Ask someone what Yishun is famous for today, and chances are they'll mention Northpoint City, Chong Pang's food scene or Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

But long before shopping malls and HDB blocks, pineapples put Yishun on the map.

More than a century ago, entrepreneur Lim Nee Soon — better known as Singapore's "Pineapple King"—owned sprawling pineapple and rubber plantations in the area. His influence was so significant that the area became known as Nee Soon after him, before later being renamed Yishun, making pineapples an enduring part of the town's heritage.

Welcome to Northpoint City!

This August, Northpoint City is bringing that forgotten story to life with Ong Lye Rush Returns. Ong Lye takes its name from the Hokkien pronunciation of pineapple ("ong lai"), a homophone for the auspicious phrase "prosperity comes". Inspired by Yishun's pineapple heritage, the campaign transforms this slice of local history into a vibrant celebration filled with interactive games, family-friendly activities, Japanese summer festival treats and rewarding shopping experiences.

Whether you're planning a family outing, catching up with friends over the National Day weekend or simply looking for something different to do, here's why Northpoint City deserves a spot on your itinerary.

The best way to experience the campaign? Make a beeline for The Great Pineapple Scoop.

From Aug 4 to 16, spend $50 in a single same-day transaction to earn your shot at the game. You'll have just 20 seconds to scoop as many pineapples as you can from the giant pineapple pit—but it's the elusive golden pineapple you'll really want to find. Scoop one up, and you'll score an exclusive Ong Lye Plushie Blind Box to take home.

Take a wefie with Mr Ong Lye. 

No pineapple celebration would be complete without its star. Keep an eye out for Mr Ong Lye, Northpoint City's new cheerful pineapple mascot inspired by the neighbourhood's heritage, as he makes special appearances during the National Day long weekend in an exclusive National Day outfit. It's the perfect excuse to snap a family photo — or simply embrace your inner child.

Meet Mr Ong Lye on the following dates and timings:

Aug 8 and 10: 3pm and 5pm

Aug 9: 1pm and 3pm

Are in the mood to play a game of Tam Jiak Food Catch?

If you miss the main activity zone, don't worry. From Aug 17-Sep 13, Tam Jiak Food Catch and the interactive photo booth will continue at the Level 1 walkway outside Sa Sa, keeping the fun going for everyone.

Just when you think there's already plenty to see, Northpoint City adds another reason to visit. From Aug 25 - Sep 6, the Isetan’s Summer Festival transforms the South Atrium into a lively Japanese summer festival complete with traditional lanterns and authentic street food prepared by vendors from Japan.

Pineapple-flavoured warabimochi from famed Japanese confectioner, Bashodo.

Tuck into festival favourites such as takoyaki, taiyaki, warabimochi andd premium matcha treats, while adventurous foodies can also look forward to newer offerings including Canele, Curry Croquettes and fruit-flavoured Sake.

In a nod to the campaign's pineapple theme, the fair will also feature exclusive pineapple-inspired creations like Warabi Manjyu pineapple, pineapple brown sugar steamed cakes and mini pineapple taiyaki—available only at Northpoint City.

Plus, you can catch Mr Ong Lye at Isetan’s Summer Festival at Level 1, South Atrium during the following timings:

Aug 28: 1pm and 2pm

Aug 29 and Sep 5: 2pm and 3pm

Sep 6: 4pm and 5pm

Shop at Northpoint City and you stand to win prizes, like these exclusive Ong Lye plushies.

Of course, a trip to Northpoint City wouldn't be complete without a little retail therapy. Frasers Experience (FRx) members who spend $200 (or $250 with supermarket spending) can take part in our Play & Win game to win attractive prizes, including FRs Gift Cards, retailer vouchers, dining vouchers or the exclusive Ong Lye Plushie Blind Boxes. FRx50+ members can also receive an additional $5 FRx Gift Card, while stocks last, making the experience even more rewarding. Find out more here.

So the next time someone asks what pineapples have to do with Yishun, you'll have a story to tell—and perhaps even an adorable Ong Lye plush to show for it.

And here’s a bonus: Present this article at Northpoint City’s Concierge at Level 2 (North Wing) and receive a coffee/tea voucher from Old Tea Hut. This treat is valid until Aug 31, while stocks last.