APPRECIATING OUR MERDEKA GENERATION - People's Action Party
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SEPTEMBER 2018
APPRECIATING OUR
MERDEKA GENERATION
New three-in-one MPs Gan Thiam Poh & Ong Minister Indranee
Jurong Central Plaza, Teng Koon on how they Rajah on the
including market to encourage their residents characteristics of
open soon to help themselves. Singapore Identity
pg17 pg27&28 pg10
INSIDE: WOMEN CAN INFLUENCE FAMILY MEMBERS TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY
PUBLICITY
Contents SEP
2018
AND PUBLICATIONS
COMMITTEE
Lawrence Wong (Chairman)
Desmond Lee
04 COVER STORY 22 YOUNG PAP
Chee Hong Tat
Government’s new programmes for housing Let’s hear from the youths
Seah Kian Peng and healthcare YP members talk about their concerns,
Lim Wee Kiak Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced Ƥ
Baey Yam Keng initiatives on housing and healthcare to to healthcare at a dialogue.
Zaqy Mohamad tackle bread-and-butter issues during the
Janil Puthucheary
National Day Rally speech.
Chiang Heng Liang
Diana Pang 24 YOUNG PAP
Dexter Chan Building an effective social media presence
Benjamin Tay 10 CONVERSATION Two MPs give advice on how to build an
Teo Lin Lee The essence of the Singapore Identity Ƥ Ǥ
Adrian Liew
Ms Indranee Rajah, newly promoted
EDITOR
ǯƥ ǡ
Chung Sang Pok discusses the characteristics of the 26 PAP POLICY FORUM
EDITORIAL AND DESIGN Singapore Identity. Transport Minister wants to turn more road
Focus Publishing Limited spaces to public use
(Tel: 6319-2392) Mr Khaw Boon Wan champions a car-lite
PRINTER
GROUNDWORK Singapore to enhance Singaporeans’ quality
KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd
PHOTOS of life.
Singapore Press Holdings, 17 BRANCHING OUT
istockphoto.com New Jurong Central market is housed in
three-in-one building 27 BACKBENCHER'S BITE
Jurong Central constituency’s new market is Leading by example
housed in the Jurong Central Plaza, which “People help People” is Sengkang South MP
ơ Ǧ Mr Gan Thiam Poh’s mantra, which he also
ƪǤ encourages among his residents.
MCI (P) 169/03/2018 the end of 2018.
Petir is published by the People’s
Action Party Central Executive
Committee. Material in this 28 BACKBENCHER'S BITE
publication may not be reproduced
in whole or in part without the prior
20 WOMEN’S WING Fighting for the underdog
Getting women involved in Smart Nation Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Mr Ong Teng
consent of the publisher. Views
expressed in this magazine are not development Koon roots for the under-privileged.
necessarily those of the PAP or the Everyone should be involved in the Smart
Government. All rights reserved. Nation drive so that no group is left behind,
says WW chairperson Ms Grace Fu.
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.
2 SEP 2018
COVER STORY
“With what we
now have, we can
achieve so much
more together.
100 years from
now, Singapore
should stand
out not just
for its modern
skyscrapers
and world
rankings, but for
being a nation
of boundless
opportunities.”
“Very few
countries can
make such
long-term plans,
and anticipate
needs and
opportunities
into the distant
future. But in
Singapore, we
can, and we will.
This Government
believes it owes
it to you to look
Government’s ahead, share
our thinking
with you, pool
new programmes our ideas, and
work with you
to make it
for housing and happen.”
healthcare
The Prime Minister addressed bread-and-butter issues at
this year’s National Day Rally during which he announced
initiatives to tackle these concerns. The Rally was held at the
Institute of Technical Education College Central campus
4 SEP 2018
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivering his National Day Rally speech during
which he addressed cost of living pressures, healthcare and housing concerns.
rime Minister Lee Hsien Loong commitment to the nation and promised 99-year leases run out, the PM announced
P devoted the bulk of his National Day
Rally on August 19, 2018 to address
Singaporeans’ concerns about cost of
that “no one should be denied medical
ơdzǤ
ơ
two new initiatives – a second round of
ƪ
60- to 70-year mark, and the Voluntary
living pressures, public housing and citizens, he said. Early Redevelopment Scheme (Vers) for
healthcare. With Singapore grappling with a older precincts.
He assured them the Government will rapidly ageing population, he announced Earlier in his speech, Mr Lee also gave
do all it can to provide support in these that the Community Health Assist an update on Singapore’s relations with
areas to ease their worries, especially the Scheme (CHAS) will be extended to all its two closest neighbours, Malaysia and
lower-income groups. Singaporeans with chronic ailments, Indonesia.
With more people feeling the strain regardless of their income. The fundamentals of Singapore’s
of rising costs, Mr Lee promised that the There was also good news for those relationship with Malaysia have not
major expenditure items – HDB housing, ͥ͜͝͡Ƥ changed, despite a historic change in
healthcare and education – would remain from a Merdeka Generation Package, a government during Malaysia’s general
ơǤ scheme similar to the Pioneer Generation election earlier this year that saw Dr
The Government will also help keep Package (PGP) that will give them extra Mahathir Mohamad take over from the
costs low by building more hawker centres support to meet their medical expenses. Barisan Nasional coalition.
– 13 more are in the pipeline – with stalls Singapore has wide-ranging and
required to provide economical meals that Keeping housing estates liveable Ƥ
cost $3 or less. On housing, Mr Lee pointed out Indonesia and the PM said he will discuss
“While the Government will do its part that Singapore’s housing policies have ways to do more together when he meets
to alleviate people’s cost of living concerns, been uniquely successful. He said: “We President Joko Widodo at their annual
each of us also has a responsibility to ‘look are the only major city in the world Leaders’ Retreat in October.
after our own wallets’ – save water, save where nearly every young couple getting “In an uncertain world, Asean is
electricity, and at the same time, shop ơƤ all the more important to us. We have
around for the best prices and be a smart immediately.” to strengthen Asean and work on our
consumer,” he said. Addressing the growing concern about relationships with all our Asean partners,”
Turning to healthcare, Mr Lee gave his ƪ he said.
SEP 2018 5
COVER STORY
HOUSING
HDB flat owners will enjoy a second round of
upgrading under the Home Improvement Programme
(HIP) – once around the 30-year mark of their 99-year
lease, and again when their flat is 60 to 70 years old.
This second round of upgrading comes under the new
HIP II, which will begin in about 10 years’ time.
Mr Lee also said the existing HIP, which currently
covers flats built up to 1986, would be extended to those
built up to 1997. This will benefit another 230,000 flats in
towns such as Jurong, Tampines and Pasir Ris.
When the new multi-billion-dollar Vers is rolled out
about 20 years from now, residents in eligible precincts
can vote to have the HDB take back their flats when
their lease is around the 70-year mark.
Mr Lee said the intent is to allow progressive
redevelopment of older estates over two to three
decades, instead of doing so only when their leases
expire. Vers ensures that future generations of
Singapore will continue to have affordable homes.
HEALTHCARE
About half a million Singaporeans, mostly in their
60s, will benefit from the new Merdeka Generation
Package, in recognition of their contributions during
Singapore’s early years of independence.
With this package, they will get extra financial
support for their healthcare needs such as outpatient
subsidies, MediSave top-ups, MediShield Life
premium subsidies and payouts for long-term care.
Mr Lee said the Merdeka Generation Package
benefits will not be as generous as that of the
Pioneer Generation Package, as the pioneers had less
advantages in life. Still, this package will “go some
way” to relieve the 1950s generation’s healthcare
worries, he pointed out.
He also said that more polyclinics will open
across the island over the next few years – four in
Sembawang, Eunos, Kallang and Bukit Panjang by
2020, and two in Nee Soon Central and Tampines
North by 2023.
“We will make sure there are affordable,
accessible, high-quality primary care all over
Singapore,” he said.
6 SEP 2018
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Pemerintah umum program baharu berkenaan
perumahan dan penjagaan kesihatan
Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien Loong kesihatan dan pendidikan – akan kekal mengira pendapatan mereka.
memperuntukkan sebahagian besar dimampui. Ada juga berita baik untuk mereka
masanya di Rapat Hari Kebangsaan Beralih kepada soal penjagaan yang lahir dalam tahun 1950an – kira-
pada 19 Ogos 2018 membincangkan kesihatan, Encik Lee memberi komitmen kira setengah juta orang keseluruhannya
keprihatinan rakyat Singapura tentang kepada rakyat dan berjanji bahawa “tiada – bakal dapat memanfaatkan Pakej
tekanan kos hidup, perumahan awam dan Ƥ Generasi Merdeka, sebuah skim serupa
penjagaan kesihatan. kesihatan hanya kerana mereka tidak Pakej Generasi Perintis (PGP) yang akan
Beliau memberi jaminan bahawa mampu membiayainya.” Pemerintah akan memberi mereka sokongan tambahan
Pemerintah akan menangani ketiga- berusaha gigih dalam membantu rakyat, bagi menampung perbelanjaan perubatan
tiga perkara ini dengan sebaiknya kata beliau. mereka.
demi mengurangkan kebimbangan Dengan Singapura kini berdepan
mereka, terutamanya untuk golongan dengan keadaan penduduknya yang Menjadikan estet perumahan selesa
berpendapatan rendah. semakin tua, beliau mengumumkan didiami
Dengan lebih ramai orang merasai bahawa Skim Bantuan Kesihatan Encik Lee menekankan bahawa dasar
tekanan kos kehidupan yang meningkat, Masyarakat (CHAS) akan diluaskan perumahan Singapura mencatat kejayaan
Encik Lee berjanji tiga perbelanjaan kepada seluruh rakyat Singapura yang dengan uniknya. Beliau berkata: “Kita
utama – perumahan HDB, penjagaan menghidapi penyakit kronik, tanpa adalah satu-satunya negara bandar
SEP 2018 7
COVER STORY dalam dunia ini yang mana hampir adalah di bawah HIP II yang akan bermula setiap pasangan muda yang baru dalam tempoh 10 tahun dari sekarang. berumahtangga mampu membeli rumah Encik Lee juga berkata HIP sedia pertama mereka dengan serta-merta.” ǡƪǦƪ Menjawab keprihatinan yang semakin sehingga 1986, akan diluaskan kepada ƪ ƪǦƪͥͥͣ͝Ǥ ƪ ͟͜͞ǡ͜͜͜ƪ mencapai 99 tahun, PM mengumumkan bandar-bandar seperti Jurong, Tampines dua daya usaha baharu – mempertingkat dan Pasir Ris. ƪƪ Apabila Vers mula dilaksanakan kira- usia 60 hingga 70 tahun, dan Skim kira 20 tahun dari sekarang, penduduk Pembangunan Semula Awal Secara di kawasan perumahan yang layak ȋȌƪǦƪǤ boleh mengundi untuk menentukan ƪ sama ada HDB akan mengambil balik ƪ ƪ apabila ia mencecah usia 30 tahun, dalam mencecah 70 tahun. Encik Lee berkata, tempoh pajakan 99 tahun di bawah tujuannya adalah untuk membolehkan Program Peningkatkan Rumah (HIP). pembangunan semula secara bertahap- ǡƪ tahap dalam masa dua hingga tiga dekad, akan dipertingkat buat kali kedua apabila dan tidak melakukannya hanya apabila ia mencecah usia 60 hingga 70 tahun. tempoh pegangan mereka luput. Kerja-kerja peningkatan kali kedua ini )NT¦V¦ 0 W³ l)) W ) *WT¦RN] ¥ Z§ VN¸ÀbR¹·¸¿V/§ )]gRT¦\[ § 0 ¥\. X f¦³$)^M0O .!$¥.Mf\]³. )zMfr ¥W³l)) W ) *W¦ f §T§NW Z"*V$0!0"W [ § )0 U¦Uzµ §NW Z"*V³f §W )Mf0 U$ )W ¥ *$¥ *V³M$0!0"W/ )M )NXV)\rU "Mf $"*MfX ¥ Z ¦g §)Zµ X.!"*V.Mf0!¦ )/)Z T.)N¦ ¥W )\³. Q.!")$t³ l)) W ) *W³\$¥¦ VXRtW r )fX.!$¥\.)ZUz¦0MfX ¦$)Mf¦ "*T)Zµ l)) W ) *W0 W. )T$0 ³Ö $¦\!)) T)\ $MfX Tz$W ) *W MW Mg)z× V)RtMf ¦ "*T)Z¦µfr MMf $¥ * )NX \!) [§0"X/ [.)]X V )Z$Zµ M].)0 ¥\¦/ ) *V S*M0/$ )¦ *Tz$$)\³)R R/)]"§NW Z] 0$MfX³$Z"z$ )T0MT¦\.)]") \³l)) $¥T¦RX¯CHAS°|RrMW tX ¦ §$¥T)Zµ ¸À¼·"*\ ¥ Ul )Z0 *\ V§NW ZMfX[.Y¦ §$¥MW Rzµ$Z]gr $¥0 $¥\ . Z/M)0!0 .)fWT¦RTzV 0$)Z]µV/)rT0!0 ¦RT0W/ )V³¦ ¦RX. Z/M)0!0 ¥ *V Tz$O.!MfMgt\ $"*MfXµ 8 SEP 2018
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SEP 2018 9CONVERSATION
BY TAN KEE WEE
The essence of
the Singapore
Identity
Newly promoted Minister
in the Prime Minister’s
Office, Ms Indranee Rajah
discusses the Singapore
Identity and her new
ministerial responsibilities
e sometimes ask when we will on the President’s Address in May 2018, That’s when Singaporeans unite to resolve
W achieve a Singaporean Identity
but I think we already have
one. Although it is still evolving, the
elaborated on it during the interview.
She was promoted to full minister in the
ƫ ǡ
the problem, she pointed out.
While we may treat it as a given and
are almost nonchalant about it, foreigners
fundamental elements are there, says Ms making her the third woman minister have noticed this element of unity in the
Indranee Rajah. in the cabinet. She is also the Second Singapore Identity. When Ms Indranee
“We don’t realise that many of the Minister for Education and Finance. meets her foreign counterparts, they
things that we do are not only uniquely She observed: “There are a number sometimes express amazement at the
Singaporean, but also quite exceptional. of things that I see as very Singaporean speed at which we are able to resolve
We assume that everybody else does it like characteristics, which contribute to the issues through collaboration.
this. But they don’t. So we are unique. We Singapore Identity.” In their countries, they told her, it’s
ƤǤ ƥ ơ
we must always keep it that way,” she said When we “chiong” together departments or sections of the population
in an interview with Petir. One of them is “unity or how to work together.
Ms Indranee, who spoke about the everybody chiong (rush in Hokkien) “But to us, that is expected, right?
Singapore Identity during the debate together whenever a problem happens.” If something is to be done, we will ask
10 SEP 2018“No matter what the challenge is, we will try and overcome it. We will
try different ways and methods. We will try and sometimes we may
fail. But we will keep at it until we succeed.”
another department or another person to were also tackled together with successful
help and they are usually very helpful and outcomes, she pointed out.
cooperative.” “Our next big challenge is inequality –
INDRANEE Another aspect of the Singapore how to reduce the gap between those who
RAJAH Identity is our perseverance, said Ms ơǤ
Minister in the Prime
Minister’s Office, Indranee. “No matter what the challenge haven’t solved it yet but we are setting our
Second Minister in the is, we will try and overcome it. We will try minds to it. It is built into our Singaporean
Ministry of Education ơǤ DNA that we want our people to do better.
and Ministry of Finance,
and sometimes we may fail. But we will “It’s also in our Pledge, a promise to
MP for Tanjong Pagar
GRC keep at it until we succeed.” each other, that we are going to build
a society that is more equal, more just,
Age: 55 Next big challenge: tackling where we all progress together. So we must
Family: Single
Interests: Health and
inequality Ƥ Ǥ
wellness For instance, when the SARS epidemic Ƥ
hit in 2003 or when haze shrouded is exactly equal. But you also don’t want
Singapore in recent years, Singaporeans the gap to be so wide that we have a very
pulled together. Longer-term issues like unequal society.
water supply and the housing shortage “That will be our continuing task, now
and in the future,” she said.
Ms Indranee: Singaporeans “chiong” (unite) together
whenever a problem occurs to resolve it.
FOCUS ON PRE-SCHOOLS, SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION
The education portfolio is of Technical Education (ITE), On special needs education, life as possible.”
not new to Ms Indranee Rajah, polytechnics and universities. she said: “The main objective is In this regard, the Ministry
having been Senior Minister of This time round, she told for children with special needs of Education (MOE) has been
State at the Ministry between Petir that she is, together with to be able to have as normal a collaborating more closely with
2012 and 2015. Then, she looked Education Minister Ong Ye life as possible within school, special education schools. MOE
after the two bookends – pre- Kung, overseeing special needs and thereafter when they leave is reviewing how to resource
schools and institutes of higher education, general education, as the school system and become special education optimally in
learning such as the Institute well as pre-school education. adults, to also live as normal a both SPED and mainstream
SEP 2018 11CONVERSATION
schools and will share its in these areas to pursue their more academically inclined can towards non-degree pathways:
findings in due course. strengths and passions, while pursue the JC route while the earning a decent income,
Her second area of focus developing them to their fullest ITEs and polytechnics are for deriving a sense of fulfilment
covers general education, in potential. students who want to pursue in their chosen field, and the
particular “how to get the right a more applied path with more way society perceives their
balance between the pursuit “It’s a multi-pathway world practical skills. Through these vocations. “Society must accord
of academic excellence and now” pathways, they can become respect to different career
the other things that are also Discussing the ongoing specialists in their own right in fields and acknowledge the
important in life.” debate between academic and their chosen field or craft and importance of what they do.”
There is a non-academic pathways, also have outstanding careers. Citing the pre-school sector
perception that it she pointed out: “It “There are many as an example, she said more
is only a select should not be the permutations but all the paths people have been attracted
number of case where there’s are intended to get you to to join as pre-school teachers
schools that offer only one path and the place that is right for you, after its wages and career
a better education that if you did not go depending on your interest, prospects were given a lift.
and, therefore, give through that path, you passion and skillsets,’’ she Over at the Finance Ministry,
the students a better are not a success. added. one of Ms Indranee’s focus
headstart in life. Ms “The world has changed While the MOE’s efforts to areas is to ensure that money
Indranee wishes to dispel this and it’s a multi-pathway world encourage parents and their is spent “in the correct way” on
perception. now. By the same token, there children to seek non-degree the different sectors to meet
While there will always be are also different measures of pathways have been promising, their objectives. For instance,
certain very popular schools, success.” more still needs to be done to in the small and medium-sized
Ms Indranee said the MOE has, The Singapore education overcome their mindsets that enterprises sector, the Ministry
for some time, been moving system, too, has evolved the academic track is the only needs to assess if schemes
to create a landscape where to equip students for the route to success. designed to help them are
each school has its own area changed world and has She identified three factors indeed achieving the intended
of excellence, which will allow mapped out different paths which would go some way objectives. And if not, then how
students who have interests for different strengths. The towards changing mindsets to re-design them.
GREATER ROLE FOR WOMEN
In her last interview with Petir in 2015, Ms Indranee Rajah
said that she would like to see more women play a greater
role in society.
When asked if she was satisfied with the progress
of women thus far, she said a lot of progress has been
made but added she would still like to see more women
coming forward. “It is not for want of ability. They have
just not been spotted, or for various reasons have not come
forward.”
For instance, she would like to see more women directors on the
boards of Singapore companies, she said.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is one of her other abiding interests,
and her current interest is in human microbiome and how this affects
health and diet.
Research in this area indicates that the kind of bacteria
found in our gut can influence our weight and health.
Accordingly, if obesity and poor health are to be
avoided, we should eat a variety of foods that are fresh
and natural.
So whenever there’s an opportunity to indulge in
some cooking, which she finds therapeutic, she would
stick to the diet suggestions that would encourage a
healthy microbiome.
Chocolates remain an occasional indulgence, though.
12 SEP 2018FEATURE
Being Singaporean
Petir highlights some key points from the speech by Ms Indranee Rajah,
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, during the debate on the President’s
Address in May 2018
“No matter what our
background, each of us
has a role to play; each has
something to contribute to
make Singapore a better
place. As in an orchestra,
each instrument taken
alone may not sound very
musical, but together
they produce a soaring
symphony.”
“And we will succeed
because of who and what
we are – Singaporean.”
Strong sense of self- Our commitment to build Caring about others: Warts and all
determination a better life together “Singaporeans are a caring “We are by no means perfect.
“Our independence was hard “We are a committed people. people. We have big hearts.” We are champion complainers.
won. We will When we say we will do Social: “We have expanded And yes, we are kiasu, and we
preserve and something, we will.” our social networks, increased are impatient. But overall, our
protect that social programmes and positive attributes far outweigh
inalienable increased social expenditure.” our negative ones.”
right.” Excellence and Health:DzƤ
exceptionalism (examples) the world for life expectancy at
Sports: “Joseph Schooling birth, for both sexes.” Unity
Multi-cultural, multi-racial Ƥ “We are exceptional – we have
and multi-religious medal in 2016; Yip Pin Xiu achieved extraordinary things
“To be Singaporean is to accept and Theresa Goh won gold – because of our unity, the way
that all can practice their faiths and bronze medals at the 2016 in which we pull together.”
– as long as you don’t do harm Paralympics; Jason Chee won
to others. To be Singaporean table tennis gold at the Asean
is to be able to have your own Para Games in 2017.”
distinct racial identity while at
the same time being part of a
larger Singaporean family, and Food
sharing a broader “We love, love, love our food!
national Ƥ
identity meal, we are discussing the
with many next! We have our traditional
other hawker food but young
races.” Singaporeans are coming up
with creative new concepts.”
SEP 2018 13BRANCHING OUT
BY JANE NG
JURONG CENTRAL
NEW MARKET
Where: Blk 493,
Jurong West St 41
Special features:
Wider aisles, non-slip
tiles, accessible
toilets and a sheltered
drop-off porch.
Cost: $6.2 million
Operational: End 2018
Jurong Central MP Mr Ang Wei Neng says the new Jurong Central Plaza will give his residents a place to meet and share good times together.
New Jurong Central market is
housed in three-in-one building
Strong “can-do” community spirit in efforts to build Jurong Central Plaza
esidents in Jurong Central three-in-one concept. health checks, nutrition talks
R will get a new market
by the end of this year,
to replace the one that was
The active-ageing hub will
be a boon, as seniors make up
14 per cent of the population in
and physical activity classes
will be conducted.
Work on the new building,
Ƥ Jurong Central – one per cent on the same site as the razed
ago. above the national average. market, started soon after the
It will be housed in a new There has been growing 30-year-old market was set
The charred remains of the coffee
two-storey building called demand for more eldercare ablaze in 2016 by an odd-job shop and wet market at Block 493,
Jurong Central Plaza, which places in the constituency. worker. Jurong West Street 41, after the
blaze was put out on October 11,
ơ The hub will have a day Mr Ang Wei Neng, MP for 2016. A nearby coffee shop was
Ƥƪ Ǧ care, an activity centre and ǡơ also damaged, and residents from
surrounding blocks were evacuated
ageing hub on the second – a a community garden where to build a temporary market as at the height of the fire.
SEP 2018 17BRANCHING OUT
well as plan for the permanent take at least six months to
one simultaneously. He said build the temporary market.
Ƥ Mr Ang and his team were not
but he was determined to daunted.
build something bigger, better ơơǤ
Instead of six months, the
the growing needs of the temporary market was built
residents. in a mere six weeks! It was
Dz built on the site of a yet-to-
ǡǡ in front of Blk 498. It was a
eat and gather,” he pointed stone’s throw from the razed
out. ǡ
The temporary market took only six weeks to put up, thanks to great support
Six weeks was all it took their livelihoods. from the community.
to build temporary market ǡ
The immediate aftermath
Ƥ ǡ
half of the $600,000 needed
approvals from various to build the temporary
market was raised in under a
building the interim market. fortnight. Most of the funds
Mr Ang spent many nights ǯ
ơ ǡ supporters, with the rest raised
ǡ
to hash out the requirements organisations.
before meeting the various
their support. At that resident, Mr Ronnie Oh, who
ǡ ǡ ǡ
MP Mr Ang with his Jurong Central branch secretary, Mr Wilson Tan, in front of
the temporary market. the soon-to-open Jurong Central Plaza.
Mr Henry Ho, vice-chairman
of Jurong Central Branch
(third from left, seated), said
half of the $600,000 needed
to build the temporary market
was raised in a fortnight.
18 SEP 2018WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING
AT JURONG CENTRAL
Community
Leadership
Student leaders brainstorm ideas on how to help the community.
Programme
Started: June 2018
Aim: Nurture leaders
He introduced a German heart-wrenching moment for while she was thankful for who will contribute to
technology that allowed the Mr Ang was when the stall the temporary market, it will the community. Student
structure to be completed in a owners were allowed to visit Ƥ leaders, guided by mentors
couple of weeks. And he only the razed market. Many broke and pleasant to shop when the who are Lim Boon Heng
scholarship holders, will
asked for a token sum of $1. down when they saw that their Jurong Central Plaza opens.
work with VWOs.
Amid the initial livelihood and belongings The year-long construction
ƥ were destroyed overnight. saw residents having to put About the programme:
heartwarming moments, up with the noise and dust It began with 60 student
recalled Mr Ang. Strangers “Homecoming” with a but Mr Ang said he received leaders spending one day
he met outside Jurong told difference nothing but support from the at various VWOs in Jurong
him they were rooting for the With the temporary market understanding residents. to understand their needs.
community, something which up and running on January 1, DzƤǤ
They had a brainstorming
session and presented
surprised and warmed the 2017, many stallholders, But since it had happened, I
ideas on how students can
cockles of his heart. Ƥ wanted to turn adversity into serve the community.
Support aside, the most May Low, 54, decided to set up an opportunity to re-build,
stall there. But she is excited re-brand and rejuvenate the The year-long programme
about moving back to the place for residents to gather, includes mentorship and
original location by this year- to share good food and to a career talk by Lim Boon
“I wanted to turn end, where there will be more share good times together. Heng scholarship scholars
adversity into an customers. It was an opportunity to
who are working adults or
opportunity to re-build, undergraduates.
“I’m looking forward to the appeal to the ordinary but
re-brand and rejuvenate newer and better space. And kind-hearted Singaporeans Students involved: 15
the place for residents most importantly, there is no to donate generously, to student leaders from each
to gather, to share good change in rental,’’ Madam Low build camaraderie and more of the four secondary
food and to share good said. importantly, to showcase schools : Fuhua, Hua Yi,
times together.” Residents like housewife the ‘can-do’ spirit of the Jurongville and Hong Kah.
- Jurong Central MP Mr Ang Wei Neng Lim Geok Chan, 57, said community,” he said.
SEP 2018 19WOMEN'S WING
he PAP Women’s Wing (WW) is (Stem) industries.
T urging its members to promote
inclusivity in Singapore’s drive to
become a Smart Nation.
Then, a panel of women business
leaders and professionals shared their
experiences with the 400-strong audience
“We must develop the skills to
do things machines can’t.”
- Ms Feon Ang, vice-president of Talent and
Learning Solutions for Asia-Pacific, LinkedIn.
WW chairperson and Minister for at the event, which hosted a smart
Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Grace technology fair.
Fu, said that by ensuring technological Reinforcing Ms Fu’s message, Ms Ong
ƤǡDz Chin Yin, of ride-hailing company Grab,
in an inclusive way, and not have only said women are in a good position to “Empathy is key and as
a small group race ahead, leaving the enhance inclusivity as they have empathy women, we are used to
others behind”. She made this point in and can relate to other people better.
her keynote address at the 6th Annual Ms Janet Ang, vice-president of
understanding and listening
Conference of the PAP WW on August 25, Learning Solutions and Business deeply to the needs of another
2018. ǡ Ƥ ǡ person.”
She especially urged the WW advisers the “growing concerns of job loss” with - Ms Ong Chin Yin, Head of People, Grab.
and Exco members to make a concerted Ƥ Ǥ
ơ stressed the importance of “restlessly
date with new mobile apps and devices. re-inventing yourself” and said that while
By encouraging seniors to embrace digital Ƥ ǡ
technology and social media, they can creates “new collar jobs.”
become more socially engaged with Agreeing, Ms Feon Ang, of social media
extended family members, friends and platform company LinkedIn, pointed out
neighbours, she explained. there is a skills gap in Singapore, with
In line with the theme of this year’s top talent in the three most in-demand
conference, "Smart Women for a Smart skills ȅƤ ǡ
Nation”, Ms Fu also encouraged more and cloud computing ȅ being lost to
women to take an interest in the science, organisations overseas. She suggested
technology, engineering and mathematics getting more people to acquire these
Getting women
involved in Smart
Nation development
They can ensure technological change benefits all
groups in the community
Women have empathy and
can relate better to other
people, so they are in a
good position to enhance
inclusivity in Singapore’s
Smart Nation drive.
20 SEP 2018specialised skills.
Ms Reena Rajasvari, Associate
facilitator of learning and development
consultancy Rohei Corporation, talked
of her “re-invention”. She was a teacher
when she became blind at the age of
28. She overcame the odds and is now
an inspirational speaker on topics
related to adversity quotient. A lifelong WW members celebrate
learner, Ms Reena has a diploma from Singapore’s 53rd birthday.
Ƥ
in Specialist Counselling and now
counsels at Changi Women’s Prison.
She also co-founded a disabled
and under-privileged orphanage in Food, the people connector
Malaysia.
There’s nothing like food, especially dishes that are lovingly prepared to foster friendship
and camaraderie. That’s exactly what more than 100 Women’s Wing (WW) activists did when
Smart Technology fair they met at their 3rd quarterly gathering on July 21, 2018 at NTUC Centre. The event also
offerings included: celebrated Singapore’s 53rd National Day in advance.
GPS FOR THOSE USING They were attending the “Share-A-Dish” gathering, which celebrated the culinary talents
WHEELCHAIRS AND PERSONAL of the female activists. Ms Grace Fu, chairperson of PAP WW and Minister for Culture,
MOBILITY DEVICES
Has accessibility routes for Community and Youth, described the gathering as unique. She said it enabled WW to reach
wheelchairs and PMDs. out to female activists. She thanked them for constantly looking out and caring for branch
GOOGLE HOUSE volunteers and residents. Some of them even go the extra mile to take on a “motherly” role in
Smart home innovation that acts the PAP branches that they serve.
on voice commands.
Female MPs who attended included Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary
ASSISTED LIVING PLATFORM (Ministry of Home Affairs and National Development); Ms Rahayu Mahzam, MP for Jurong
Empowers caregivers and GRC; and Ms
vulnerable people with seamless
monitoring. Cheryl Chan, MP for
Fengshan SMC. And
they tucked into a
feast that featured,
among various
dishes, fresh salad
with tomato sauce,
dry mee siam,
longan grass jelly
and bubur hitam.
Try my dishes -- WW members bond over food.
SEP 2018 21YOUNG PAP
BY KHUSHWANT SINGH
Let’s hear
from the
youths
Healthcare, jobs and financial
security issues take centre stage
at YP dialogue
oung PAP chairman Dr Janil
Y Puthucheary asked Young PAP (YP)
members to be “full” and “frank”
with their concerns in order to help the
Government
Go formulate policies.
The
T Senior Minister of State at
the
t Ministry of Transport, and
Communications
C and Information
made
m the remarks to participants at
the
h YP
Y bi-monthly dialogue on “What
worries Singaporean youths today.”
About 170 YP and Young NTUC
members as well as invited guests of
several YP branches were at the dialogue
held at PAP headquarters on June 23, 2018.
The participants broke up into six groups
to discuss their concerns about healthcare,
Ƥ ǡ
groups focusing on each topic.
In their presentations, representatives
from the groups highlighted their
concerns about the high cost of living,
healthcare and career stability in an age
22 SEP 2018of disruptive technologies. They also to implement measures for the continuing Local vs foreign workers, longer
wondered if people are “over-insured” training and career progression of allied internships
with both government and private healthcare workers. Mr De Souza, who Commenting on the observation
medical insurance. sits on the Government Parliamentary that companies prefer to
Other issues raised include the stigma Committee (GPC) for Health, explained hire
hi foreigners, Mr Teo
of mental illness and enhancing the ơǡ Ser Luck, MP for Pasir
S
ơǡ with doctors at the forefront, supported Ris-Punggol GRC, and
R
communicating with patients. Certain by allied healthcare workers. founder of several start-
fo
ƥ Another
A MP, Mr Liang ups,
ups explained: “I have an
Ƥǡ Eng Hwa, (Holland-
En e-commerce business and the operations
lengthening internships so that job BBukit Timah GRC) and need to start at 5.30 am. I have tried to
seekers will have more experience. cchairman of the GPC Ƥ
for Finance and Trade
fo been successful in hiring. Currently, the
Viewpoints from MPs and YP and Industry,
I said the most majority of the workers in the production
advisers practical way to tackle the rising cost of line are foreign workers. It’s not just costs.
Several MPs and YP advisers were on living was to uplift the income level. He It’s about who’s willing and who’s not.”
hand to add to the discussion. pointed out that this had risen by around Mr Teo also urged Singapore’s youths
Ms Tin Pei Ling, a YP vice ce four per cent in the last 10 years. He said to continually acquire the relevant skills to
chairman, commented thatt more than 20,000 jobs were created last keep pace with emerging technologies. For
although the participants year, and that the lower-income group is instance, those doing bookkeeping should
are young and in the prime being helped by subsidies for education ơ
of their lives, she could and housing. and understand the implications of
see that they are concerned He also said that certain costs go up Ƥ Ǥ
about rising healthcare costs, which are because of rising wages as businesses pass He said: “These have not been
ơ Ǥ these added expenses to customers. On implemented yet but such knowledge will
The MacPherson SMC MP also pointed the cost of homes adding to the high cost ƤǤdz
out that not everyone requires additional of living, Mr Liang observed that HDB On the suggestion by some YP
private insurance coverage with its high Ƥ members to extend internships p from six
premiums. MediShield Life is enough income compared to 16 to 17 times for months to at least a year, Ms
to cover the hospitalisation cost of most homes in Hong Kong. Sun Xueling, MP for Pasir
people, she said. Ris-Punggol GRC and Senior
On the issue of mental health, Mr Parliamentary Secretary
Amrin Amin,, MP for Sembawang GRC ȋ ơ
and
and Senior Parliamentary and National Development), said id
Secretary,
Se (Ministry of internships are important because interns
ơȌ can judge for themselves how relevant
and
a also a YP vice chairman, their skills are in the marketplace. It is
said
saii that some people are
sa also an opportunity for interns to get a
reluctant
l t to seek help from sense of working life, envision applying
the Institute of Mental Health because their skills to a job and expand
of the stigma associated with mental networks. Ms Sun shared:
health problems. To rectify this situation, “Internships should be as
treatment has been “decentralised” with long as it takes for you
health counsellors located at schools and to get a good sense of
mental health clinics at polyclinics and the industry and how
hospitals. He added the authorities are suitable you are for
looking at policies to ensure the cost of the industry.”
medical treatment and medicine remain She encouraged YP
ơǤ members to discuss
Mr Christopher De Souza, with their Institutes
MP
M for Holland-Bukit of Higher Learning
Timah
T GRC, said he had regarding internship
suggested
s to Parliament tenures and opportunities.
SEP 2018 23YOUNG PAP
ocial media is an avenue to let others
S know who we are and what we do.
It’s a platform for self-expression and
Building an
outreach, to inspire, mobilise and leave
an impression. We discussed “Building a
effective social
Social Media Presence for Impact” at the
Young PAP Exco Meeting on April 7, 2018.
media presence
The guest speakers at the bi-monthly Two MPs who are active
event at PAP headquarters are two MPs social media users share
who are active social media users: Baey
their thoughts on using
Yam Keng and Amrin Amin.
social media to engage with
They pointed out that social media
their residents
is very much about making a personal
connection, so content has to have a more
ǡƥ
style and tone.
Social media expands your
audience
Mr Baey, MP for Tampines GRC and
Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry
of Culture, Community and Youth, and
Transport said: “Social media serves as our
newsroom. Not everyone pays attention
to notice boards or reads newsletters.
Neither do they attend block parties, but
they might follow social media. So we
need to go to where these people are, by
reaching out to them via social media.
“When they are aware of what the
PAP branch is doing, they get to know
us better. If what we do resonates with
them, it translates into a positive feeling.
Social media helps to amplify what we are
already doing on the ground. Ultimately, it
is the authenticity that people like.”
Mr Baey said even with our regular
activities like Meet-the-People Sessions
ȋȌǡ Ƥơ The MP for Sembawang GRC and activists that there is no need to react
share about it on social media. This helps Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the to every negative comment. Engage
the public to understand how we are ơ constructively. Keep cool, use humour.
serving the community and how they advised the audience to distil the essence Another rule that helps is if you have
could seek help. of the speech into three or four key nothing good to say, it's better to stay
Adding to Mr Baey’s call to be creative, points and add your take or reaction to silent.
such as describing the attendance or it. Content must be curated with the Mr Daniel Kwang Wee Teck, a member
atmosphere at MPS, as not many people audience in mind – who’s the intended of the Eunos YP branch and a computer
are familiar with these sessions, Mr Amrin audience and what interests them. science undergraduate, said that he now
urged YP members “to be human, be understands how social media can serve
yourself and be authentic”. Pictures tell a thousand words as an excellent platform for stronger
Mr Amrin said: “Let people get to know Mr Amrin said good photographs never community bonds as well as bonding with
ǤǤǯƪ fail. They tell a good story and capture the MP. He added: “Social media is a very
ƥ Ǥǡ attention and imagination. powerful and convenient tool, if used
yourself.” On negative responses, he advised wisely.”
24 SEP 2018PAP POLICY FORUM
Transport Minister
wants to turn
more road spaces
to public use
Excellent public transport is key to a
car-lite Singapore, says Mr Khaw Boon
Wan at a PAP Policy Forum dialogue
n Singapore, 12 per cent of land is now station should be safe, comfortable and ơ ǯ
I being used for roads against 14 per cent
of land to house Singapore’s 5.6 million
population. Transport Minister Mr Khaw
shaded by trees, preferably. We are not
there yet, but getting closer,” he said.
and way of life.
Mr Khaw, who is also Coordinating
Minister for Infrastructure, said that
Boon Wan said: “This is a heavy allocation Good transport enhances quality transport is also a key enabler for our
of a scarce resource. If we can reclaim of life Ǥǡơ
some road space for other purposes, for He said that transport is an important every one of us. Hence, it is such a
example, for community activities, I think factor in one’s quality of life. Human politically sensitive subject.
it will enhance Singaporeans’ quality beings are naturally social and curious. We have been investing heavily in
of life. My mission is to try to achieve We like to explore and connect with other transport, to meet Singaporeans’ rising
this hence my championing a car-lite people. A convenient transport system aspirations and expectations. In this year’s
Singapore.” Budget, transport has become the second
He was speaking to about 150 activists most expensive ministry after defence. The
and union leaders at the PAP Policy Forum FEASIBILITY OF ELECTRIC Government spent $30 billion over the last
on the theme “Getting more moving VEHICLES Ƥ
quickly” at the PAP headquarters on July Some of the participants had ƤǤ
7, 2018. He explained that making public suggested more electric vehicles, and Mr As the typical lifespan of an MRT line
transport the preferred mode is the most Khaw said that further electrification of is 30 years, he said rapidly renewing and
vehicles is the trend. But he noted that
important ingredient to creating a car-lite upgrading the 30-year-old North-South
electric vehicles need to charge their
Ƥ batteries and we must be aware that and East-West MRT lines is necessary.
using public transport, they will buy a car, charging batteries causes pollution too. He said SMRT has been ramping up on
ǯơǤ The Government has issued a tender maintenance, hiring more engineers and
DzƤǦǦ for 60 electric and 50 hybrid buses, technicians, and intensifying preventive
is key. The trip to the bus stop or MRT which will allow it to test the use of Ǥơ
such vehicles in our tropical weather results. The North-South, East-West and
conditions.
Circle Lines are achieving reliability results
Replying to a question about
the “littering” problem caused by
that they had not experienced before. And
indiscriminate parking of rental bicycles, they continue to chalk up better reliability
Mr Khaw said: “We are aware of the results.
problem in China but decided to go for an ơƤ ǡ
initial light touch regulation, so as not to Mr Khaw pointed out that we would have
kill off the idea prematurely. ƤǤ
Now that we have actual experience
the Public Transport Council will have to
of such a problem, we are tightening
Ƥ ơ
the regulations. Such operators will
need a licence, which comes with strict and sustainability. As he sees it, reliability
compliance rules. We have received ơ
seven applications for such a licence.” shared among the Government, transport
operators and commuters.
26 SEP 2018BACKBENCHER'S BITE WITH GAN THIAM POH
BY KHUSHWANT SINGH
WHO: Gan Thiam Poh, MP
for Sengkang South ward of
Ang Mo Kio GRC. He entered
politics in 2011 when he
became MP for Pasir Ris-
Punggol GRC. Currently, he
is a member of the Ang Mo
Kio Town Council and an
adviser to Ang Mo Kio GRC
grassroots organisations.
Mr Gan is a senior vice-
president at DBS Bank.
Leading WHERE: Coffeeshop at
Block 684, Hougang
Avenue 8.
by example ON THE MENU: Popiah and
kopi-O.
A staunch believer of scientist Albert
Einstein’s tenet “Once you stop learning,
you start dying”, Mr Gan Thiam Poh walks
the talk. He encourages residents of his
Sengkang South ward to keep on learning
while doing the same himself.
Always learning, even from those younger
We all have to remain students all our lives. I make
it a point to attend courses that are relevant to my job.
I also tap on the experiences shared by my residents or
seek the advice of my colleagues.
To be abreast of and learn more about new
technology, socially and at work, I turn to the youths
or younger ones, including my two daughters who are
adept at it. One is in her third year at university while
the other is awaiting admission into varsity. It further
creates another opportunity for us to bond, in addition “People help People”
to our weekly family get-together. When I was in secondary school, I took part in sports activities at the community
centre. Being involved in CC activities led to the realisation that I could do something to
give back to the community. I became a member of various grassroots groups and also
began helping at Meet-the-People Sessions.
I started the “kepala” programme in our division that aims to match our less
My mantra is “People help People”. fortunate residents with various community projects. They take the lead in looking
I believe our residents can play a part out for the community, either by looking out for damaged facilities or for our residents
through the community café corner.
in giving back to the community that For students who are receiving bursaries and study grants, I also encourage them
they live in, regardless of their socio- to tutor the weaker students who are on our tuition schemes. My mantra is “People help
People”. I believe our residents can play a part in giving back to the community that
ecological background. they live in, regardless of their socio-ecological background.
Fernvale Square, symbol of community spirit Backbenchers’ contributions
Following residents’ feedback that there was a shortage of sports facilities in Backbenchers can and should try to contribute to
Fernvale estate in our division, I mooted the idea of building sports facilities like the formulation of policies. I remember mentioning
basketball, badminton, street soccer courts and a gym on a piece of land located next to our leaders about the importance of appreciating
to the Jalan Kayu Joint Temple, which comprises three Taoist temples and one Thai our pioneers for the sacrifices they have made for
Buddhist temple. Singapore. On another occasion, I shared with our
Such a facility will also provide a platform for community bonding and enable leaders about the long waiting times that our elderly
residents of all ages, including the youths, to engage in healthy activities. I would residents have to go through at polyclinics, and
like to thank the Jalan Kayu Joint Temple sponsors/donors, members, residents mooted the idea that they could consult their own
and volunteers for working hard at this project. It is a good example of what can be private doctors, albeit at polyclinic prices.
achieved with a strong community spirit. I am happy that the Pioneer Generation Package
The sports facilities at Fernvale Square are expected to be ready by end 2018. and CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme)
In addition, in close proximity, there will be a community care hub for seniors and a launched by the Government have addressed and met
childcare centre, which will be ready by end 2018 and 2019 respectively. the needs and concerns of the residents.
SEP 2018 27You can also read
