In 2008, the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) approached Seah Kian Peng, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC to seek his support in setting up a dyslexic learning centre within Braddell Heights constituency. The association noted that many students living in the area attended their existing centres.
Mr Seah took on this task, which involved identifying a suitable location for the learning centre and managing the expectations of the residents.
“While everyone supports dyslexia [services], human nature is such that they want the service to be near, but not so near,” he told Petir.
As an MP, striking a balance between residents’ needs and wants is a delicate responsibility. He noted that the best way forward in addressing this challenge is to take a proactive approach, as he has done for the past 19 years.
In May 2008, the DAS learning centre opened at Block 411 Serangoon Central, providing greater convenience for students with learning difficulties residing in the constituency. They no longer needed to travel to the learning centre in Bishan, Mr Seah noted.
Additionally, the community gained a better understanding of dyslexia and its related learning challenges.
Mr Seah adopted the same approach when he assisted Silver Ribbon Singapore, a mental health advocacy organisation, in establishing a new centre within his constituency.
In October 2019, Silver Ribbon’s third centre, H.O.L. A’s (Hang on Life’s Awesome), opened at Block 208 Serangoon Central.
“We need to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Mental wellness is important. It’s a service which is necessary,” he said.
Eldercare facilities are amenities that many residents would also like to have located within a convenient distance, but not too close to their homes.
Currently, there are two senior care centres (at Blk 307 and 264) and one Active Ageing Centre (AAC) (Blk 424) at Braddell Heights. By the end of 2025, another AAC will open at Blk 319, and an Active Ageing Hub will be established at the new Serangoon Polyclinic.
When the centre was being constructed at the void deck of Block 424, residents initially expressed concerns about potential noise. Others were unclear about the centre’s functions. However, Mr Seah addressed these concerns by explaining the importance of such services as the community ages and the numerous benefits it would provide to seniors and families in the vicinity.
Seah Kian Peng: Explaining the ‘why’ is important.’
Mr Seah emphasised the importance of transparency and community engagement, saying: “Explaining the ‘why’ is important, as is listening to residents and addressing their concerns.”
“You need to engage them actively and address concerns they may have,” he continued. “That’s what we have done, whether it’s the dyslexic centre, silver ribbon centre or the active ageing centre.”
While acknowledging that some facilities may not be immediately required, Mr Seah stressed the importance of considering future needs and the well-being of others.
“I am very confident that these are important facilities and useful services that people would need,” he said. “Whilst you may not require an active ageing centre when you are 40 or 50 years old, your parents might benefit from it. Eventually, you will reach an age, for example 60 years old, and find such services useful.”
“We should also think not just for ourselves, but for others and future generations. Although we may not personally require it, it will benefit my neighbours and their families. Therefore, we ought to support such projects.”
“It’s about looking out for and supporting one another, not just in Braddell Heights but across Singapore,” he said. “I hope that the infrastructure and programmes that we have implemented over the years will play a part in building a more caring, compassionate and inclusive community where residents look out for, support, and assist one another.”
