GE2025: PAP introduces new 2 faces in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC as Ng Eng Hen, Chong Kee Hiong retire

Key Concepts:

• Bishan-Toa Payoh Constituency
• Anchor Minister
• Grassroots Engagement
• Social Service
• Vulnerable Communities
• Sustainable Development
• Caregiving
• Aging Population
• Support for Caregivers
• Community Resilience

1. Acknowledgement of Service and Transition of Leadership:

• The speaker begins by thanking Dr. Ng Eng Hen and Mr. Chong Qing for their years of service to Bishan-Toa Payoh residents. Dr. Ng served for almost 25 years since 2001, and Mr. Chong served for 10 years since 2015.
• The speaker acknowledges Dr. Ng's leadership as the anchor minister in Bishan-Toa Payoh since 2011 and expresses gratitude for his guidance and mentorship since 2015.
• The speaker is honored to take over from Dr. Ng as the anchor for Bishan-Toa Payoh and commits to fulfilling responsibilities to teammates, volunteers, and residents.

2. Personal Background and Motivation for Public Service:

• The speaker's experience as a crime desk journalist exposed her to tragedies and families' struggles, resonating with her own experience of losing her father to cancer at 16.
• Witnessing resilience and community support inspired her to help families by bringing food and checking in on caregivers.
• She left journalism to become a junior college teacher, aiming to intervene earlier in young people's lives and empower them through education.
• Volunteering at Campus Impact, a social service agency, allowed her to see the power of collaboration in uplifting vulnerable communities.
• Serving as a district counselor with the Northwest CDC provided opportunities to advocate for young people and families and implement policies on a wider scale.

3. Three Pillars of Action if Elected:

• The speaker outlines three key goals if elected as a Member of Parliament:
  • Take care of people: Focus on the well-being and needs of the community.
  • Strengthen our people: Empower individuals and families to thrive.
  • Inspire our people: Foster a sense of hope, resilience, and community spirit.

4. Experience with Vulnerable Communities and Sustainable Development:

• Growing up in Geylang exposed the speaker to vulnerable segments of society.
• Inspired by a lecturer, Miss Nisha, the speaker started a social enterprise focused on sustainable development to uplift communities.
• She learned through experimentation, failures, and seeking guidance from others.

5. Focus on Caregiving and the Aging Population:

• The speaker recounts an experience volunteering with an elderly neighbor, highlighting the importance of caregiving.
• She worked part-time via a caregiving app and spent two months in a nursing home during the pandemic, caring for bedbound elders.
• She became a professional in the care sector for almost four years, managing active aging centers.
• Caregiving, especially caring for caregivers (family members, social service agencies, volunteers, and neighbors), is a topic close to her heart.
• She hopes to implement ideas in Bishan-Toa Payoh to prepare for the effects of an aging population.
• She will advocate for support for caregivers of seniors, adults, and children with disabilities or special needs.

6. Notable Quotes:

• "It is a very big pair of shoes to fill but I will do my best." - Expressing humility and commitment to the role.
• "Being prepared is the scout's motto" - Highlighting the importance of preparedness in caregiving.

7. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The speaker's background in journalism, education, and social service has shaped her commitment to serving the community. Her focus on caregiving, sustainable development, and empowering vulnerable populations reflects a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Bishan-Toa Payoh. Her three pillars of action – taking care of, strengthening, and inspiring people – provide a clear framework for her vision as a Member of Parliament.