In Pictures – Green, Vibrant and Caring! Here is the East Coast Plan in action
27/01/2025
In a recent interview with Mothership, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and East Coast GRC MP Heng Swee Keat addressed that viral moment and how it has become a source of good laughs between him and residents.
Laughs aside, the East Coast Plan is about improving the community, said Mr Heng. Here, we look at how the East Coast Plan has helped to build a green, vibrant and caring community.
Creating a caring community
The East Coast community is a place where people look out for one another. Over the years,ourMPs and grassroots leaders have initiated various support schemes to support the needs of seniors and lower-income families.
And when the need arises, it is never a surprise to see the caring spirit of East Coast residents, regardless of age.
MP Cheryl Chan with young participants at the annual Walk for Rice event, where residents clocked their steps for a good cause. With every 300m completed by participants, rice and other provisions are pledged to help vulnerable residents.MP Dr Maliki Osman at the launch of the Siglap Plate It Forward movement. Diners can donate “a meal” by scanning a QR code at participating food stalls. In addition, these eateries will add $2 to every $10 donated, allowing beneficiaries to enjoy a meal worth $12 with a $10 meal voucher.A mobile Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic makes its rounds around East Coast GRC. The initiative has helped bring healthcare closer to home for many seniors.MPs Heng Swee Keat and Cheryl Chan at the launch of Project 200=100. This regular programme provides residents with 50% off essential household items. This will help ease the cost-of-living pressure on residents who need the help.MP Tan Kiat How with residents at a donation drive to aid civilians affected by the Gaza conflict. “This collective effort serves as a powerful reminder that compassion transcends boundaries,” said Mr Tan.
Building a vibrant neighbourhood
Despite Singapore’s size, there is a distinctive pride among east-side residents. And walking around East Coast GRC on any given day, it is not hard to see why.
Over the years, our PAP MPs and like-minded, hardworking residents have worked together to create a vibrant, exciting neighbourhood. There are plenty of amenities where residents can work, shop and play. Meanwhile, regular festivities and grassroots events act as a magnet, connecting residents from all walks of life.
MP Heng Swee Keat chatting with residents at the newly re-opened Blk 58 Market at Bedok. After a 3-month refurbishment, residents can enjoy their meals and grocery shopping in a refreshed environment, with new tables, chairs and floors.A resident looking at a billboard highlighting improvements to his neighbourhood. In Kampong Chai Chee, there are plans to transform the former community centre into a new community space for all ages. The new development will include a podcast recording studio, a cat therapy centre and gardening plots.MPs Heng Swee Keat, Jessica Tan and Tan Kiat How at VIASTA!, a community-led green festival with a farmer’s market, arts and crafts booths and live performances. Held below the MRT viaduct in Changi-Simei, VIASTA is a shining example of how we can re-imagine the use of space together, said Ms Tan. MP Cheryl Chan with a young resident during Pongal. The four-day festival celebrates Mother Nature and the farm animals that have helped contribute to a bountiful harvest. While unique to the Tamil community, the festivities are open to all and part of a multicultural and diverse East Coast.East Coast GRC MPs looking out at the fireworks at the GetActive! Heartland Festival. The annual event sees residents unite to celebrate Singapore’s birthday through carnival games and sports activities.
Developing a greener future
East Coast GRC has always been synonymous with greenery, thanks to the 460-acre East Coast Park. But in the face of climate change, community efforts have accelerated to build a green and sustainable neighbourhood.
MP Dr Maliki Osman distributing an East Coast Green Savers starter pack to a resident. The programme provides East Coast households with a lunchbox, tumbler and cutlery set. Residents are encouraged to use them for takeaway food, which can help reduce the use of disposables. They can also redeem dining discounts at participating food stalls.MP Heng Swee Keat and Ambassador of the European Union to Singapore Iwona Piórko picking up trash at East Coast Park. This coastal clean-up is a regular event, with volunteers coming together to clear the beach of rubbish washed on shore.MP Jessica Tan visited the Sustainability Hub located at ITE College East. The one-stop recycling hub has various stations for students to recycle e-waste and pre-loved items such as clothes, books and toys. Residents can find similar recycling points throughout East Coast GRC.MP Tan Kiat How at the official opening of the Eastern Corridor, an 18km greenway connecting East Coast Park to Pasir Ris Park. Park Connectors such as this are part of the PAP’s efforts to build vibrant green spaces and bring the community closer to nature.A proud resident showing off a home-grown pumpkin to MP Heng Swee Keat. With more community gardens and allotment plots, East Coast residents have more opportunities to connect with nature and develop their green fingers.
Thanks to the virality of social media, Mr Heng’s mention of the East Coast Plan has made it top of the mind for residents. Our East Coast GRC MPs have also spent the last five years making sure that these plans come to fruition, while planting the seeds for even more improvements to East Coast in the future!
Together, we can foster a culture of care, sustain a buzz with meaningful activities, and do our part for the planet by embracing sustainable habits, said Mr Heng.
Photo Source: Heng Swee Keat/ Jessica Tan/ Cheryl Chan/ Tan Kiat How/ Dr Maliki Osman/ The Upper Changi Neighbourhood via Facebook
