Keep the trust with Singaporeans

Inside: Listing of PAP MPs and Branch Chairs

A Q U A R T E R LY P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E P E O P L E ' S A C T I O N P A R T Y

December 2017

KEEP THE TRUST WITH S’POREANS Tampines North Branch’s innovative community service initiatives

MPs Louis Ng & Tan Wu Meng on how they serve their residents

pg20

pg27 & 28

INSIDE: More help for PMETs

Desmond Lee: Let kids learn from nature pg16

04 PUBLICITY AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Lawrence Wong (Chairman) Desmond Lee Chee Hong Tat Seah Kian Peng Lim Wee Kiak Baey Yam Keng Zaqy Mohamad Janil Puthucheary Chiang Heng Liang Diana Pang Hamidah Aidillah Benjamin Tay Teo Lin Lee Adrian Liew Editor Chee Li Foong Editorial and Design Focus Publishing Limited (Tel: 6319-2392) Printer KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Photos Singapore Press Holdings, istockphoto.com

MCI (P) 180/03/2017 Petir is published by the People’s Action Party Central Executive Committee. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the PAP or the Government. All rights reserved.

PAP Headquarters Block 57B, New Upper Changi Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Singapore 463057 Telephone: 6244-4600 Telefax: 6243-0114 Internet: www.pap.org.sg Please send feedback, suggestions and comments to paphq@pap.org.sg.

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December 2017

COVER STORY

PAP Awards and Convention 2017

Deepen trust with the people, never break it PAP Secretary-General, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, emphasises the need to maintain the long-held trust between the party and Singaporeans. Four young speakers share their thoughts on issues critical to Singapore’s stability, survival and success. * Also in Chinese, Malay and Tamil

Strengthening PAP-NTUC ties for the future NTUC is grateful the PAP leadership is committed to the special ties between the labour movement and the party.

Paying tribute to our activists Ƥ Ǧ their unstinting contributions to the PAP.

15

SPECIAL

Changes to PAP CEC and PAP.SG Ǧ Ƥ Halimah Yacob after she resigned to contest the presidential election.

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CONVERSATION

Getting children out into the sun Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr Desmond Lee, is all for children going outdoors to learn more positive attributes.

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GROUNDWORK PCF Community Foundation

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Branching Out

Pumped up with enthusiasm Tampines North Branch bustles with innovative community service programmes to help needy residents.

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PAP Policy Forum

Many helping hands for PMETs The Government has a raft of programmes to help vulnerable PMETs adapt to new jobs.

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Young PAP

Relooking at Singapore’s social compact The social compact might have to be tweaked to meet the needs of future generations.

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Backbencher’s Bite

Hands-on MP MP Mr Louis Ng creates warmth and companionship for residents and foreign workers in his Nee Soon East ward.

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Backbencher’s Bite

Listening to Clementi’s heartbeat Viewing things through the eyes of the people guides MP Dr Tan Wu Meng in looking after his Clementi ward residents.

All-rounded programme for PCF pre-schools Children will get to enjoy the arts and sports to give them an all-rounded education.

DECEMBER 2017

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Deepen trust with the

never break it

people, “Party members must stay humble and be connected to the ground, so that we are always close to the concerns of Singaporeans, and we earn the right to speak for them and they feel that we are their spokesperson, their champions.”

— PM Lee urging all PAP members to maintain the trust of Singaporeans.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed over 2,000 activists at the PAP Party Awards and Convention on Nov 19, 2017 where he emphasised the need to safeguard the trust between the party and Singaporeans. Mr Lee, who is also the party’s Secretary-General, called for the strengthening of the longstanding symbiotic relationship between the PAP and labour movement.

Petir takes a closer look at the key issues raised by Mr Lee. 4

December 2017

Protecting Singapore’s interests While Singapore is friends with many countries, it must take Dz ǡ ƪ ǡdz said Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong. Dz ƪ ǡ ǡ ǡdz said.

He observed how other countries such as Australia are worried ƪ ǡ ƪ ͜͢͞͝ platforms. ǡ ơ taken to prevent it from happening to us, said Mr Lee, who is the party’s Secretary-General.

Singaporeans have to understand what our core interests are, so that “when we are put to the test, we will stay united and back the Government. Then, we can stand our ground and defend ‹Â?Â‰ÂƒÂ’Â‘Â”Â‡ÇŻÂ• ‹Â?–‡”‡•–• ĥ ‘Â?‡ •‹Â?‰Ž‡ …‘Š‡•‹˜‡ …‘—Â?–”›ǥdz •ƒ‹† –Š‡ Ǥ

Take long-term view of relations Singapore’s relations with its neighbours and other countries, big and small, around the world, will experience its ups and downs but it is important that the fundamental approach remains the same.

Mr Lee said Singapore should take a long-term view and work –‘™ƒ”†• ‰‘‘† ”‡Žƒ–‹‘Â?• –Šƒ– „‡Â?‡Ƥ– „‘–Š •‹†‡•Ǥ “When relations are going well, we should not take them for granted. More importantly, when relations are down, we must not ‰‡– ƪ—•–‡”‡† ‘” …‘™‡”ǥdz Š‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ Mr Lee, who visited China in September and the US in October, said Singapore’s relations with both superpowers are in good order.

Similarly, Singapore’s bilateral ties with Malaysia and Indonesia are good, he said.

PAP must maintain people’s trust Š‡ ‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ ™Š‹…Š Šƒ• Šƒ† ƒ „—•› –™‘ ›‡ƒ”• •‹Â?…‡ ͜͞Í?ÍĄÇĄ

will continue to have a full agenda for the rest of this term – upgrade the economy, create good jobs, build infrastructure, prepare for an ageing society – and Mr Lee said the key to implementing these policies well is to get the politics right. “The people must support the PAP. Most of all, they must trust the PAP. They must know the PAP cares about them, and is working –‘ ‹Â?’”‘˜‡ –Š‡‹” ÂŽÂ‹Â˜Â‡Â•ÇĄÇł Š‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ Mr Lee pointed out the Government has to make hard choices ƒÂ?† –ƒÂ?‡ †‹Ƽ…—Ž– †‡…‹•‹‘Â?• ˆ”‘Â? –‹Â?‡ –‘ –‹Â?‡ǥ ƒÂ?† –Šƒ– ‹• ™Š‡Â? ‹– has to be transparent and explain the policies well.

The people and the PAP, he noted, share a legacy of strong –”—•– –Šƒ– ™ƒ• „—‹Ž– —’ ‘˜‡” Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? Í˘Íœ ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ – ™ƒ• ƒ…Š‹‡˜‡† „› the party working with the people, delivering results and getting –Š”‘—‰Š †‹Ƽ…—Ž– ’‘Ž‹…‹‡• •—…Š ĥ ƒ–‹‘Â?ƒŽ ‡”˜‹…‡ ƒÂ?† Ǥ “Because we have been frank and honest, you know the PAP means what it says, and delivers on what it promises. The PAP earned the people’s trust the hard way, and we must never take it ˆ‘” ‰”ƒÂ?–‡† ‘” ˆ”‹––‡” ‹– ÂƒÂ™ÂƒÂ›ÇĄÇł •ƒ‹† ” ‡‡Ǥ He cited how many countries in the West have experienced a breakdown in trust between the main political parties and their citizens. The Conservative and Labour parties in the UK, and –Š‡ ‡’—„Ž‹…ƒÂ?• ƒÂ?† ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–• ‹Â? –Š‡ ÇĄ ƒ”‡ DzÂ?‘ Ž‘Â?‰‡” •‡‡Â? –‘ ”‡’”‡•‡Â?– –Š‡ …‘Â?Â?‘Â? Â?ƒÂ?ǯ• ‹Â?–‡”‡•–•dzǥ Š‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ

“PAP has always had a close, symbiotic relationship with the unions that spans decades...Because we stayed together, the country thrived and people’s lives improved...This relationship must be nurtured at the leadership level...and PAP younger ministers will work more closely with the NTUC.� — PM Lee on the importance of close links between the PAP and NTUC.

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The people’s champion The PM stressed: “We must never let this happen in Singapore. Š‡ Â?—•– ƒŽ™ƒ›• ’—”•—‡ ’‘Ž‹…‹‡• –Šƒ– „‡Â?‡Ƥ– –Š‡ „”‘ƒ† majority of Singaporeans. We must always hold the ground, stay …Ž‘•‡ –‘ ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ƒÂ?•ǥ ƒÂ?† Â?ƒ‹Â?–ƒ‹Â? –Š‡‹” –”—•– ƒÂ?† …‘Â?Ƥ†‡Â?…‡Ǥ Voters must always know that the PAP is their party, the PAP will work with you and look after your interests. “In the coming years, this trust between the PAP and the people will be tested, but it will be more important than ever. Like other …‘—Â?–”‹‡•ǥ ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ –‘‘ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‡Â† „› •‘…‹ƒŽ ƒÂ?† ‡…‘Â?‘Â?‹… disruptions. But unlike other countries, in dealing with these challenges, we must hold together and not pull apart. “We need good policies to help Singaporeans cope with these changes. We also need the good politics. MPs who represent †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– •‡‰Â?‡Â?–• ‘ˆ •‘…‹‡–›ǥ • ™Š‘Â? ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ƒÂ?• ™‹ŽŽ ‹†‡Â?–‹ˆ› with and support. Activists who do community and grassroots work †ƒ› ‹Â? ƒÂ?† †ƒ› ‘—–ǥ ‹Â? ‡˜‡”› „”ƒÂ?…Š ƒÂ?† ‹Â? ‡˜‡”› …‘Â?•–‹–—‡Â?…›ǥdz Š‡ said.

Earlier at the convention, four people – three activists and a union member – spoke on a range of topics, from jobs and the economy, maintaining Singapore’s place in the world, and the social compact between the Government and the people. The unionist talked about the special symbotic relationship between the PAP and the NTUC. “All four of these issues are critical to Singapore’s survival, •–ƒ„‹Ž‹–› ƒÂ?† •—……‡••ǥdz •ƒ‹† ” ‡‡ǥ ƒ††‹Â?‰ –Šƒ– Š‡ ™ƒ• ‰Žƒ† –Šƒ– –Š‡ younger generation was acutely aware of them.

–Š‡ Šƒ˜‡ ƒŽ™ƒ›• •–‡’’‡† —’ǥdz ’‘‹Â?–‡† ‘—– ” ‡‡Ǥ This relationship must be nurtured at the leadership level, and this is why Mr Lee has asked his younger ministers to work more closely with the NTUC. ƒ…Š ‘ˆ –Š‡ ˆ‘—”–Š ‰‡Â?‡”ƒ–‹‘Â? Â?‹Â?‹•–‡”• ™‹ŽŽ –ƒÂ?‡ ‘Â? ƒ •’‡…‹Ƥ… partnership with the labour movement, and the younger PAP Members of Parliament will be involved as well.

In his Chinese speech, Mr Lee noted that while there are about two to three years to go until the next general election, the hard work has to begin now.

"If we continue to want a strong mandate, win the opportunity –‘ •‡”˜‡ –Š‡ ’‡‘’Ž‡ǥ –Š‹• †‡’‡Â?†• ‘Â? –Š‡ …‘Â?–‹Â?—‘—• ‡ƥ‘”–• ƒÂ?† …‘Â?–”‹„—–‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ ƒŽŽ Â?‡Â?„‡”•ǥdz Š‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ

Strengthen special PAP-NTUC ties The symbiotic relationship between the ruling party and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is more crucial than ever, as workers will need support to cope with the challenges brought about by economic disruption.

Mr Lee stressed that unions have to work with the PAP ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?–ǥ –‘ †‡˜‡Ž‘’ Â‡ĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‹Â˜Â‡ ’‘Ž‹…‹‡• –‘ Š‡Ž’ ™‘”Â?‡”• ƒÂ?† enable them to do the new jobs better. Workers will need all the help that unions can give them. ‡•…”‹„‹Â?‰ –Š‡ Žƒ„‘—” Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– ĥ ƒ Ç˛Â˜Â‡Â”Â› ‹Â?’‘”–ƒÂ?–dz ’ƒ”– ‘ˆ the PAP’s support base, the Secretary-General said the PAP has always had a close, symbiotic relationship with the unions that spans decades. Both sides have stood together to overcome tough –‹Â?‡• •—…Š ĥ –Š‡ ƒ”• ‡’‹†‡Â?‹… ƒÂ?† –Š‡ –™‘ ƤÂ?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ …”‹•‡•Ǥ “Because we stayed together, the country thrived, and people’s lives improved. Whenever Singapore faced a problem, the unions, 6

December 2017

Paying tribute to the PAP cadres and activists in his address, PAP Chairman Mr Khaw Boon Wan expressed gratitude for their unwavering loyalty. PM /HH H[SUHVVHG KLV Ĺ?IXOO VXSSRUW DQG FRQĆŠGHQFHĹž LQ 0U .KDZ ZKR LV WKH Transport Minister, and his team. Mr Lee said he has one of the toughest jobs in his Cabinet.

The four young speakers are (from extreme left): Ms Fang Eu Lin, Ms Asyifah Rashid, Mr Jagathishwaran Rajo and Mr David Tay.

Ms Asyifah Rashid Marsiling Branch

Singapore’s place in the world How can Singapore, amidst the many global uncertainties, rapid globalisation and rising competition, continue to ensure our survival as a multi-cultural society and still have a stake in the world?

As a country, we must continue to remain extraordinary. To be so, we need to equip ourselves with the right tools, resources and capabilities that would enable us to act quickly, innovate and make bold moves.

4RHMF NTQ FNNC QDOTS@SHNM NE ADHMF SQTRSVNQSGX QDKH@AKD @MC DƧBHDMS HS HR SHLD VD BNMRHCDQ RSQ@SDFHDR SN DƤDBSHUDKX ATHKC NM SGDRD @MC ADSSDQ ourselves further.

As individuals, we must strive to continually improve ourselves, upgrade our skillsets and think out of the box. In short, transform ourselves.

Four young speakers share

Ms Fang Eu-Lin

their thoughts at the PAP Awards and Convention 2017. We bring you excerpts from their speeches

Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Branch

Jobs and the economy Singapore is now facing new challenges which impact our economy and jobs. We need to adapt to ever-changing technology and employers are required to have a mindset change to provide employees with opportunities.

How we execute the strategies together will determine the outcome.

Our world now is far too complex to take the same path and journey at it alone. While Government can provide the strategic direction and means of support, it is important that we work together – employers and employees, to adapt, and to take jobs and skills development seriously.

Once we have the right strategies and workforce in place, we can safeguard an enduring economy.

At the same time, we need to strive towards being a more fair and inclusive society, giving a chance to all Singaporeans, and reaching out to SGNRD VGN G@UD E@KKDM NM CHƧBTKS SHLDR

Mr Jagathishwaran Rajo Zhenghua Branch

Social compact in Singapore Maintaining our social compact is important to us as a country. If this breaks down, we will lose a sense of rootedness and we have seen an example in Brexit where UK voters voted to withdraw from the European Union.

If we do not uphold our social compact well, our multi-racial society will be divided. Race, language and religion are fault lines that have torn L@MX RNBHDSHDR @O@QS (M LDQHB@ SGD BNLLTM@K CHƤDQDMBDR ADSVDDM

Mr David Tay Activist, Creative Media & Publishing Union

Strengthen symbiotic relationship between PAP and NTUC for stronger Singapore Almost 50 years ago, in 1969, at the NTUC Modernisation Seminar, the labour movement pledged to move beyond wage bargaining to become PAP’s symbiotic partner in nation-building.

PAP and NTUC developed a social compact.

NTUC eschewed confrontation and embraced collaboration.

(S RDMRDC SGD FQNTMC SN OQNUHCD EDDCA@BJ ENQ DƤDBSHUD @MC responsive governance. It mobilised support for the Government, including times when tough decisions need to be made.

In turn, the PAP-led Government leaned forward to take care of the labour movement by supporting its right to organise working people and support social enterprises to stretch the hard-earned dollar of workers. The Government also enacted pro-worker legislation.

This compact anchors our relationship, in the past and now.

Now, let’s embark on a journey to ignite a new wave of personal relationships between NTUC and PAP activists at every level, so that we can all bring our symbiotic relationship to even greater heights.

the whites and the rest continue to be a perennial problem. Hence, upholding our social compact is essential to our country.

Social compact is about our country serving us, as the people. As for us, the people serving our country, and us the people serving each other.

One of the PAP’s values is self-reliance. I urge that the party continues to emphasise the value of self-reliance.

Moving forward, our social policies should promote collective responsibility of the Government, businesses and individuals so that our social security system is sustainable. In order for our social compact to remain viable, our social policies should nurture responsible and QDRHKHDMS HMCHUHCT@KR SN RTOOKDLDMS SGD &NUDQMLDMSŗR DƤNQSR

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December 2017

ҔǰȺത˞ܺ৚ u ÍŽÎ‹Ç ŕ˘–ëşŽĚ‘Ň?Ä? ËĄâ€ŤÝ™â€ŹĆŻëşŽČ–Ć›â€Ť×źâ€Źŕť†ÓšŃłëť&#x;Ĺ˜Ó?Ä§ĆłŕŠ’ Í”â€Ť×Łâ€ŹÄœĆ™ÄŒŃ¤Ň„ëşŻĹ´ĎąĹœëť&#x;đҔǰĕ Č?ŘˆŕĽ¸Ä?ÎşÝ‰ÄˆÄŒÄ€Řˆâ€ŤÜ­â€ŹëşŻ qÄ‰Î§ÎşÝ‰ĐśĚ°Ç„Ć›ŕŽ¸ëşŻĹ–ČśÄ‘Ä€ Ä„ëť&#x;Ĺ´ÄśÎşÝ‰ĆąÎ€Ç„Ć›ŕŽ¸ëşŻĹ´ÄśÎşÝ‰ ƢƆëť&#x;Ç„Ć›ŕŽ¸ČąÄˇĹ´Äśëť&#x;á?˘ĆşĎ‘‍ړ‏ĉ Î§Ä€Ĺ€ĆœëşŻr qČ‚Ä§Ä ÄśÄ‚Ë‹ŕŹšß Ĺ ŕĄ„Ç°ëť&#x;Ç„Ć› ŕŽ¸ŇśĹœÎşÇ„ëť&#x;ģĂˢÄ?ᑞDŽܺ৚뺯DŽ Ć›ŕŽ¸Ç´Ç ŕś”ĐĽĆˇŇĽČżÄ‰Î§Ä€ĆąÎ€ëť&#x;ă ĊdzĉΧĀƹ΀˸ħȗǨȆƔëť&#x;͹dz Ě‹ŕŽ”á…?Ҏ뺯r ß?á‘§ăľšß•â€ŤÚ‡â€ŹŕŚšă•šá•¨âŽąă– ăˆ¨ ɽȗΞħëť&#x;Î?Ĺ?Ä ĹšĘ•Ç&#x;Óżŕź­ĹŤĹś Ć‘Ě€Ä‘Ę•ÄœÄ€ŕž˝ŐŽË†Ĺ˘Ç ŕ˘–Ę˝Ő?É­ÄŽ Ā‍Ϳץ‏ëť&#x;ŕ˘‰ŘˆŕŽ¸Ĺ Ć˝Ĺšâ€ŤÜĄâ€ŹĘ•É˝ÄœĆĽÇŽ Āդŀȹ͡ō༟Ȝđ뺯 Ĺ´ Öœ Ě— Ę• ĚŹ Ä„ Ç„ Ć› ஸ ‍ ם‏ۜ ‍ ×źâ€Źŕť† qπˊȜđrÄ€Ä‚Ö ëť&#x;ĚžĘˆĹ­ÄŽëť&#x;Ç„ Ć›ŕŽ¸Ĺ â€ŤÜĄâ€ŹÉ˝Ä‚Ë˘Ě?ÄˆĎ€ËŠâ€ŤÝ§â€ŹĐžÄ€Ő¤Ĺ€ ȹ͡뺯 Ä•ĆžČąÍˇÎşÝ‰Ä‡Ę Ö˘â€ŤÚ?â€ŹÇšŕŚžâ€ŤŘ˘â€ŹÓ?á˘˜ ੰëť&#x;Č‚Ë¤â€ŤÜĽâ€ŹÎ’ÇĽÄ‘Ě‚ČşĹ­ÎœËŒÇĽČ‰â€ŤÜĄâ€Ź ɽ‍ݧ‏ОʸÇ&#x;ëť&#x;Ć˛ĘžÇ‰Ë—ÍłËŒÇĽÄ?đȉ Ę•ĚŹÓšÓ?ԚċƜǚਙ޾ȹ͡ëť&#x;Ç„Ć›ŕŽ¸ Ä€Ĺ­Îœâ€ŤË´Úąâ€ŹÄŁÄœĎŠČ‰Ä•Ä‹Í´Ű—ëşŻ

Perdana Menteri Encik Lee Hsien Loong berucap di depan lebih 2,000 anggota di Konvensyen dan Penganugerahan Anugerah Parti PAP pada 19 Nov 2017 di mana beliau menekankan pentingnya mempertahan kepercayaan antara parti dan rakyat.

Petir menyorot perkara penting yang ditimbulkan Encik Lee, yang merupakan Setiausaha Agung parti.

Mempertahan kepentingan Singapura Walaupun Singapura bersahabat dengan banyak negara, ia mesti menjaga “untuk tidak berada di bawah kuasa atau pengaruh ƒ•‹Â?‰ǥdz Â?ƒ–ƒ ‡”†ƒÂ?ƒ ‡Â?–‡”‹ Â?…‹Â? ‡‡ Hsien Loong. “Tidak harus ada negara asing yang boleh mempengaruhi perbahasan domestik atau politik dalam negara kita, atau memecahkan dan melemahkan kita, sama ƒ†ƒ •‡…ƒ”ƒ –‡”„—Â?ƒ ƒ–ƒ—’—Â? •‡…ƒ”ƒ •‡Â?Â›ÂƒÂ’ÇĄÇł katanya.

Beliau menarik perhatian tentang bagaimana negara-negara lain seperti Australia yang bimbang tentang pengaruh asing, dan Amerika Syarikat menuduh —••‹ƒ …—„ƒ Â?‡Â?’‡Â?‰ƒ”—Š‹ ’‹Ž‹ŠƒÂ? ”ƒ›ƒ ’”‡•‹†‡Â? ͜͞Í?͢ Â?‡Â?‡”—•‹ ™ƒ†ƒŠ Â?‡†‹ƒ sosial.

Ini juga boleh berlaku ke atas Singapura, dan setiap langkah harus diambil untuk mencegahnya daripada berlaku, kata Encik Lee. ƒ�›ƒ– ‹�‰ƒ’—”ƒ �‡•–‹ ˆƒŠƒ� ƒ�ƒ�

Perkukuh ikatan dengan rakyat, jangan diputuskan keutamaan kita, supaya “apabila kita diuji, kita akan kekal bersatu dan mempertahan Pemerintah. Dengan demikian, kita boleh kekal dengan pendirian kita dan mempertahankan kepentingan Singapura •‡„ƒ‰ƒ‹ •‡„—ƒŠ Â?‡‰ƒ”ƒ ›ƒÂ?‰ Â„Â‡Â”Â•ÂƒÂ–Â—ÇŚÂ’ÂƒÂ†Â—ÇĄÇł kata PM. Menyentuh tentang hubungan Singapura dengan negara jiran dan negaranegara lain di serata dunia, beliau berkata mereka juga akan mengalami pasang surut tetapi adalah penting untuk mengekalkan pendekatan asas yang serupa. “Apabila hubungan berjalan dengan baik, kita tidak harus ambil ringan. Lebih penting lagi, apabila hubungan tergugat, Â?‹–ƒ –‹†ƒÂ? Šƒ”—• ‰‡Žƒ„ƒŠ ƒ–ƒ— –ƒÂ?—–ǥdz ujarnya.

Hubungan dengan China dan Amerika Syarikat, dan negara jiran Malaysia dan Indonesia adalah baik, katanya lagi.

PAP mesti kekalkan kepercayaan rakyat Pemerintah yang menghadapi keadaan

yang sibuk sepanjang dua tahun ini sejak

͜͞Í?ÍĄÇĄ ƒÂ?ƒÂ? –‡”—• Â?‡Â?‰Šƒ†ƒ’‹ ƒ‰‡Â?†ƒ yang penuh sepanjang penggal ini – mempertingkat ekonomi, mewujudkan pekerjaan yang baik, membangun prasarana, mempersiap masyarakat yang semakin tua – dan Encik Lee berkata, kunci utama pelaksanaan dasar-dasar ini adalah dengan memastikan pendekatan politik adalah betul. Dz ƒÂ?›ƒ– Â?‡•–‹ Â?‡Â?›‘Â?‘Â?‰ Ǥ ‡„‹Š penting lagi, mereka mesti percaya kepada PAP. Mereka mesti tahu bahawa PAP peduli tentang mereka, dan bekerja —Â?–—Â? Â?‡Â?’‡”–‹Â?‰Â?ƒ– Â?‡Š‹†—’ƒÂ? Â?‡”‡Â?ÂƒÇĄÇł katanya. “Oleh kerana kita bersikap jujur dan berterus-terang, anda tahu bahawa PAP mengotakan apa yang dikatakannya, dan menunaikan apa yang dijanjinya. PAP mendapatkan kepercayaan rakyat dengan cara yang sukar, dan kita tidak harus menerimanya secara sambil lewa, dan kita tidak boleh membiarkannya begitu Â•ÂƒÂŠÂƒÂŒÂƒÇ¤ÇĄÇł Â?ƒ–ƒ Â?…‹Â? ‡‡Ǥ

Memperkukuh ikatan istimewa PAP-NTUC Hubungan rapat antara parti pemerintah dan Kongres Kesatuan Sekerja Kebangsaan (NTUC) adalah amat genting sekali, kerana pekerja memerlukan sokongan dalam menangani cabaran yang disebabkan oleh gangguan ekonomi.

Menyifatkan pergerakan buruh sebagai bahagian asas sokongan yang “amat ’‡Â?–‹Â?‰dzǥ ‡–‹ƒ—•ƒŠƒ ‰—Â?‰ „‡”Â?ƒ–ƒ ‹ƒ sering menikmati hubungan simbiotik yang rapat dengan kesatuan sekerja yang telah berjalan selama berdekad-dekad.

Hubungan ini mesti dipupuk di peringkat kepimpinan dan kerana itu Encik Lee telah mengarahkan menteri-menteri mudanya agar bekerja rapat dengan NTUC. Setiap menteri generasi keempat akan membentuk kerjasama khusus dengan pergerakan buruh, dan Anggota Parlimen PAP yang muda akan juga terlibat sama.

December 2017

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COVER STORY

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December 2017

NTUC delegates receive rousing welcome at the PAP Convention.

Strengthening PAP-NTUC ties for the future

BY RAMESH SUBBARAMAN

renewed call to strengthen the symbiotic ties between the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and the labour movement was made at the PAP Awards and Convention ͜͞Í?ÍŁ ‘Â? ‘˜ Í?ÍĽ „› Â‡Â…Â”Â‡Â–ÂƒÂ”Â›ÇŚ ‡Â?‡”ƒŽ ƒÂ?† ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡” ‡‡ Hsien Loong.

He noted the labour movement is a very important part of the ̽• •—’’‘”– „ƒ•‡Ǥ Š‹• ›‡ƒ” •ƒ™ ƒ Žƒ”‰‡ †‡Ž‡‰ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ •‘Â?‡ ÍžÍĄÍœ NTUC leaders from the NTUC Central Committee and various unions attend the convention. “I am happy to see the unions represented in force at the …‘Â?˜‡Â?–‹‘Â? –Š‹• Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÇĄÇł •ƒ‹† ‡‡ǥ ƒ††”‡••‹Â?‰ •‘Â?‡ ÍžÇĄÍœÍœÍœ ’ƒ”–› activists and participants from the labour movement.

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of Parliament. “This will also be a key testing ground for us to identify and develop our future leaders and to maintain the close partnership between the party and the unions for succeeding generations of ÂŽÂ‡ÂƒÂ†Â‡Â”Â•ÇĄÇł ‡Â?’Šƒ•‹•‡† ‡‡Ǥ Following up on Mr Lee’s suggestion, NTUC issued a statement ‘Â? ‘˜ ÍžÍ?ÇĄ •ƒ›‹Â?‰ –Šƒ– ‡Â?‡”‰‹Â?‰ ‡…‘Â?‘Â?‹… …ŠƒŽŽ‡Â?‰‡• ”‡“—‹”‡ „‘–Š partners to strengthen their symbiotic ties more than ever. “Successive generations of labour movement and PAP leaders must share the same understanding of this symbiotic relationship and work together to help our workers overcome the economic …ŠƒŽŽ‡Â?‰‡•ǥdz •ƒ‹† Ǥ

Maintaining the relationship

Advisory roles

PM Lee noted that the older union leaders who had worked closely with the PAP government understood the relationship well and strengthened it.

He added that NTUC must build this same understanding into the minds of the new generation of union leaders, so that they will continue to work closely with the PAP in the years to come.

As such, there is also a need to nurture this symbiotic relationship at the leadership levels of both the party and the labour movement.

PM Lee noted that at the NTUC Ordinary Delegates' ‘Â?ˆ‡”‡Â?…‡ ‘Â? ‘˜ Í?ÍĄÇĄ ͜͞Í?ÍŁÇĄ Šƒ† ƒÂ?Â?‘—Â?…‡† –Šƒ– ˆ‘—”–Š ‰‡Â?‡”ƒ–‹‘Â? Â?‹Â?‹•–‡”• ™‹ŽŽ –ƒÂ?‡ ‘Â? •’‡…‹Ƥ… ’ƒ”–Â?‡”•Š‹’• ™‹–Š –Š‡ labour movement.

He had asked the younger ministers to work more closely with the labour movement, and this will also include younger Members

All PAP MPs, where possible, will take on advisory roles in the unions and U Associate networks and work with the Žƒ„‘—” Â?‘˜‡Â?‡Â?–Ǥ —„Ž‹… Ƽ…‡ ‘Ž†‡”• Č‹ ČŒ ™‹ŽŽ ƒŽ•‘ –ƒÂ?‡ on additional advisory roles and help various segments of the labour movement family transform to become more relevant and representative for all workers, said NTUC. “NTUC is grateful to the POHs who are contributing their time and talent to work with our labour movement in these times of rapid change and help us evolve our services and methods to better take care of all working people in Singapore. This is a testimony to the unwavering commitment of the PAP leaders to be always on –Š‡ •‹†‡ ‘ˆ ‘—” ™‘”Â?‹Â?‰ ’‡‘’Ž‡ǥdz ‹– ƒ††‡†Ǥ 7KH DUWLFOH ZDV ĆŠUVW SXEOLVKHG RQ 178& 7KLV :HHN RQ 1RY This is an edited version.

December 2017

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COVER STORY Dedicated Service See our awardees in action

Wong Tai Ping, 71 Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru Branch

Paying tribute to our activists

A total of 359 activists were recognised for their contributions at the PAP Awards and Convention on Nov 19, 2017. A PAP.SG medal has been created this year to recognise the role of our activists in raising awareness and support of elderly-related issues, making it a total of nine award categories.

Petir speaks to some of the award winners.

Mr Wong (centre) meets an old army buddy when he was on a walkabout with Tanjong Pagar GRC MP, Ms Indranee Rajah, at a hawker centre.

y the end of this year, Mr Wong Tai Ping would have dedicated about half his life to helping at the PAP Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru Branch. He started initially ͥͤ͝͝ also joined the PAP branch and other grassroots organisations.

He also helped out at the meet-the-people sessions, visits to residents and other branch and grassroots activities. Ƥ Singapore’s founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew who always emphasised the value of serving from the heart, with honesty and altruism. Tanjong Pagar grassroots veterans witnessed at

B Celebrating electoral victory with Hong Kah GRC MPs in GE2006. Mr Low (third from right with spectacles) hoisted Mr Yeo Cheow Tong aloft.

PAP.SG Award

Low Peng Kit, 69 Yew Tee Branch

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aying it forward is what keeps Mr Low Peng Kit serving in grassroots organisations and various PAP branches for more than 30 years. Growing up in a humble background, his family struggled to make ends meet. Bursaries and donations allowed him to complete his studies until his ƥQRS XD@Q @S RDMHNQ GHFG RBGNNK 'D G@C SN VNQJ at an early age to support himself and his family. Years later, he obtained a management diploma from a Taiwan university.

The veteran activist began as a Boon Lay grassroots volunteer, then joined PAP in 1985

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December 2017

“We have been raising more than $100,000 worth of bursaries every year for needy students in Yew Tee. It is heartening to see them complete their studies and realise their aspirations because I too came from a similar background and KDYH EHQHƩWWHG WUHPHQGRXVO\ IURP RWKHU SHRSOHśV NLQGQHVV Ş -Mr Low Peng Kit and went on to serve at Hong Kah, Hong Kah South and eventually, Yew Tee where he has been since its formation in 1997.

Four years ago at the age of 65, he retired as chairman of the Yew Tee Citizens’ Consultative Committee. Although older now, Mr Lim remains active in the PAP – and serves as chairman of the Yew Tee Active Ageing Committee. He has also been a Lead representative of North West District in the PAP. SG Exco since its inception in December 2013.

During his long years with the PAP, Mr Low had served former Minister Yeo Cheow Tong

for almost all his political career, starting from the time that he entered politics in 1984 and became an MP for Hong Kah constituency. The following year, Mr Yeo was appointed Minister of State, at the Ministries of Health and Foreign Ƥ@HQR A good example of active ageing, Mr Low is the director of two medical clinics and also manages an education centre. The FQ@MCE@SGDQ NE ƥUD ƥMCR RNK@BD @MC HMROHQ@SHNM in Chinese literature and calligraphy during his leisure time, and is director of the Singapore Calligraphy Centre.

Ć¤Â”Â•Â–ÇŚÂŠÂƒÂ?† Š‘™ ” ‡‡̽• ˜ƒŽ—‡• and ideals have transformed Singapore.

Now the vice-chairman of Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru Branch, Mr Wong said he is ‰”ƒ–‡ˆ—Ž –‘ • Â?†”ƒÂ?‡‡ ÂƒÂŒÂƒÂŠÇĄ the current Branch chairman and grassroots adviser for her guidance and also to Mr Freddy Ang, the Branch secretary, and activists for their contributions ™Š‹…Š „‡Â?‡Ƥ– –Š‡ ”‡•‹†‡Â?–•Ǥ Mr Ang described him as “a dedicated senior who takes pride in his work, works well with people of all ages...is capable of juggling Â?ƒÂ?› •‹–—ƒ–‹‘Â?• ™‹–Š Â‡ÂƒÂ•Â‡Ç¤Çł

Commendation Medal

Jayakumar Narayanan, 62 Chong Pang Branch

is father, who was an active grassroots member of Sembawang and had served former MP and Minister, Dr Tony Tan, in the ward, inspired Mr Jayakumar Narayanan to join the PAP. Mr Kumar, who has been at Chong Pang for ͤ͞ Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”Â•ÇĄ „‡…ƒÂ?‡ –Š‡ „”ƒÂ?…Šǯ• Â˜Â‹Â…Â‡ÇŚÂ…ÂŠÂƒÂ‹Â”Â?ƒÂ? earlier this year. Prior to that, he was the „”ƒÂ?…Š •‡…”‡–ƒ”› „‡–™‡‡Â? ͜͞Í?ÍĄ ƒÂ?† ͜͞Í?ͣǤ He attends the meet-the-people sessions (MPS) every Tuesday, interacting with residents who need assistance. “I feel a sense of satisfaction when I know the volunteers and

Šƒ˜‡ Â?ƒÂ?ƒ‰‡† –‘ Â?ƒÂ?‡ ƒ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?…‡ ‹Â? ‘—” residents’ lives.

One incident which has stayed on his Â?‹Â?† ™ƒ• –Š‡ …ƒ•‡ ‘ˆ ƒ ”‡•‹†‡Â?– ™Š‘ •—ƥ‡”‡† from kidney failure and has to go for dialysis –”‡ƒ–Â?‡Â?–Ǥ Š‡ ™ƒ• ˆ”—•–”ƒ–‡† ƒ– Â?‘– ƤÂ?†‹Â?‰ transport to bring her for treatment. “Incidentally, we met another resident in the same block who is a taxi driver. Naturally, we ’ƒ‹”‡† –Š‡ –™‘ ‘ˆ –Š‡Â? —’Ǥdz These days, the taxi driver ferries her back-

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“Having witnessed the dramatic transformation of Singapore, I believe the institutions and policies put in place by PAP are the best possible for our next generation and Singapore’s ORQJ WHUP GHYHORSPHQW Ĺž -Mr Wong Tai Ping

Women’s Wing Medal

Lee Mui Ling, 42 Cashew Branch

Ms Lee (far left, squatting), mooted the idea of bringing the kids to visit the elderly who need company so that they learn empathy from young.

Mr Kumar derives great pleasure in helping his fellow residents.

ƒÂ?Â†ÇŚÂˆÂ‘Â”Â–ÂŠ ˆ‘” –”‡ƒ–Â?‡Â?– Ȇ ƒ– Â?‘ …‘•– –‘ Š‡”Ǥ “We serve as a bridge to connect neighbours who can help one another,’’ points out Mr Kumar. ‡ ‹• “—‹…Â? –‘ ƒ†† –Šƒ– ‡˜‡”›–Š‹Â?‰ that he has done is with the support of his wonderful team. Like his father who inspired him, the virtue of serving has come full circle. These days, his siblings and in-laws are involved in MPS and other community activities.

s Lee Mui Ling started her career as a PAP Community Foundation (PCF) kindergarten teacher. She is currently chairing the PAP Women’s Wing (WW) of the Cashew

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Branch.

She said her career has been rewarding; be it taking care of the very young or caring for seniors who have served and toiled for the country.

As chairman of the WW’s Cashew Branch, Ms Lee conceptualised the ‹†‡ƒ ‘ˆ ‹Â?˜‘Ž˜‹Â?‰ ›‘—Â?‰ …Š‹Ž†”‡Â? ‹Â? –Š‡ Dz –ƒ”– Â?ƒŽŽ ”‡ƒÂ? ‹‰dz Â’Â”Â‘ÂŒÂ‡Â…Â–ÇĄ which aims to promote volunteerism and inter-generational bonding.

The annual project, which kick-started last year, took the form of a donation drive where young children are encouraged to donate food and beverage items directly to the needy elderly in the community. This purposeful project has helped to forge bonds across the generations. “Having served both the young and old, I am glad to bring them together. Children can learn to respect and care for our elderly, and this ‰‹˜‡• Â?‡ ‰”‡ƒ– •ƒ–‹•ˆƒ…–‹‘Â?ÇĄÇł ‡š’Žƒ‹Â?‡† • ‡‡Ǥ Š‡ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? •‡”˜‹Â?‰ ƒ– –Š‡ ǯ• ƒ•Š‡™ ”ƒÂ?…Š ˆ‘” ͜͞ ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ

“By caring for others, I hope to set a good example for my children so that they will grow up XQGHUVWDQGLQJ WKH YDOXHV ZKLFK ZH LQKHULWHG IURP RXU IRUHIDWKHUV Ĺž -Ms Lee Mui Ling

December 2017

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COVER STORY Gold Medal

Youth Medal

Rosli bin Osman, 59

Jonathan Hoe Jun Xian, 27

Braddell Heights Branch

Tampines North Branch

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side from the usual weekly meetpeople sessions and house visits, have you heard about the free haircut service held on the last Sunday of every month in Tampines, which brings smiles to residents who need them?

Or the bi-annual free movie screening that makes the day for the less privileged children and families?

And the festive celebrations, potluck

Day that bring joy and warmth to the lower-income residents?

The kampung spirit of the good old days is being rekindled in Tampines North, thanks to activists like Jonathan Hoe and his fellow members in Young PAP (YP). ǡ ǡ ǣ Dz Ƥ ͜͜͞͝ ǡ myself. Now, the Tampines North Branch ͟͡ Ǥdz “When we serve, it is often our time, presence and attention that really matters ǡdz Ǥ banker, Mr Hoe comes from a less wellto-do family and received bursaries, a Ƥ studies and is grateful for the support.

He simply wishes to pay it forward.

dz ǯ attitude when it comes to helping his neighbours at Braddell Heights PAP Branch where he has been serving for ͢͞ Ǥ His activism journey began when he volunteered with the then Malay Activities Group. He also joined the PAP Braddell Heights Branch. “Also, I was interested in getting to know more about politics and how I can contribute positively towards the Ǥdz Currently, he mainly assists the Malay community in his branch. Many of them are unaware of the various platforms where they can seek help or contribute to society.

“I advise them accordingly so that they are Ǥdz “By interacting and assisting people, I get to see how they pick themselves up and contribute positively towards Singapore. Ƥ ǡdz ǡ Ǥ with the Braddell Heights Community Club Youth executive committee.

Mr Rosli is always ready to help his neighbours.

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December 2017

A Ms Leong: Never take our racial harmony for granted.

Long Service Medal (Bronze)

Leong Nicole Peta, 34 Siglap Branch

fter studying and living in the UK for a decade, Ms Leong Nicole Peta returned to Singapore and found herself appreciating Singapore’s Ǥ “Many may have taken our hard-earned racial harmony for granted because it ǡdz Ǥ Dz

countries, racial groups are segregated,

mainstream population which can cause Ǥdz “In contrast, it’s rather amazing to see ƥ and the people work together to make Ƥ ǡdz explained the Deputy Head of Business Development at Airbus Singapore.

As the chairperson for YP in Siglap, Ms Leong has been serving the branch since ͜͞​͜͡ Ǧ the-people sessions (MPS). Ƥ the homes of those who cannot come to the sessions. They could be someone who is aged, ill or busy parents who cannot leave their homes.

“A simple gesture like talking to the elderly, helping people to read and explain a letter or simply keeping them company for a brief moment gives me the satisfaction to be part of somebody’s life… it warms my heart and keeps me going because our Ǥdz

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Mr Hoe at an annual cycling trip organised by his branch recently.

SPECIAL

Changes to PAP CEC and PAP.SG Younger leaders appointed to the Party’s Central Executive Committee and seniors advocacy group

Mrs Teo, the Cabinet’s second female full minister, advocates the seeding of new approaches and capabilities in her work.

he PAP has announced changes to its highest decision-making body after the 34th PAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting on ͝​͝ǡ ͣ͜͞͝Ǥ In a statement, it said Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister in the Prime Minister’s ƥ ǡ Ǧ Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of Parliament, was appointed the new PAP.SG Chairman. Ƥ positions vacated by former CEC member Madam Halimah Yacob, who is now the President of Singapore.

Already the chairman of the PAP Community Foundation executive committee, Mrs Josephine Teo was

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Mr Tan, the country’s 10th Speaker of Parliament, wants to make parliamentary processes more accessible to the public.

͝ǡ ͣ͜͞͝Ǥ ơ Ǥ said: “I have been fortunate to contribute in various capacities. I hope to make a contribution too as a member of CEC in Ǥdz Mr Tan, who was co-opted into ͜͢͞͝ǡ portfolio as Minister for Social and Family ͣ͜͞͝Ǥ ̽ ͜͝ ͝​͝ǡ ͣ͜͞͝Ǥ

speech as Speaker, he pledged to facilitate robust debate, and urged Members of ƪ of the people.

Organising Secretary and Chair HQ Exco, Mr Chan Chun Sing, said in the statement: “The CEC would like to place on record the Party's appreciation to Mdm Ǥdz Halimah resigned from the party and its CEC, and also as MP and Speaker in August to contest the elected presidency.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok

to the Party’s senior wing. The statement said the CEC has accepted Mr Goh’s

guidance and support for PAP.SG in its formative years. PAP.SG was established in ͜͟͞͝Ǥ

December 2017

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CONVERSATION

DESMOND LEE Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development; MP for Jurong GRC Age: 41 Family: Wife, and three children, aged 3, 5 and 7.

Hobbies: Outdoor nature activities.

Getting children out into the sun Desmond Lee cares deeply about children, nature and creating hope for the future. The Minister for Social and Family Development also tells Petir that age is no barrier when it comes to connecting with people

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December 2017

he future Singaporean is one who will embody the spirit of the pioneer Singaporeans: one who is robust, has a sense of resilience, adventure, and who cares for the people and the environment around him.

ˆ ” ‡•Â?‘Â?† ‡‡ǥ Í Í?ÇĄ Šƒ• Š‹• Â™ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ –Š‡ Â?‡™Ž›njÂ?‹Â?–‡† ‹Â?‹•–‡” for Social and Family Development hopes to put more resources into creating transformative early childhood experiences for all Singaporean pre-schoolers, to shape future generations. Dz ƒ”Ž› …Š‹Ž†Š‘‘† ‡†—…ƒ–‹‘Â? ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â• ‰‡Â?‡”ƒ–‹‘Â? ƒˆ–‡” ‰‡Â?‡”ƒ–‹‘Â?Ǥ – Šƒ• „”‘ƒ† ‹Â?Â’ÂƒÂ…Â–ÇĄÇł Š‡ ’‘‹Â?–‡† ‘—–Ǥ Dz ˆ ›‘— †‘ ‹– ™‡ŽŽǥ ›‘— ™‹ŽŽ ‡Â?•—”‡ that even those who start with less, will have opportunities to get a Ž‘– Â?‘”‡ ˆ‘” –Š‡‹” …Š‹Ž†”‡Â?Ǥdz That includes ensuring that pre-school education is accessible, ÂƒĆĄÂ‘Â”Â†ÂƒÂ„ÂŽÂ‡ ƒÂ?† ‹• ‘ˆ ‰‘‘† “—ƒŽ‹–›Ǥ

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Outdoor goodness Â?‡ ‡Ž‡Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ ƒ “—ƒŽ‹–› ’”‡nj•…Š‘‘Ž ‡†—…ƒ–‹‘Â? ™Š‹…Š ” Lee feels strongly about is going outdoors, which is also being developed by other agencies including the Education and Health ministries and NurtureSG, a plan to enhance health outcomes among the young.

He speaks fondly of numerous instances where children

are captivated by nature, including a community gardening set designed by education organisation Kidz Meadow Childcare and Development Centre which included a baby blue shovel for boys and baby pink shovel for girls. “The set came with some ageappropriate advice on how to grow and care for plants, which implicitly teaches young people the value of nurturing something ƒÂ?† „‡‹Â?‰ …‘Â?Â•Â‹Â†Â‡Â”ÂƒÂ–Â‡ÇĄÇł Š‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ Š‡ •‡– ™ƒ• •Šƒ”‡† ™‹–Š ƒ„‘—– Í&#x;͜͜ ’”‡nj school centres under the Start Small Dream Big initiative. “We have to create new outdoorlearning pathways and build these into the repertoire of skillsets of existing childcare centres, to get the kids into the playgrounds ƒÂ?† ’ƒ”Â?•ǥdz Š‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ Mr Lee himself is known as a nature Ž‘˜‡” ™Š‘ …ƒÂ? ‹†‡Â?–‹ˆ› ƒÂ?† ”ƒ––Ž‡ ‘ƥ –Š‡ •…‹‡Â?–‹Ƥ… Â?ƒÂ?‡• ‘ˆ …‡”–ƒ‹Â? ’ŽƒÂ?–•ǥ ƒÂ?† enjoys going on nature walks with his three …Š‹Ž†”‡Â? ™Š‘ ƒ”‡ ƒ‰‡† Í&#x;ÇĄ ÍĄ ƒÂ?† ͣǤ Š‡Â? Š‡ Â?‡‡†• •‘Â?‡ “—‹‡– –‹Â?‡ –‘ –Š‹Â?Â? –Š”‘—‰Š ™‘”Â? ‹••—‡•ǥ Š‡ •‘Â?‡–‹Â?‡• ƤÂ?†• time to head to the reservoir and takes ‘—– ƒ Â?ƒ›ƒÂ? ˆ‘” ƒ “—‹‡– •’‡ŽŽ ƒŽ‘Â?‡ ƒ…”‘•• –Š‡ ™ƒ–‡”Ǥ Dz Ž‘˜‡ ‹–ǥdz •ƒ‹† ” ‡‡ǥ ™Š‘ discovered the joys of kayaking only a few years ago when he was asked to become the advisor to the Singapore Canoe Federation. “It’s completely green and blue around me. I go when I have a problem to solve in Â?› Š‡ƒ† ƒÂ?† Š‘’‡ˆ—ŽŽ› ™Š‡Â? ƤÂ?‹•Šǥ Šƒ˜‡ •‘Â?‡ Â‹Â†Â‡ÂƒÂ•ÇĄÇł Š‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ

Source of strength He draws inspiration not only from the green, but also from the ground.

Being able to connect to the ground and surface concerns of the man-on-thestreet to a national policy level, is what Mr ‡‡ †‡•…”‹„‡• ĥ ƒ Dz•‘—”…‡ ‘ˆ •–”‡Â?‰–Šdz ˆ‘” „ƒ…Â?„‡Â?…Š‡”• ƒÂ?† ‘Ƽ…‡ Š‘Ž†‡”• ƒŽ‹Â?‡Ǥ In one instance, when he was a backbencher, he met a driving instructor who was about to lose his rice bowl as he ™ƒ• ƒ’’”‘ƒ…Š‹Â?‰ ƒ‰‡ ÍŁÍœÇĄ –Š‡ Â?ƒš‹Â?—Â? ƒ‰‡ for driving instructors. Mr Lee lobbied to raise the age, and the trained lawyer even drafted the amendment regulation. The reply was that the authorities would look

into this. But vindication came a few years Žƒ–‡” ‘Â? ƒÂ?—ƒ”› Í?ÇĄ ͜͞Í?ÍŁÇĄ ™Š‡Â? –Š‡ Â?ƒš‹Â?—Â? ƒ‰‡ ˆ‘” †”‹˜‹Â?‰ ‹Â?•–”—…–‘”• ™ƒ• ”ƒ‹•‡† –‘ ͣͥǤ Mr Lee is known to be a man who listens well, and he clearly cares. “Whatever your responsibilities are at the ministry, your legitimacy and authenticity is derived from your connection with the society you are •—’’‘•‡† –‘ Â•Â‡Â”Â˜Â‡Ç¤Çł This especially comes through when he describes individuals and the issues they face, his expression becoming animated and his voice rising a notch. Š‹Ž‡ Š‹• Š‡ƒ”– ‹• Ƥ”Â?Ž› ™‹–Š ‹Â?†‹˜‹†—ƒŽ• in need, he has always championed resilience: “Don’t, through well-meaning ‰‹˜‹Â?‰ǥ ‡š–‹Â?‰—‹•Š –Š‡ ĆŞÂƒÂ?‡ ‘ˆ ƒ ’‡”•‘Â?ǯ• desire to help himself and his family, –Š”‘—‰Š Š‹• ‘™Â? ÂƒÂ„Â‹ÂŽÂ‹Â–Â›Ç¤Çł He has encountered a few instances of ’‡‘’Ž‡ ™Š‘ ”‡Œ‡…– –Š‡ ƤÂ?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ Š‡Ž’ ‘ƥ‡”‡† by agencies and community groups.

In one case, an elderly gentleman who Šƒ† ƒ •–”‘Â?‡ ‹Â?•‹•–‡† ‘Â? ƤÂ?†‹Â?‰ ™‘”Â?ÇĄ despite a doctor’s report which stated he

“Early childhood education affects generation after generation. It has broad impact. If you do it well, you will ensure that even those who start with less, will have opportunities to get a lot more for their children.�

™ƒ• —Â?Ƥ– ˆ‘” ™‘”Â?Ǥ Â?’Ž‘›‡”• ™‡”‡ ƒˆ”ƒ‹† to hire him for, if he got hurt at work, he would not be covered by insurance, but Mr Lee managed to get him a job as a security guard. Dz ‡ •–‹ŽŽ Â?‡‡’ ‹Â? –‘—…Šǥ Š‡ǯ• Â?› ˆ”‹‡Â?†ǥdz said Mr Lee. “I see him hobbling to the busstop with his walking stick, he’s happy. He ‰‘– „ƒ…Â? Š‹• Â•Â‡ÂŽÂˆÇŚÂ‡Â•Â–Â‡Â‡Â?Ǥdz

Empowering people to be resilient is a big theme with Mr Lee (centre) who was at the launch of the WHEELS programme at Kampung Senang where senior volunteers repair wheelchairs.

Mr Lee chatting with the children at Kidz Meadow’s Start Small Dream Big gardening project which teaches them how to grow and care for plants.

December 2017

17

CONVERSATION

Illuminating the future Young people think a job in the construction sector entails stepping into dirty puddles of water under ƼBJKD VD@SGDQ BNMCHSHNMR BKHLAHMF TO RB@ƤNKCR @MC HR FDMDQ@KKX C@MFDQNTR with low pay and not much prospects and stature.

But in reality, technology has already transformed the way construction is conducted. For instance, some 3D models are so advanced that users can zoom right in to view, literally, the nuts and bolts of the project.

Mr Desmond Lee, the Second Minister for National Development, once visited a construction company which has invested millions of dollars in technology. “In the centre of that automated space was a control room, with computers operated

by Singaporeans in shirts and ties controlling the whole process.�

The Industry Transformation Map for construction, which was launched on Oct 24, 2017, will direct the industry toward this future.

Mr Lee sees his work as one piece of a bigger mission to “drive another engine of hope and opportunity.� “We need to uplift the spirits of Singaporeans so that they feel the future is still out there to be harnessed.

Society goes forward if the next generation feels that life is going to be better than that of an earlier generation.�

He is also concerned with conservation. A change he has made is to organise the NParks Festival of Biodiversity in the heartlands, instead of central areas like Vivo City and the Botanic Gardens, and extend the festival to an entire week, instead of a few days. “We wanted to make the festival more accessible to heartlanders,� he said.

A nature lover himself, Mr Lee believes that the joy of interacting with nature should be shared with more Singaporeans.

$W DJH \RX DUH WKH \RXQJHVW 0LQLVWHU LQ WKH &DELQHW :KDW GLƨHUHQFH does that make? ( CNMŗS SGHMJ @FD L@JDR @ CHƤDQDMBD 6G@S HR JDX HR VGDSGDQ XNT SQX SN BNMMDBS VHSG ODNOKD NE @KK ages, races and backgrounds. They must feel comfortable with you, then they will share their hopes, dreams and fears. Age is not a barrier.

Youngest Minister in the House

But is it an advantage?

Maybe you could say I am a bit more foolhardy. I would knock on doors I was told not to knock on, where I was told I would be scolded. I don’t know if it was youth or inexperience. What’s there to lose? You’d just get a scolding.

MC (ŗC TRT@KKX ƼMC SG@S @ESDQ SGD UDQA@K A@QQ@FD SGDXŗC R@X Ŗ.G XNTŗQD RSHKK GDQDŗ @MC SGDM SGDX VHKK tell you what they are truly unhappy about. It’s easy and tempting to stay in a safe haven. But if you V@MS SN HCDMSHEX VG@S MDDCR SN AD ƼWDC RNLDSHLDR XNT MDDC SN AD SGDQD HM SGD SGHBJ NE HS

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December 2017

GROUNDWORK >

PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

All-rounded programme for PCF pre-schools PAP Community Foundation (PCF) — the largest pre-school operator in Singapore — will enhance its pre-school curriculum to help children enjoy the arts and sports

T

Š‡ —•—ƒŽŽ› “—‹‡– ƒ–‹‘Â?ƒŽ ƒŽŽ‡”› Singapore was abuzz with activity and children’s laughter on Sunday, —‰—•– ͣ͞ ™Š‡Â? Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? Í?ÍœÇĄÍœÍœÍœ Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄÇĄ …Š‹Ž†”‡Â? ƒÂ?† –Š‡‹” ˆƒÂ?‹Ž‹‡• ‡š’Ž‘”‡† it. They were there to view artwork by the likes of Cultural Medallion recipient Chng Seok Tin and whimsical Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, and that of their own classmates. Fifty pieces of colourful artwork by PCF pupils were on display.

For a refreshing change, PCF held its annual family day at the National Gallery to coincide with the Children’s Biennale –Š‡Â?‡† Dz ”‡ƒÂ?• ĆŹ –‘”‹‡•dz ™Š‹…Š showcased artwork that explore the inner child in each of us to embark on a creative journey.

In his speech, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is also the PAP’s SecretaryGeneral, said: “Today’s event here will give you a taste of the kind of things which we are encouraging kids to do, which are beyond the normal strict curriculum, and ™Š‹…Š ›‘—ǯŽŽ ƤÂ?† ˆ—Â? ƒÂ?† ‡Â?”‹…Š‹Â?‰ ƒÂ?† ™‹ŽŽ

‡š’ƒÂ?† ›‘—” Â?‹Â?†• ƒÂ?† ›‘—” Š‘”‹œ‘Â?•Ǥdz “So parents can be assured that at PCF, their kids will be well looked after and can learn from a wide variety of ’”‘‰”ƒÂ?Â?‡•Ǥdz In support of the Government’s push to enhance pre-school education for the very young, PCF, which currently operates about Í&#x;Í˘Íœ …‡Â?–”‡•ǥ ™‹ŽŽ ‹Â?–”‘†—…‡ ’”‘‰”ƒÂ?Â?‡• such as painting, gymnastics, aikido and drama, said PM Lee. New measures will also be taken to ‹Â?’”‘˜‡ …ƒ’ƒ…‹–› ƒÂ?† “—ƒŽ‹–› ‹Â? –Š‡ ’”‡nj •…Š‘‘Ž •‡…–‘”Ǥ ‘‘†ǥ ÂƒĆĄÂ‘Â”Â†ÂƒÂ„ÂŽÂ‡ ’”‡nj•…Š‘‘Ž education will allow all children, regardless ‘ˆ ˆƒÂ?‹Ž› „ƒ…Â?‰”‘—Â?†ǥ –‘ Šƒ˜‡ ‡“—ƒŽ opportunities to succeed in life, he pointed out. Â?‘™ –ƒÂ?‡• …ƒ”‡ ‘ˆ Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? Í ÍœÇĄÍœÍœÍœ children in Singapore. It will expand its capacity to support the Government’s plans –‘ „—‹Ž† ƒÂ?† ‘’‡”ƒ–‡ Ç˛Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÂŽÂ› ›‡ƒ”• …‡Â?–”‡•dz ‹Â? new HDB estates. These centres will cater to children up to aged four, for which there is still a shortage of places.

The number of pre-school places in ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ ™‹ŽŽ ƒŽÂ?‘•– †‘—„Ž‡ –‘ ÍžÍœÍœÇĄÍœÍœÍœ ‹Â? –Š‡ Â?‡š– Ć¤Â˜Â‡ ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ Dz Â?›„‘†› ™Š‘ ™ƒÂ?–• –‘ put his child in pre-school, even at the age of two months old — which is when people •–ƒ”– ’”‡nj•…Š‘‘Ž Â?‘™ƒ†ƒ›• Č„ …ƒÂ? †‘ •‘ǥdz said PM Lee. He also promised that the Government ‹• Dz™‘”Â?‹Â?‰ Šƒ”† –‘ …—– –Š‡ “—‡—‡ †‘™Â?Çł ‹Â? young neighbourhoods such as Punggol and ‡Â?‰Â?ƒÂ?‰ǥ ™‹–Š •‹‰Â?Â‹Ć¤Â…ÂƒÂ?– ‹Â?’”‘˜‡Â?‡Â?– ‹Â? capacity over the next two to three years. ”‡nj•…Š‘‘Ž –‡ƒ…Š‡”• ƒÂ?† Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄ –‘‘ can look forward to better training and upgrading in their careers, in tandem with the improvement and expansion in capacity.

This year, a group of MPs, led by Ms ‘™ ‡Â? ‹Â?‰ ‘ˆ Š—ƒ Š— ƒÂ?‰ ÇĄ ”ƒ‹•‡† ‘˜‡” ÍŠÍĄÍœÍœÇĄÍœÍœÍœ ˆ‘” ‡‹‰Š– „‡Â?Â‡Ć¤Â…Â‹ÂƒÂ”Â‹Â‡Â•ÇĄ which included the Alzheimer's Disease Association and Grace Orchard School which caters to students with mild intellectual disability and mild autism spectrum disorders.

This year’s Family Day was held at National Gallery where 50 pieces of artwork by PCF students were on display.

December 2017

19

GROUNDWORK >

BRANCHING OUT

Exco members of the PAP Tampines North Branch brim with ideas to help residents

Pumped up with

enthusiasm 20

December 2017

I

– ™‘—Ž† „‡ ”ƒ–Š‡” †‹Ƽ…—Ž– –‘ ƤÂ?† ƒ Â?‘”‡ enthusiastic group of Exco members than the one at the PAP Tampines North Branch.

Never short of fresh ideas, their camaraderie is very palpable and infectious as they go about helping fellow residents. No wonder they describe –Š‡Â?•‡Ž˜‡• ĥ Dz‘Â?‡ „‹‰ Šƒ’’› ˆƒÂ?‹Ž›dzǤ What is also impressive is the good mix of young ƒÂ?† Â?‘”‡ Â?ƒ–—”‡ Â?‡Â?„‡”•Ǥ Š‡ Ç˛Â„ÂƒÂ„Â›Çł ‘ˆ –Š‡ –‡ƒÂ? ‹• ‘Â?Ž› ͥ͞ ›‡ƒ”• ‘Ž†Ǣ –Š‡ Â?‘•– •‡Â?‹‘” ‹• ÍŁÍœÇ¤ Š‹• ƒ‰‡ diversity has advantages: residents can be sure of ƤÂ?†‹Â?‰ •‘Â?‡‘Â?‡ ‹Â? –Š‡‹” ‘™Â? ƒ‰‡ „”ƒ…Â?‡– ƒÂ?‘Â?‰ –Š‡ group to relate their problems to, when they need help. Conversely, the branch is able to reach out to †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ƒ‰‡ ‰”‘—’• ƒÂ?‘Â?‰ ”‡•‹†‡Â?–•Ǥ

“The Exco members are also proud of their efforts in building on the reputation of Tampines being a ‘cycling town’ by holding an annual cycling event.�

A cut above the rest Members of Tampines North have taken community service to a higher level. In addition to tackling residents’ problems at the weekly meetthe-people sessions (MPS) conducted by Mr Baey ƒÂ? ‡Â?‰ǥ ˆ‘” ƒÂ?’‹Â?‡• ÇĄ –Š‡ ƒ…–‹˜‹•–• organise regular rice distribution programmes, movie screenings and festive dinners for lower-income residents in the constituency.

Perhaps the best example of their innovative programmes is the monthly Free Haircut service at the biggest rental block in Tampines North, which is still going strong, three years after its six-month pilot ‹Â? ͜͞Í?Í Ç¤

– ‹• –Š‡ „”ƒ‹Â?…Š‹Ž† ‘ˆ • Ž‹…‡ ‹Â?ÇĄ ÍĄÍ ÇĄ ƒ •ƒŽ‡• •—’‡”˜‹•‘” ƒÂ?† ƒ Â?‡Â?„‡” •‹Â?…‡ ͜͞Í?͞Ǥ Š‡ Â•ÂƒÂ‹Â†ÇŁ “There are many families with several children.

Then there are handicapped residents with mobility problems. Now, they just need to come down to the ˜‘‹† †‡…Â? –‘ ‰‡– –Š‡‹” Šƒ‹” …—– ˆ‘” ÂˆÂ”Â‡Â‡Ç¤Çł Š‡ Ç˛Â„ÂƒÂ”Â„Â‡Â”Â•Çł ƒ”‡ ÂŠÂƒÂ‹Â”Â†Â”Â‡Â•Â•Â‡Â”Â•ÇĄ ˆ‘”Â?‡” Šƒ‹”†”‡••‡”• ƒÂ?† ˆ”‹‡Â?†• ‘ˆ • ‹Â?Ǥ Â? ƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ ‘ˆ Í&#x;Íœ residents come for the free service every last Sunday ‘ˆ –Š‡ Â?‘Â?–Šǥ Í&#x;Â’Â? –‘ ÍĄÂ’Â?Ǥ Š‡ •‡”˜‹…‡ ™‹ŽŽ …‘Â?–‹Â?—‡ as long as there is demand, said Ms Lim. The activities of the Exco complement the work of grassroots teams and residents welcome the variety ‘ˆ …‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–› •‡”˜‹…‡ ‘ƥ‡”‹Â?‰•Ǥ

Help, no questions asked Not only are the Exco members doing good, they are doing it right by respecting the privacy of residents. When the Free Haircut service was Žƒ—Â?…Š‡† ‹Â? ͜͞Í?Í ÇĄ ’‡‘’Ž‡ Šƒ† ĥÂ?‡† Š‘™ –Š‡ ‘”‰ƒÂ?‹•‡”• ™‘—Ž† ‡Â?•—”‡ –Š‡ „‡Â?Â‡Ć¤Â…Â‹ÂƒÂ”Â‹Â‡Â• ƒ”‡ ‹Â?†‡‡† the needy.

Mr Baey, who is also Parliamentary Secretary,

The element of trust, without checking RQ WKH EHQHƊFLDU\śV eligibility, prevails in Tampines North Branch’s community VHUYLFH RƨHULQJV such as its Free Haircut for those in need.

December 2017

21

GROUNDWORK >

BRANCHING OUT

Age diversity, from 25 to 70 years old among Tampines North Branch Exco members, makes it easier for them to engage residents. Their camaraderie is so infectious that they describe themselves as one big happy family.

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, had said: “I do not want to check income slips, ask to see Public Assistance, CHAS cards or even ICs. “We do not have to be so exact because those in need also have their dignity. Insisting on evidence to prove their status means that I doubt people’s ‹Â?–‡‰”‹–›Ǥdz This will also be the same approach taken for the „”ƒÂ?…Šǯ• Žƒ–‡•– ‹Â?‹–‹ƒ–‹˜‡ „‡‰‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ‹Â? ƒÂ?—ƒ”› ͜͞Í?ͤǤ Organised by the branch’s Young PAP, Homework ‡Ž’ ™‹ŽŽ ‘ƥ‡” ™‡‡Â?Ž› •‡••‹‘Â?• –‘ ƒ••‹•– ’”‹Â?ƒ”› ƒÂ?† secondary students in their homework. Š‡ š…‘ Â?‡Â?„‡”• ƒ”‡ ƒŽ•‘ ’”‘—† ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‡ƥ‘”–• in building on the reputation of Tampines being a Dz…›…Ž‹Â?‰ –‘™Â?Çł „› Š‘Ž†‹Â?‰ ƒÂ? ƒÂ?Â?—ƒŽ …›…Ž‹Â?‰ ‡˜‡Â?–Ǥ On the day Petir interviewed them, they had just returned from this annual meet. Mr Baey said that ƒ„‘—– ÍĄÍœ ”‡•‹†‡Â?–• ƒÂ?† „”ƒÂ?…Š Â?‡Â?„‡”• Šƒ† ƒ ›…Ž‹Â?‰ Â?ƒœ‹Â?‰ ƒ…‡ …‘˜‡”‹Â?‰ ’Žƒ…‡• ‘ˆ ‹Â?–‡”‡•– ‹Â?

Tampines, including Tampines Eco-Green and the �‡™ ‘™�–‘™� ‹�‡ •–ƒ–‹‘�•Ǥ 22

December 2017

Added the MP: “The cycling events are a good way to get residents to volunteer for our activities and ’”‘‰”ƒÂ?Â?‡•Ǥ —”‹Â?‰ ‘—” Ƥ”•– …›…Ž‹Â?‰ Â?‡‡–ǥ ™‡ ‰‘– –‘ know Vincent (Chua), who is now an Exco member. ‡ ƒŽ•‘ Â?‡– Š‹• ˆ—–—”‡ ™‹ˆ‡ ƒ– –Š‡ ‡˜‡Â?–Ǩdz Š‡ „”ƒÂ?…Š also organises trips to Malaysia twice a year, with eight coaches leaving for a weekend in Malacca at the end of November.

However, it is not all fun and games. Mohd ÂœÂ?ƒÂ? ƒÂ?Ž‹ǥ ÍĄÍ&#x; ƒÂ?† Â•Â‡ÂŽÂˆÇŚÂ‡Â?’Ž‘›‡†ǥ ‘„•‡”˜‡† –Šƒ– neighbour disputes and family problems are among the most challenging at the MPS. A PAP member of ƒ„‘—– Í?ÍĄ Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”Â•ÇĄ Š‡ Â•ÂƒÂ‹Â†ÇŁ Dz †‘Â?ǯ– ™ƒÂ?– –‘ Œ—†‰‡ „—– ‹– hurts when you see parents raise their children but in the end, the children cannot even take care of one parent. So we at the PAP Tampines North Branch try ‘—” „‡•– –‘ Š‡Ž’Ǥdz So it comes as no surprise that the Exco members themselves are becoming increasingly popular among the residents and are often greeted by their Â?ƒÂ?‡• ƒ– –Š‡ …‘ƥ‡‡ •Š‘’ ƒÂ?† ‹Â? –Š‡ Â?‡‹‰Š„‘—”Š‘‘†Ǥ

GROUNDWORK >

PAP POLICY FORUM

M Many helping hands for

PMETs

Job disruptions and re-structuring can present opportunities for growth

ƒŒ‘”‹–› ‘ˆ –Š‡ ÍžÍĄÇĄÍœÍœÍœ –‘ Í ÍœÇĄÍœÍœÍœ Â?‡– ‰”‘™–Š ‹Â? Œ‘„• –Š‡ Government hopes to create in the near future will be PMET-type jobs.

Sharing the news at a PAP Policy Forum dialogue, Manpower Minister Mr Lim Swee Say said: “We want to make every job a better job, and every worker a better worker, and match them to each ‘–Š‡”Ǥdz Š‡ †‹ƒŽ‘‰—‡ ‘Â? …– ͤ͞ǥ ͜͞Í?ÍŁ ƒ– ÇĄ –‹–Ž‡† Dz ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ • ‘„ ƒ”Â?‡– ƒÂ?† —–Ž‘‘Â?dzǥ ™ƒ• –Š‡ Žƒ•– ‘ˆ ˆ‘—” †‹ƒŽ‘‰—‡• Š‡Ž† –Š‹• ›‡ƒ” ƒŽ‘Â?‰ –Š‡ –Š‡Â?‡ ‘ˆ ‡•‹Ž‹‡Â?…‡Ǥ The panel comprised Mr Lim; Assistant Secretary-General of ” ƒ–”‹…Â? ÂƒÂ›Ç˘ Š‹‡ˆ š‡…—–‹˜‡ Ƽ…‡” ‘ˆ ‡͞‹ ” ‹Ž„‡”– Tan; and Second Minister for Manpower Mrs Josephine Teo, who —Â?‘„–”—•‹˜‡Ž› †”‘’’‡† ‹Â? ƒ– –Š‡ ˆ‘”—Â? „—– ™ƒ• Žƒ–‡” Dz‘—–‡†dz „› ” Lim and invited to join the panel – to the audience’s delight.

Sustainable Growth Targets In his trademark down-to-earth style, Mr Lim explained – with the help of a whiteboard and marker – how Singapore’s previous

‰”‘™–Š ‘ˆ Í Â’Â‡Â” …‡Â?– ƒ ›‡ƒ” „‡–™‡‡Â? ͜͞Í?Í? ƒÂ?† ͜͞Í?Í Â™ÂƒÂ• Â?‘– sustainable as it was largely due to manpower growth.

Instead, the Government is now aiming for a 3 per cent GDP ‰”‘™–Šǥ …‘Â?’”‹•‹Â?‰ Í? ’‡” …‡Â?– ˆ”‘Â? Â?ƒÂ?’‘™‡” ƒÂ?† ƒ …”—…‹ƒŽ Íž ’‡” cent from productivity gains. “There are promising signs that our productivity growth may ‡˜‡Â? …”‘•• –™‘ ’‡” …‡Â?– ‹Â? ͜͞Í?ÍŁÇĄÇł •ƒ‹† ” ‹Â?ÇĄ ƒ††‹Â?‰ –Šƒ– –Š‡ Ƥ‰—”‡ ™ƒ• œ‡”‘ ’‡” …‡Â?– ‹Â? ͜͞Í?Íž –‘ ͜͞Í?ÍĄÇĄ ƒÂ?† ‘Â?‡ ’‡” …‡Â?– ‹Â? ͜͞Í?͢Ǥ ‹–Š‹Â? –Šƒ– ‡“—ƒ–‹‘Â?ÇĄ –Š‡ –ƒ”‰‡– Â?—Â?„‡” ‘ˆ Â?‡™ Œ‘„• –‘ „‡ …”‡ƒ–‡† ‡˜‡”› ›‡ƒ” ‹• ÍžÍĄÇĄÍœÍœÍœ –‘ Í ÍœÇĄÍœÍœÍœÇ¤

Vulnerable PMETs It is heartening that a majority of future job growth will be ‰‡ƒ”‡† –‘™ƒ”†• •Ǥ ‘•– ‘ˆ –Š‡Â? ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ‹Â? –Š‡ Ć¤Â˜Â‡ ‰”‘™–Š sectors – professional services, healthcare, infocomm technology,

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Ƥ Ȃ ơ Ǥ ͣ͜ ͥ͝ǡ͜​͜​͜ ơ ͜͢͞͝ Ǥ ǣ Dz ǡ older you are, the more vulnerable you are. The challenge for us is to look beyond job losses, but also at where the jobs at risk are and Ǥdz The number of net job growth is a far cry from the estimated ͜͝͞ǡ͜​͜​͜ ǡ Mr Lim assured that this will be more sustainable, and a raft of initiatives are already in place to help PMETs.

͟͞ ǡ like SkillsFuture and the Lifelong Learning Festival will boost the Ǥ Mr Lim added that initiatives such as the introduction of an online job market place next year will address what he described Dz dz ǡ development programmes like Adapt-and-Grow will address Dz dzǡ Ǧ Ƥ employer’s needs.

Keeping up with changing job market

ơ ǡ ǡ through video resumes for instance, are evolving.

Mrs Teo described how employers want to hire people who are Dz Ǧ Ǧ dzǡ ǯ hit the ground running. She said: “We are reaching out to as many employers as we can to persuade them that the jobseeker may not ͜͝​͜ Ƥ ǡ ͜͝​͜ Ǥdz This includes the Professional Conversion Programmes to re ǡ Dz dz ͝ǡ͜͡​͜

Manpower Minister Mr Lim Swee Say at the Adapt & Grow Manufacturing Day & Technology Showcase in April 2017.

Ƥ ͣ͜͞͝ǡ Government helps the employer to pay part of the jobseeker’s salary for a short period of time.

During the spirited Q&A session, the participants shared their views on a diverse range of issues, from whether a retirement age is still relevant, to Singaporeans seeking opportunities overseas.

The panelists replied that a retirement age is still relevant, as it is linked to many other considerations in Singapore.

Mrs Teo also noted: “A lot of people like their employees to have some overseas experience, for not just the global perspective but for Ǥdz Summing up, dialogue organiser Mr Steven Seow, who is a member of the PPF Council, said: “The manpower dialogue gave our party activists an acute understanding of the various challenges we face as a nation. We are currently facing economic headwinds, and dealing with both structural and cyclical market changes.

“The PAP government works hand-in-hand with the labour movement to help those workers who are displaced. This symbiotic partnership also focuses on how workers can be re-skilled and upskilled to better align with changing needs in the jobs market. With ͟͞ ǡ Ǧ ͤ͜͞͝Ǥdz

December 2017

25

GROUNDWORK >

YOUNG PAP

Relooking at Singapore’s social compact Singapore’s social compact has worked well but needs some tweaking to stay relevant s the current social compact between the Government and people of Singapore, drawn up by the nation’s ͥ͢͝͡ǡ still valid? ͥ͜ activists at the Young PAP (YP) bi-monthly ͠ǡ ͣ͜͞͝ǡ Ǥ During the activists’ presentations after their small group discussions, it was clear that their consensus was that the social compact’s aim of ensuring that every Singaporean will have a home has been Ǥ ͤ͜ ƪ Ǥ The activists also agreed the social compact between Singaporeans and the PAP government has delivered on giving every Singaporean, regardless of race, ǡ under the principle of meritocracy.

Singaporeans also enjoy the opportunity to grow old comfortably. However, some issues have emerged in recent years

up to tackle future challenges.

I

Concerns raised The widening income gap is one of the concerns, the activists pointed out. They noted that while home ownership was high, ͥ​ͥǦ Ǥ

contrast, those who own homes on freehold ͥ​ͥ​ͥǦ since their properties can be passed down 26

December 2017

for several generations. ƫ resources to succeed in life, prompting the activists to call on the government to Ƥ Ǥ

Social integration – always a work in progress The participants suggested building ƪ ͟ǡ ͠ ͡Ǧ ƪ among the races so that the community will become more inclusive.

In her address, guest of honour, Ms Tin Pei Ling, MP for MacPherson Single Member Constituency, said the social compact is a “very important subject as ơ dzǤ She said her takeaway from the meeting is that the current social compact is still

relevant but needed some tweaking. Ms Dz Ƥ dz to race, language and religion. This was a point that young activists felt strongly about. Sharing further, she articulated the Dz dzǡ which was coined by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. It refers to exercising the principles of meritocracy but tempered with compassion; that those who have succeeded understand that they have a responsibility to help the less fortunate and less able with compassion.

No room for complacency Ms Tin also said that in resourcedeprived Singapore, we have relied on our people to overcome the odds and achieve the extraordinary results we see today. In other words, our people made us extraordinary.

But our Asean neighbours are catching up.

She pointed out: “The average age in these Asean countries is much younger than Singapore’s. They have more people and they are eager to overtake us.

“If we become complacent, then we would have to pay the price. No one can say for sure we will make it but if we try, we Ǥ ǯ ǡ Ƥ Ǥdz ǡ ͞͠ǡ ȋ Kio-Hougang Branch) sharing his thoughts, said: “It is important to relook at the social compact from time to time since it has to cater to Ǥdz

Ms Tin suggested expanding the GHƩQLWLRQ RI PHULWRFUDF\ WR LQFOXGH age, in addition to race, language and religion.

BACKBENCHER'S BITE with

Louis Ng

Hands-on MP

A

Ƥ”Â? „‡Ž‹‡˜‡” ‹Â? „‡‹Â?‰ ŠƒÂ?†•nj‘Â?ÇĄ Mr Louis Ng has put himself in the shoes of both ordinary Singaporeans and foreign workers, to get a sense of what it is like to be on the ground.

He had been, among various roles, a cleaner, chambermaid, cardboard collector, kindergarten teacher and humanitarian worker. He is currently also chairman of Nee Soon Town Council.

Not just a matter of dollars and cents

Helping people goes beyond dollars and cents to include intangible human needs.

We have to ensure the kids from lowerincome families, like any other Singaporean E@LHKHDR G@UD @ ETKĆĽKKHMF BGHKCGNNC $UDQX month, we bring the children for outings so that they can have fun and memories that will last a lifetime. We have kids in secondary schools, for instance, who have never stepped into a cinema or visited Sentosa. We also hold mentorship sessions to help them with their homework and chat with them so that they feel loved and cared for.

There are also a number of seniors who live alone in Nee Soon East. We organise outings and gatherings through which we hope to bring warmth and some companionship to ensure they don’t feel lonely.

WHO: Louis Ng, MP for Nee Soon East ward in Nee Soon GRC. He joined politics in September 2015 and is Chief Executive of ACRES (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society), a charity he founded during his undergraduate days in 2001. Since 2008, Mr Ng has been volunteering with grassroots organisations, including in Nee Soon, Kembangan-Chai Chee and Joo Chiat.

WHERE: Yishun Park Hawker Centre, 51, Yishun Avenue 11.

ON THE MENU: Vegetarian food and water.

The roles of an MP and an activist

I get questions about this very often. The simple @MRVDQ HR SG@S SGDQD HR MN CHƤDQDMBD ADSVDDM ADHMF an MP and an activist. The next chapter in our nationbuilding journey is to get the community more involved.

I see myself as the bridge between the Government and civil society, such as getting volunteers for advocacy to conduct research and speak to people on the ground and SGDM RG@QD SGDHQ ƼMCHMFR @MC BNMBDQMR HM /@QKH@LDMS It’s also a way to channel their passion towards something positive rather than remain just keyboard warriors.

My role as an MP or an activist is to engage, empower, inspire and mobilise people to take initiatives and action.

Thanks to social media, we have a younger generation who is more aware of issues. There is a stronger sense of activism now. The conversational space is opening up.

Instilling values in daughters

I have started to bring our older girl Ella, 3, along for events and outings with children from lower-income families and foreign workers. I explain to her so that she knows what her daddy does. Fathers have an important role to play, values are passed on through observation.

She observes and listens, and can say Daddy goes to Parliament to speak up for people and to help them.

The twin girls, who were born two months OQDL@STQDKX HM %DA @QD CNHMF ĆĽMD MNV ( L@JD HS @ point to spend lunch time with the family every day. Not possible every time but I try my best.

Extending the hand of friendship

We have in our midst many foreign workers like cleaner Hanif who leave their families to come here to help build and clean our country. The least we can do HR @OOQDBH@SD SGDHQ R@BQHĆĽBDR (S HR @KRN @M opportunity to forge new friendships with these migrant workers. For instance, we put up stories like that of Hanif on our HDB notice boards so that our residents get to know them better.

Singapore also has the capabilities and resources to do more to help our neighbours. That is why we organise Hearts-to-Hands trips to Asean countries to provide humanitarian aid, for example, to Rohingya refugee camps in Aceh, Sumatra where we built a library, teach English and IT skills. And simply have fun by playing games like football.

As Singaporeans, we can choose to L@JD @ CHƤDQDMBD @MC L@JD SGD VNQKC @ better place.

December 2017

27

BACKBENCHER'S BITE with

Dr Tan Wu Meng

WHO: Dr Tan Wu Meng, MP for Clementi ward in Jurong GRC. He entered politics in September 2015. Prior to GE2015, he was a councillor in the North West CDC and vice-chair of the Youth Works sub-committee between 2006 and 2009; a member of the Senja-Cashew Youth executive committee (2007 to 2011) and the SenjaCashew Citizens' Consultative Committee from 2010 to 2013. He was also elected Organising Secretary of the national Young PAP Exco from 2008 to 2010, and had served as Holland-Bukit Timah Regional YP Chair and Cashew Branch YP Chair.

WHERE: "NƤDD RGNO @S !KNBJ "KDLDMSH UD ON THE MENU: 6NMSNM LDD @MC HBD BNƤDD kopi peng)

Listening to Clementi’s heartbeat A

Heartware matters

s a doctor specialising in medical oncology, Dr Tan Wu Meng looks after cancer patients daily. As the MP for Clementi, his ”‡•’‘Â?•‹„‹Ž‹–‹‡• ƒ”‡ •‹Â?Â‹ÂŽÂƒÂ”ÇĄ ƒŽ„‡‹– ‘Â? ƒ Žƒ”‰‡” •…ƒŽ‡ Ȇ …ƒ”‹Â?‰ ˆ‘” –Š‡ ™‡ŽŽnj„‡‹Â?‰ ‘ˆ ƒ”‘—Â?† Í ÍœÇĄÍœÍœÍœ Ž‡Â?‡Â?–‹ residents.

Serving an older mature estate

Clementi is a mature and compact estate — the oldest HDB blocks are 40 years old. So we have many elderly residents. Our older HDB blocks have character — traditional void decks where people meet and children play, which are G@QCDQ SN ƼMC HM MDVDQ DRS@SDR 3GDRD shared spaces are very important for residents to meet informally. As design DUNKUDR VD G@UD SN ƼMC V@XR ENQ ODNOKD to interact naturally and easily, even in the newer estates.

A lot of my time is spent on home visits, walkabouts and community activities. Home visits especially because some older residents are not so mobile.

Given that Clementi has a slightly older community in the workforce, we feel our middle-aged workers’ challenges as the global economy changes. We have organised job fairs in partnership with e2i and the National Trades Union Congress to help PMETs and older workers with job placements.

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December 2017

When you work as a doctor, you LDDS ODNOKD EQNL CHƤDQDMS V@KJR NE KHED listen to people’s stories and try to help.

It reminds you that when you reach out, you can touch lives. It is the same with community service. In Clementi, VD L@JD DƤNQSR SN KHMJ TO CHƤDQDMS healthcare providers — hospitals, family medicine centres, polyclinics — with the residents to ensure there is closer integration of services.

We also work closely with various agencies to make it easier for our

residents to move around the town.

Together with agencies, we are reviewing the infrastructure so that it is easier and safer for the vulnerable and the elderly to get around, especially when crossing roads.

I want to stress the importance of urban design to ensure the vulnerable are able to get around and that the shared spaces and amenities help to bring people together. Of course, it’s not just about hardware but also heartware.

But thoughtful hardware design can shape the heartware too.

Raising issues as a backbencher

For example, when the application process is complicated, or if paperwork is complex, it becomes harder for those who are less well-informed, less IT-literate or from more disadvantaged backgrounds to seek help or SN ĆĽMC NTS VG@S @UDMTDR NE @RRHRS@MBD @QD available.

Language is an issue that we have to take into account as we move towards a Smart Nation. As many online platforms are in the English language, we have to ensure the Pioneer Generation is not left out.

Family time

issues and what happens around the world, since I sit on three Government Parliamentary Committees. The three committees, made up of backbenchers, are: Health; Finance, Trade and (MCTRSQX 'NLD Ƥ@HQR @MC +@V

I’ve raised issues in Parliament, in op-eds, and other channels, in particular about making government policies, services and re-training more inclusive and accessible to the elderly and vulnerable. Can we make things more TRDQ EQHDMCKX D@RX SN ƼMC NQ DUDM ETM SN use? And where there is technology, using it to make things easier — being peoplecentric, not technology-centric. In policy and implementation, we must always see things through the eyes of the people.

I have two young daughters, one 6 years old, the little one 6 months old. Family time is spending time together at home, when we can. ( DMINX QD@CHMF @MC TRDC SN QD@C RBHDMBD ĆĽBSHNM But now, my reading time is about topical