7 activists, 7 decades of service

Petir interviewed seven dedicated Party activists for personal stories about serving their wards. These seven represent the many unsung heros of our Party, serving their fellow Singaporeans tirelessly.

‘A resident trusted me with her funeral after her passing.’

Fu Chuan San, BBM(L), 83

PAP Geylang Serai branch activist, 2024 PAP Dedicated Service Award

“I appreciate the PAP government for its honesty and concern for Singaporeans. I joined the PAP at the suggestion of Chin Harn Tong, the then-MP for Aljunied SMC, to help recruit more women activists. Initially, there were only one or two active women out of around 20 activists in my branch. After I joined, the numbers grew.

Of the residents whom I have assisted, I remember an elderly woman who asked me to arrange her funeral after her passing. I guess she trusted me enough to request me to help.

Volunteering has nothing to do with age; it keeps the mind active and engaged. I take every opportunity to educate people about the government’s policies and how they benefit them.

I am honoured to receive the Dedicated Service Award this year. However, serving residents well is undoubtedly a team effort, and this award goes to the team too.”

‘Like thunder echoing from the heavens to the earth!’

Lim Thiam Poh, 71

PAP Ayer Rajah-Gek Poh branch activist, 2024 PAP Gold Medal

“Once, the branch needed a Hokkien-speaker for a soundbite for our election rally lorry. A comrade of mine said ‘Ah Lim, you speak Hokkien, you go and try lah.’

So, I did a Hokkien recording at the studio. ‘Dear residents and friends. Neighbours! Ms Foo Mee Har is our election candidate this year! Hope to gather overwhelming support — cast your vote for her! Victory! Victory! Victory!’

The branch was happy with my effort, and they played it all around the ward.

Polling night, when the final votes get counted, is always unforgettable. Wah! When the officials announce that we’ve won our GRC — we’re all whistling, clapping, waving our flag and cheering.

The noise; it’s like thunder echoing from the heavens to the earth. Wah! It’s so soul-stirring!”

‘Empathy and patience are powerful, even when people shout at you.’

Clarence Ching Kah Hin, 30

Young PAP Regional Chair for Tanjong Pagar GRC and PAP Moulmein-Cairnhill branch activist, 2024 PAP Bronze Medal and Youth Award

“At a Meet-the-People (MPS) session, an agitated resident stood up and shouted at me. He was frustrated over his unemployment. I listened patiently, allowing him to voice his concerns uninterrupted.

Once the resident had calmed down, we linked him to social services, which connected him to SkillsFuture programmes for skills upgrading. With these new skills acquired, he regained his footing and independence.

That moment now serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and patience in helping individuals overcome challenges.

Access to social capital and networks is crucial, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. I aim to bridge this gap by advocating for policies that create level playing field and amplify the impact of social mobility initiatives across Singapore.

The essence of social mobility is uplifting the entire community. When we empower an individual, it creates a ripple effect that inspires others, building a foundation of support and possibilities for all.”

‘Residents are there for us, so we must be there for them.’

Sa’adiah Binte Abdul, BBM, 56

PAP Women’s Wing ExCo Member and WW Chair of PAP Kaki Bukit branch, 2024 PAP Silver Medal

“I’ve been serving at the PAP Kaki Bukit branch for 17 years. I joined the Party after the then-MP, Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, encouraged me that it would deepen my understanding of policies and provide training to learn more about them. His guidance inspired me to take this path.

What motivates me is the satisfaction of assisting others. I vividly recall helping a woman struggling to care for her family — three sons and a daughter with autism. Her husband had lost his job, and they also had to support their elderly parents. I secured financial aid for her and helped her husband find employment. With time, the family’s situation improved. The woman appreciated my assistance, but I told her, ‘I can only journey with you. You and your family made the changes.’

Even in opposition constituencies, there are always those who believe in and trust the PAP. They are there for us, so we must be there for them.

We proudly go out in white-on-white attire. We want residents to know we’re here for them, not just during general elections but always.”

‘Lee Kuan Yew always reminded us that residents’ welfare is most important.’

Freddy ANg Ngoh Ho, 65Vice-Chair of PAP Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru branch

“When the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew was around, he would always remind us to be responsible, take care of our residents and their welfare, and be prudent with spending.

The most rewarding aspect of volunteering is the close relationships I’ve built with residents through assisting them. Connecting with and building trust with residents are crucial, as these connections enable us to continue serving them.

As the years go by, we have noticed a growing number of Singaporeans expressing higher expectations. We strive to meet these evolving needs, even in challenging circumstances, without turning away any residents. They recognise our efforts to assist them to the best of our abilities.”

‘We are giving a lot more help to lower-income individuals.’

Karthik Sankaran, 42

PAP Jurong Central branch activist, 2024 PAP Bronze Medal

“What has changed since I started? I think one is that we are giving a lot more help to lower-income individuals.

There used to be a lot of debate around this whole idea of self-reliance and meritocracy. But today, there is a recognition that the problems facing people who have been disadvantaged for various reasons are quite deep and complex.

Our Party officeholders in Government have been supportive, whether it’s strengthening the whole social service office (SSO) network, whether it’s community involvement in helping people with different needs, right? I used to be the Chairman of Loving Heart Jurong, which is a social service agency working with lonely elderly and vulnerable youth. There’s been a lot more engagement around these groups these years.”

‘Sometimes, the best kind of help that we can offer to others is in the moment.’

Heidi Mah, 29

PAP Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng branch activist, 2024 PAP Bronze Medal

“During one MPS session, this elderly man came in. He smelled strongly of urine.

He also believed that his neighbour was stealing money from him at night, and so he wanted the money back.

It was obvious that he was not in the best state of mind. It was challenging to assist him, beyond asking Social Service Offices to check on his welfare and make sure that his basic necessities are met. At that point in time, I felt demoralised.

Then Comrade Alvin Tan came in. He helped the old man get a fresh pair of pants, walking alongside him out of the branch to find one.

There are sometimes no right answers to certain situations immediately.

Sometimes, the best kind of help that we can offer to others in the moment is to empathise and be willing to walk alongside them.”