Good afternoon everyone!

I've been reading the forum for a while and wondered if might be able to help.
I have been religiously hoarding my MR points (50K) and a stash of VS points (8K). I know these a relatively low numbers compared to some sums I've seen but I m just starting!

I am trying to understand the best way to leverage those points to fly to Singapore in Dec '18 and I was looking for someone to validate my assumptions.
1. You get a better value using your points to upgrade rather than book with points.
1. three airlines are available Emirates, BA and SG.
2. booking with SA might enable me to use my VA points (Although I've read SA are very difficult with partner points)

My minimum alternative is to book economy with SA direct using no points @900£. However I was hoping someone might be able to educate me on a way to leverage my points to either upgrade or get a good value on my points?

Thanks for the help!