Singapore's Exciting Factory Tours Win Hearts

In Singapore, the trend of behind-the-scenes factory tours is rapidly gaining traction, captivating both young and old alike. Recently, 10-year-old Jovis Tan embarked on his first factory adventure at Thong Siek Global (TSG), famous for its Dodo fishballs, where he marveled at the high-tech production methods and enjoyed delicious samples directly from the source.

"It was amazing, wonderful, and delicious. I love fishballs, so sampling the food was the highlight for me!" said Jovis, after his eye-opening journey into the delicious world of seafood production.

A Surge in Demand for Educational Tours

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, TSG resumed hosting educational tours in 2023, and the response has been overwhelming. Since reopening these tours in April 2025, they’ve received several inquiries each week, offering ten tours in September alone. With ticket prices ranging from $18 to $40, visitors also receive a goodie bag of TSG's products worth $15.

Mr. Erik Lee, TSG's brand manager, remarked, "The greatest reward is the positive feedback from visitors; it affirms our commitment to teaching others something new during their visit." Due to limited space, each tour can only accommodate up to 40 people.

Library Tours: A Hidden Gem!

The trend isn't limited to factories. A special behind-the-scenes tour at the National Library Board's Library Supply Centre in Changi saw all 200 slots booked within a week. These insightful tours revealed the inner workings of library operations, from processing materials to managing catalogues, captivating participants eager to learn more about their local libraries.

Diverse Tours for a Curious Public

Singapore is bustling with exciting factory tours offered by various organizations. For instance, PacificLight Power's plant tours have vastly increased in popularity, accommodating 600 visitors in 2024 alone, compared to just 100 in its first year. This growing interest helps deepen public understanding of energy generation and sustainability.

Under the banner of My Community, over 4,000 participants have joined roughly 140 factory tours since 2022. These excursions showcase everything from Singapore Post's mail processing centre to Tower Transit’s bus depot, revealing the dedication and skill behind everyday operations.

Building Connections in the Community

Tower Transit Singapore has been actively engaging with the public through its guided tours at Bulim Bus Depot since 2023. Visitors explore restricted areas, including maintenance bays and operations control centers, and meet the talented individuals who ensure a safe journey for commuters.

Meanwhile, Yakult Singapore has attracted over 500,000 visitors to its production facility since its launch. The demand for these family-friendly educational tours continues to spike, partly fueled by curiosity about the health benefits of probiotic drinks.

The Community's Call for More Tours

Retired musician Trevor Sze, who visited TSG, believes more such tours should be available in Singapore. "These experiences are incredibly educational and foster trust by showcasing the professionalism and hygiene standards in place," he noted.

With more people seeking unique and educational experiences, the fascination with factory tours is just the beginning. As these behind-the-scenes experiences continue to skyrocket in popularity, businesses are successfully bridging the gap between themselves and the community.