WP's Jasper Kuan on how Low Thia Khiang convinced him to run in the election | Deep Dive podcast

Key Concepts

Fatherhood, Passion, Fairness/Justice/Balance, Social Safety Nets, Caregiver Support, Economic Focus vs. Human Focus, Legacy, Education System Review, PSLE, Multi-Pathway Approach to Education, Equality vs. Equity, Class Size, Future-Ready Education, Private Sector Experience, Public Transport, Grassroots Engagement.

Personal Background and Motivations

Jasper Kwan, Workers' Party candidate for East Coast GRC, describes himself as a proud father, passionate individual, and someone who values fairness. His difficult childhood, marked by his parents' illnesses (mother with cancer for 20 years, father with kidney failure), shaped his views on the need for robust social safety nets and caregiver support. He regrets not spending enough time with his dying parents and believes Singaporeans should have the ability to take time off for family matters without jeopardizing their careers. This experience motivates him to advocate for policies that support families and provide flexibility in the workplace, such as sabbaticals, leave options, and flexible work arrangements. He acknowledges the government's focus on economic competitiveness but argues for a greater emphasis on the "softer side" – the human aspect of caring for loved ones.

Decision to Enter Politics

Kwan initially felt it was the "wrong season" to enter politics due to his young children (11, 8, and 5) and his role as the main breadwinner. He was content with assisting Dennis Tan, MP for Hougang, with grassroots activities and town council matters. However, after a three-hour conversation with Mr. Low Thia Khiang, he felt a sense of responsibility to carry on Mr. Low's legacy of advocating for a balanced political system. He was also motivated by the desire to impact the lives of more than just his own three children, particularly in the area of education.

Education System Critique and Proposed Reforms

Kwan, a former teacher at Catholic High School's gifted education program, believes the PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) needs to be reviewed. He notes that the PSLE's fundamental purpose, established in 1960, may no longer be entirely relevant in today's education landscape. He advocates for a multi-pathway approach to education, similar to the IB program or systems in other countries that extend from year 1 to year 10. He suggests that certain schools could adopt a through-train system, while others continue with the PSLE and DSA (Direct School Admission) pathways.

He acknowledges that parents can sometimes be the "cause of the problem" by trying to "game the system." He references Prof. Turian's book, "This is What Inequality Looks Like," and the phrase "I want my children better than me," highlighting the pressure parents feel to give their children an advantage. He believes structural and policy changes are needed to reduce stress for both children and parents.

Kwan emphasizes the importance of equity over equality, arguing that everyone should have the right tools and resources to achieve certain outcomes. He stresses the crucial role of teachers in guiding individual child development. He criticizes the current class size (38-40 students in upper primary) as being conducive to knowledge transfer but not personalized learning. He advocates for smaller class sizes to allow teachers to provide more individualized attention and support.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Kwan identifies his experience as an assistant to an MP, giving him firsthand knowledge of grassroots operations and town council management, as a key USP. He also highlights his education experience, his close ties to educators, and his private sector experience in banking and finance, particularly in the area of transit payments. He believes he can contribute a fresh perspective on education policy and public transport. He feels Singapore's education system is "stuck in a mode of knowledge transfer" and needs to be more future-ready.

East Coast GRC and Future Plans

Kwan acknowledges the tough fight in East Coast GRC. He expresses gratitude for the warm welcome and support received from residents. He views the election as a journey and emphasizes the Workers' Party's consistent engagement with the community over the past 20 years. If elected, he intends to focus on education. If not elected, he will continue to support the Workers' Party. He acknowledges that his future involvement in politics will depend on the party's leadership and the suitability of his background and abilities for future slates.