PAP - Key Persons
"Acting Beyond the Call of Duty, otherwise known as the ABCD spirit - it is a motto that left a deep imprint on me while I was serving at Potong Pasir and I have since brought it with me to Paya Lebar."
Alvin Tan has been actively serving in the community since he started as a community volunteer in 2005. He began serving youths, seniors, vulnerable families, and interfaith communities in Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng, before heeding the call to join politics and was thrust head-on into our nation's fight against Covid-19.
At Moulmein-Cairnhill, Alvin was on the ground helping our hawkers, small business owners and residents cope and digitalise at the height of the pandemic. As Tanjong Pagar Town Council's inaugural Sustainability Champion, he also strongly supports sustainability causes such as the "Our Green MoCa" initiative. Under his tenure, the Town Council published its first sustainability report and implemented a 10-year sustainability masterplan to transform the town.
Alvin has had a diverse career across private, public, and non-profit sectors around the world, having held senior positions in Goldman Sachs, Facebook, LinkedIn, the United Nations, Oxfam, and the Ministry of Defence. He is currently the Minister of State for Trade and Industry (MTI) and Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), as well as a Board Member of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
At MTI, Alvin and his team helped nurse our badly hit tourism sector towards recovery, culminating in a record turnout for the 2022 F1 night race. He is also building Singapore's startup ecosystem, shaping the future of manufacturing, and expanding trade worldwide. At MCCY, Alvin leads initiatives related to youths, para sports and community bonds. He established the SG Mental WellBeing Network and MentoringSG, and contributed towards Singapore's inter-racial and religious efforts through the Harmony Circles. At MAS, he is working on developing Singapore's financial sector in the digital assets, fintech and sustainability spaces.
Alvin married his best friend of over twenty years and is a loving father of their two young children.
Wei Neng is especially dedicated to building a more inclusive society for people with disabilities, having personally experienced caring for his son with special needs. He was actively involved in formulating the Enabling Master Plan II & III which help people with disabilities to receive education and employment. He is also a current member of the Management Committee of Grace Orchard School, which educates students with mild intellectual disabilities.
Wei Neng's family is his solid foundation. He is a father of four children, and in his spare time, enjoys walking his dog and cycling and hiking with his family.
"When we are united as one people, we will defy the odds of history, to not only keep Singapore going, but always growing and glowing."
Chan Chun Sing holds a deep belief that only a cohesive, united Singapore can defy the odds stacked against small city-states like ours. His mission has always been to ensure Singapore remains sovereign, stays connected, and thrives in an increasingly uncertain world.
Chun Sing was Minister for Trade and Industry when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. He led teams to secure supply chains and essential items for Singaporeans, while keeping a firm eye on the future through attracting investments here and forming partnerships with the rest of the world. He reaffirmed belief that it is critical for a principled Singapore to remain relevant to the world.
Growing up in a single-parent family, Chun Sing is grateful for the opportunities afforded to him by society. To give less privileged Singaporeans hope and dignity to uplift themselves and their future generations, he improved social service delivery, enhanced social safety nets and strengthened support for families when he was Minister for Social and Family Development. Serving in NTUC as Secretary-General, he expanded the Labour Movement network to represent all working people in Singapore. Currently as Education Minister, he champions lifelong learning for all Singaporeans to remain relevant and competitive. He also encourages everyone to broaden our definition of success: to look beyond achievements and encompass contributions to our community.
Chun Sing enjoys having his breakfasts at the markets and food centres in Buona Vista, meeting and finding out the fears, concerns and aspirations of residents in his constituency.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of Parliament
"A cohesive society hinges upon planning and execution, not chance. It is the Government's duty to ensure every Singaporean has a home to live in, and every child grows up with equal access to education, jobs and a safe environment."
Cheryl Chan firmly believes that a cohesive society hinges upon planning and execution, not chance. To her, every Singaporean must have a home to live in, and every child must grow up with equal access to education, jobs and a safe environment.
Cheryl has been volunteering with the community in Fengshan since 2005, serving its community, especially supporting the elderly and children from less-privileged backgrounds. Seeing how responsible actions can make an impactful difference to the lives of those who most need it inspired her step towards politics in 2015.
Since being elected as Member of Parliament, Cheryl continues to champion these causes that she holds close to her heart. She introduced daily exercise sessions to various care programmes to engage the seniors, especially those living in isolation. She has also created the Happy Breakfast programme, where children and families in need are supported with school needs, learning opportunities and outings that allow them to bond as a family.
In Parliament, Cheryl brings her private sector experience and insights to speak up on topics related to housing and urban planning, women development, sustainability and for people with special needs. In 2022, she joined the Board of The Purple Parade, and works towards furthering the prospects of those with special needs, especially after their formal schooling years.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of Parliament for Ulu Pandan
Christopher de Souza is driven by a deep sense of commitment to Singapore, and to building an even better home that present and future generations of Singaporeans can be proud of.
Christopher has been the Member of Parliament for Ulu Pandan, and part of the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC team, since 2006. He aspires to build an Ulu Pandan that is not just a place to live, but an endearing home. He attributes his spirit to serve to his father, who previously served in the RSAF as a fighter pilot, and draws strength from his family and children, as well as his faith. Most crucially, he draws inspiration and hope from his residents, many of whom regularly share with him their aspirations and their stories of progress and growth.
Christopher's active participation in Parliament stems from issues both close to his heart, as well as what he has learnt from residents through his enduring trust, partnership and friendship with them. These issues include sustainability and keeping Singapore green; human trafficking; taking a tough stance on drugs; national defence; and ensuring strong nuclear families.
Christopher has spoken over 200 times in Parliament on local and national issues, including on national security, ethics and healthcare, and values-based education. He also initiated a Private Member's Bill to tackle human trafficking, which was passed into law as the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act in March 2015. Christopher is a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Law and Home Affairs. In 2020, he was appointed Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Christopher graduated with First Class Honours in Law (LLB) from King's College London, and subsequently from the University of Oxford with a Master of Law. He is presently a partner at law firm Lee & Lee.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan is Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, and has been the Member of Parliament for Holland-Bukit Timah for 22 years.
He is a strong advocate of families and was a co-founder of the ‘Dads-for-Life' movement. He has focused on ensuring that local neighbourhoods provide a safe environment for families - especially for children to grow up confidently and seniors to age with dignity.
As Foreign Minister, Vivian advances and safeguards Singapore's interests on the world stage. He is responsible for managing diplomatic relations of our unique and vulnerable city-state in a world that has become more volatile, uncertain, and complex. He has helmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2015. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also undertook MFA's largest consular operation to ensure that ‘no Singaporean was left behind' in a crisis.
Vivian has held several cabinet positions and moved key pieces of legislation throughout his career. As Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation, he expedited the the evolution of Singpass into our universal national digital identity system and the rollout of inclusive digital services, including digital payment systems. As Minister for the Environment & Water Resources, he was a ministerial facilitator for negotiations that led to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at the United Nations, and embarked on several major flood prevention schemes to improve our resilience for climate change.
As the anchor minister for Holland-Bukit Timah, Vivian and his team remain focused on improving the welfare of residents and facilities in our neighbourhood. The community club at Senja-Cashew was the first to have an integrated sports facility. Better accessibility and connectivity for Bukit Panjang was achieved via the Downtown Line, and new nature parks have been developed for family use whilst protecting our natural green heritage.
Before politics, Vivian was an eye surgeon and CEO of Singapore General Hospital. A father and grandfather, he has been married to Joy since 1987.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Chairman of the Action for Green Towns ( AGT ) Taskforce
- Member of the GPC for Health
Wan Rizal is passionate about strengthening mental health support, building more sustainable towns and giving every Singaporean multiple pathways to success.
A member of the GPC for Health, Wan Rizal frequently speaks up on mental health awareness and support. He draws on the advice of mental health researchers and practitioners to advocate for better policies in Parliament. Under the PAP's #BetterTogether movement for mental health, he has organised activities to strengthen awareness of mental health issues in his constituency as well as in the Malay/Muslim community.
Wan Rizal also serves as the Chair for the Action for Green Towns (AGT) Taskforce - a collective effort among the 15 PAP-led Town Councils to level up sustainability practices within their communities. Launched in May 2021, the initiative aims to galvanise support from residents and stakeholders to move towards co-creating zero-waste, energy-efficient and greener towns. As the Sustainability Champion and Chairman of Jalan Besar Town Council, he has instituted greener practices and sustainability programmes in Jalan Besar GRC and his constituency of Kolam Ayer.
A lecturer in a polytechnic and a late bloomer in academics himself, Wan Rizal believes that education should bring out the best in every student. Along with other members of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Education, he has spoken up on multiple pathways to success for students in polytechnics and ITEs.
A lifelong community builder, Wan Rizal was active in grassroots activities and Malay/Muslim community organisations for many years before becoming a Member of Parliament in 2020.
"I believe in the strength of communities because it has the grit and gumption to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. I hope to be part of your community so that we can build a brighter future for all of us."
Edward believes that everyone possesses remarkable capacity and value, and when we empower individuals to impact the community, together we are greater than the sum of our parts.
From a young age, Edward has lived out his conviction that enterprises are potent engines for positive impact and change. Driven to create a platform for young musicians and develop our local culinary talents, Edward co-founded live music restaurant Timbre when he was 21 years of age, and grew the homegrown brand into a familiar name. He continues to pursue positive impact through entrepreneurship, with his focus currently on green economy solutions.
Since he took office in 2020, Edward has been representing the views of Singapore businesses, particularly local Small-Medium-Enterprises (SMEs), drawing on his regular chats with SME owners.
In Bukit Panjang, he has brought the community together to create common good. At the heart of the pandemic, he worked hand in hand with residents to kickstart a town-wide network for home bakers and cooks called Bukit Panjang Sedap! The group has grown to over 11,000 members, empowering residents to generate additional income for their families and creating more opportunities for neighbourliness and friendships to thrive around the town.
Edward also places a strong emphasis on securing a sustainable future. As the Action for Green Towns Sustainability Champion for Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council, he has worked with residents, partners and the Town Council to build more green spaces that involve the community, as well as adopt more practices that contribute to reducing waste and energy use.
Grace considers herself a beneficiary of Singapore's education and meritocratic system. After graduating from NUS with an Accountancy degree, she began her career in the private sector, with roles in Overseas Union Bank and Haw Par Group. She joined PSA Corporation, becoming its first female CFO and later first female CEO, helping PSA become 'The World's Port of Call'. The stint in PSA, which thrives in a highly competitive environment with cost-efficient operations, gave her a keen understanding of the challenges faced by Singapore and how little margin of error we can afford in public policies.
Grace took the plunge into politics in 2006 and has represented Yuhua since then. She held political office in several Ministries before becoming Minister of Community, Culture and Youth in 2015, the second woman full Minister in Singapore's history, and the first woman Minister to helm her own Ministry.
Grace is a strong advocate for women, having herself grown up with strong female role models - her grandmother, Liew Yuen Sien, was principal of Nanyang Girls' High School, and her mother was a nurse and later Matron of Tan Tock Seng Hospital. She strongly believes in empowering young women to be all they can be, and is actively involved with women's groups such as the Young Women's Leadership Connection.
Grace is a champion of sustainable development and environment protection on the global stage, and has long pushed for a cleaner and greener Singapore, long before she took on her current role of Minister for Sustainability and the Environment. Her constituency, Yuhua, became Singapore's first green neighbourhood in 2017, implementing features such as energy conservation, waste management, greenery enhancement and community outreach programmes. Having grown up in a flood-prone area without proper sanitation, she is determined to leave behind a legacy of a green, liveable and sustainable Singapore.
"I am committed to work with the residents to make Canberra the best home for all our residents through initiatives and programs."
Ong Ye Kung is currently the Minister for Health, where he has helped led the fight against COVID-19, to restore our normal lives, while ensuring Singapore has one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates in the world. He is also driving a major transformation of our healthcare system to focus on preventive care, through the Healthier SG strategy.
Before Health, he was in the Ministry of Transport, where he helped champion the Singapore Green Plan, and made policy changes to embrace the adoption of electric vehicles.
Before Transport, he was in the Ministries of Defence and Education. At Education, he drove another major reform, which included reduction of primary school examinations, revamping the admission system of tertiary institutions replacing secondary school streaming with full subject-based banding, and strengthening digital literacy and self-directed learning.
Prior to stepping into politics, Ye Kung served mostly in the public sector, notably as the Deputy Chief Negotiator of the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and CEO of the Singapore Workforce Development Agency. He worked a few years in the NTUC as Deputy Secretary General. He also spent a few years in the private sector after he lost GE2011 at Aljunied GRC.
As an MP, he is developing Sembawang, a young town, into a green, rustic, and healthy estate.
"Listen deeply and with empathy to residents' feedback. Understand the challenges residents face. I look forward to help improve your lives in big and small ways. I'm excited to partner you to build a Caring, Safe and Green Sembawang!"
Poh Li San believes that community-centric policies, focused on the well-being of the people, are essential to keeping Singapore strong and united for the long term. She believes in fair and inclusive social policies in Singapore that will allow opportunity for everyone to progress together, especially in a fast-changing world.
Conserving the environment is a cause Li San cares deeply about. She recognises the urgency and importance of taking collective responsibility and action to reduce environmental damages. Since being elected Member of Parliament in 2020, this is something she has championed in her constituency at Sembawang West through initiatives like year-round food waste reduction and recycling programmes.
As Deputy Chairperson of the GPC for Sustainability and Environment, Li San has also actively called for the government to set clear policies for Singapore to transition to a low carbon society, and to incentivise businesses to adopt greener practices to reduce their carbon emissions. The green transition is an onerous but necessary step that Li San believes will translate to Singapore's long-term well-being - one that allows our future generations to inherit a cleaner and greener home.
An avid runner since she was a teen, sports and promoting active lifestyles is another area she is passionate about. To her, sports is not just about helping one develop physical strength and mental resilience; it can also be an accessible platform to bring everyone in the community together, young and old alike. Sembawang West residents will be familiar with her regular invitation to join in the community activities and keep fit together.
"I believe in always contributing to the best of my ability and making a difference for others."
Shamsul Kamar's guiding principle has always been to make a difference to others.
Serving in Kaki Bukit as Branch Chairman over the last seven years, he and his team of activists have worked hard to realise a Vibrant and Caring community - a vision where the community is engaged with meaningful activities, where partners and stakeholders develop networks, and residents help and care for each other.
Several initiatives have been introduced to achieve that vision. For residents in need, Shamsul launched local financial support programmes such as the Kaki Bukit Care Vouchers, Champions Grant, Jobs Incentive Schemes, and more. Inspired by his experience in the Labour Movement, he set up Kaki Bukit Job Hub, providing job placement and career advice to residents.
As a former educator who spent many years working with Normal Technical students, he believes deeply that a caring and trusting environment is key to enabling a community to thrive and succeed. Shamsul also places great importance on the educational needs of his younger residents. Through partnerships with schools and social private vendors, he developed KidsExcel, an after-school programme for students staying in rental flats to engage in academic enrichment and sports. It is his hope that the various initiatives will help integrate, enhance engagement and trust, while building a better community for residents in the constituency he serves.
"I believe we should be measured not by what we achieve for ourselves, but by the value we can create for others."
Sim Ann is currently Senior Minister of State (SMS) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Development. Prior to entering politics, she worked as a civil servant from 1998 to 2011, serving in the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, amongst others. She has been an elected Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Bukit Timah ward of Holland-Bukit Timah GRC since 2011. She has also been appointed by the 37 th PAP EXCO to chair the PAP Women's Wing.
Growing up in the area, Sim Ann first began volunteering with the Bukit Timah grassroots organisations in 2002. Later, as elected representative of the community, she saw her role as driving initiatives that bridge residents, both literally through facilitating the construction of infrastructure to improve connectivity within the ward, and figuratively through fostering kampong spirit. She cherishes opportunities to create and champion initiatives like Groceries Assist, a project that attracted ground-up donations from the community to support over 800 beneficiary households within the GRC and Bukit Panjang SMC with supermarket vouchers.
Sim Ann has a strong interest in promoting bilingualism and is a supporter of the translation and interpretation profession. Another cause that is especially close to Sim Ann's heart is the advancement of women's interests. Formed in July 2021, Sim Ann co-chaired the SG Together Sunlight Alliance for Action (AfA) tackling online harms targeted mainly at women and girls. This resulted in the formation of SG Her Empowerment, an NGO focused on protecting women and girls online and offline. Being a staunch believer in the value of Singaporean creativity, she is always glad to promote local enterprises in the areas of design, lifestyle and retail, serving on several business chambers and industry associations as advisor or patron.