve total customer satisfaction through continual improvement of quality service, performance, and environment, health and safety practices.

The continuous search for innovative construction solution was the foundation stone upon which Mr Neoh Eck Beng founded the company ECK SHEN CONSTRUCTION & TRADING PTE LTD. His pursuit for details & quality engineering has sphered headed ECK SHEN CONSTRUCTION into a successful SME company. His strong emphasis on hard work, creative thinking & pursuit of excellence has enabled him to have an experienced team of professional people harness together in achieving excellences in any endeavour undertaken.

During the Annual Safety Award Convention in 2016, ECK SHEN CONSTRUCTION & TRADING PTE LTD won the Construction Environmental Excellence Award under the minor category.


Sing Tec

Sing Tec Construction Pte Ltd and Sing Tec Development Pte Ltd is a construction company formed in 1998 and 2004 respectively as a partnership. During this relatively short period, the company had completed a wide spectrum of projects as presented here with which signify the dynamism of the company. Our well trained workforce is a very valuable asset to our organization for the good performance of our furnished services in the following areas:

– Building reinforce concrete works
– Road works
– Drainage works
– Earth works
– ERSS (Earth Retaining Stabilising Structures)
– Soil improvement works
– Sewerage works
– Communication pipe works


OSG Containers and Modular Pte Ltd

OSG Containers and Modular Pte Ltd delivers affordable and timely space solutions by converting containers and pre-fabricated steel boxes into rooms for daily functions such as offices, storage and restrooms. We also provide customisation to meet unique requirements. Our products offer multiple advantages as compared to traditional construction methods including shorter lead time and lower costs, to name a few.  Our products may also be moved from one place to another swiftly. This means every unit purchased remain an asset for you and we help save our environment by cutting down resources and recycling used containers.


Elmich

Elmich is the leading provider of state-of-the-art and ecologically-minded urban landscaping, waterproofing, drainage, and stormwater management solutions to building developers, contractors, and architects around the world.

Headquartered in Singapore with international offices in Australia, Germany, Malaysia, Switzerland and United States, we work closely with our network of partners covering 6 continents in over 27 countries.

With sound management practices certified under ISO 9001 and SS ISO 22301, Elmich has contributed to the successful completion of major projects around the world, many of which have achieved green building certifications or won building/architectural awards.

In The Media

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