Sixth batch of new PAP candidates aims to help youth and workers flourish

They want Singaporeans to land good jobs, youth to reach their potential, and the aged to be served and have a place in society

Janice Heng
Published Fri, Jun 26, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Singapore

HELPING youths flourish and preparing workers for the future economy were among the concerns of four People's Action Party (PAP) candidates introduced on Friday by party vice-chairman Masagos Zulkifli.

The sixth group of new faces to be unveiled since Wednesday includes former air force brigadier-general Gan Siow Huang, 46, who was the first woman general in the Singapore Armed Forces and is one of several senior public servants who have stepped down in recent months.

Asked by the media about how her background puts her among a long-running trend of candidates from the military, she acknowledged that her experience in the military has been valuable, but called for the avoidance of stereotypes, saying: "Don't look at me as just another general. Look at me for who I am."

She is now deputy chief executive officer of the National Trades Union Congress' Employment and Employability Institute, from where she hopes to help Singaporeans get good jobs. "This year, we have to be more deliberate in the support that we provide to Singaporeans who have been retrenched," she said.

Married with three daughters, Ms Gan is also passionate about helping girls and young women develop their potential so they can contribute to the community.

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Similarly, the wish "to see every youth succeed in life" and "to see adults flourish" is what drives Rachel Ong Sin Yen, 47, chief executive of local corporate training company Rohei Corporation and founder of youth charity Trybe.

Currently vice-chair of the Telok Blangah Citizens' Consultative Committee, she is single and lives with her parents.

Highlighting the importance of preparing the workforce for the rise of Industry 4.0 and creating good jobs for the future was Sharael Taha. The 39-year-old, who is vice-president for strategy and project management in Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited, is on secondment from Rolls Royce. He said: "For the seniors, low-wage workers, and the less abled, we have to make sure that they are part of this journey." The father of three also wants to ensure "equal opportunity for every child regardless of race, religion, or economic standing".

Also stressing the need to preserve Singapore's inclusive society in the face of global trends of polarisation and division, was lawyer Alex Yeo Sheng Chye, director at Niru & Co LLC.

Noting that he and his wife are from different cultural backgrounds - she is South Asian and Hindu, while he is Chinese and Roman Catholic - he said: "We are thankful that Singapore is a home where our children can be whoever they wish, and yet have a singular identity - that of being Singaporeans." Mr Yeo has been a grassroots volunteer in Potong Pasir since 2014 and in Paya Lebar since 2017. As a grassroots leader, he has set up legal clinics in both areas and worked to improve healthcare awareness and services for the elderly.

Asked about how he fancies his chances in Aljunied GRC - of which Paya Lebar is a part - against the incumbent Workers' Party team, he replied that he could not comment who the PAP would eventually field in Aljunied, but he hoped residents would give the PAP a chance to serve them once again.

With 31/2 years of experience in Paya Lebar, he is the newest of the branch chairmen in Aljunied, he noted, with some of his peers having been on the ground there for as long as nine years.

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