The People’s Action Party (PAP) commemorates its 70th anniversary this year. In the third installment of a seven-part series, Petir highlights Clarence Ching Kah Hin, who joined the party with a focus on advancing social mobility.
Clarence Ching Kah Hin, an activist with the PAP Moulmein-Cairnhill branch, remembers a poignant encounter during a Meet-the-People session of then-Member of Parliament Dr Lily Neo’s around 2013. A resident who sought assistance due to unemployment left a lasting impression on Mr Ching.
“The resident stood up and started shouting at me, clearly overwhelmed and frustrated,” Mr Ching recounted the incident that occurred when he was volunteering at the Kreta Ayer–Kim Seng branch. “I listened patiently, allowing him the space to express his concerns uninterrupted.”
After some time, the agitated resident regained composure. Mr Ching then linked the individual to social services, which connected him to SkillsFuture programmes for skills upgrading.
“Armed with these new skills, the man regained his footing and independence. Reflecting on that moment now serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and patience in helping individuals to overcome their challenges.”
Mr Ching, the 30-year-old Young PAP Regional Chair for Tanjong Pagar GRC, founded Access, a charity promoting social mobility in 2019. It offers career exposure opportunities to disadvantaged students in Singapore.
Driven by a desire to better understand the needs of lower-income families and support change from within, he joined the Party after completing his GCE ‘O’ Levels in late 2011.
“Access to social capital and networks is crucial, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” Mr Ching explained. “I believe we can achieve change by working within the system. My aim is to bridge this gap and advocate for policies that level the playing field, amplifying the impact of social mobility initiatives across Singapore and channelling my passion on a broader scale.”
Mr Ching added: “The PAP’s focus on building a fair and inclusive society resonated strongly with me, and through this platform, I aim to contribute toward creating lasting, equitable change.”
Working alongside Dr Neo, an ardent advocate for vulnerable groups, Mr Ching said he gained invaluable insights into the policies and community work essential for driving sustainable progress for financially disadvantaged families. Additionally, his experience with Access provided him with a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by underprivileged students.
Mr Ching received the Bronze Medal and Youth Award in this year’s Party award. He said that these awards recognise the collective spirit of everyone involved in the programmes and initiatives, not any individual effort.
“The TPGRC Young PAP team and the PAP Moulmein-Cairnhill team make the work much easier. However, there’s still much to be done. I’m more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward, as social mobility is a continuous journey. These awards inspire me to help even more people succeed on their path.”
Clarence Ching: Uplifting the entire community is the essence of social mobility
Mr Ching is motivated by the belief that each action they take in this endeavour “strengthens our community and opens doors for those who may not have had equal opportunities”.
The essence of social mobility, he emphasised, lies in uplifting the entire community. Individuals often require guidance, opportunities to showcase their abilities, or someone who believes in their potential.
“When we empower an individual, it creates a ripple effect that inspires others and builds a foundation of support and possibilities for all. This collective impact and the hope it brings to our community are what keep me going.”
When asked about his hopes for the Party, Mr Ching said that addressing social mobility remains a crucial priority, especially the need to enhance relative social mobility in the face of an evolving global economy.
“The Party has a unique role in strengthening policies that create accessible pathways for disadvantaged youth, enabling them to advance their careers and build better lives for themselves and their families,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of representation in politics, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, he said: “Social mobility must remain a national priority, ensuring that hard work and determination lead to success, irrespective of one’s background.”
“We cannot take our current position for granted; instead, we must leverage our resources to build an inclusive future.”
ICYMI, read other stories under this series:
