“IT IS a great day to be in Tampines,” said former Chief of Army Mr David Neo, at the press conference this week (16 Apr) confirming him as the PAP’s new candidate for Tampines GRC in the General Elections 2025.
When asked why he starts his social media posts with this tagline, Mr Neo pointed to the importance of having a positive mindset.
“We can’t control whether it’s going to rain or be very hot that day,” Mr Neo said. “But we can control the fact that regardless [of how things are], we’re going to take care of one another.”
“We’re going to look out for one another, we’re going to make that day a great day,” he added.
Mr Neo has carried this mindset since his Army days to boost his soldiers. He also brought this belief into leading the Silver Generation Office (SGO). There, he made sure that seniors got the important help they needed, such as paper cash vouchers for those who are not digitally-savvy.
Now, he brings this mindset and organisational acumen to Tampines GRC, serving residents in the journey ahead.
Photos courtesy of Edward See / PAP Tampines North
Dr Charlene Chen, who is also a new PAP candidate for Tampines GRC, has worked to champion mental health and resilience.
This includes strengthening our Home Team as a police psychologist, as well as studying, researching and teaching marketing and sustainability in America and then at Nanyang Technological University’s College of Business.
She is a strong champion for Singapore’s youths. Her students voted her as the College of Business’s Teacher of the Year for her contributions to their studies. In Tampines, Dr Chen has implemented a new childminding programme that helps other young mothers in the GRC.
“I study people. How they make decisions, what shapes their behaviours, and how we can build a stronger, more caring community for the future,” said Dr Chen at the press conference.
“It helps me connect with young people, especially when I work with them on mental well-being,” she added.
Mr Neo and Dr Chen join the PAP Tampines team consisting of SMS Koh Poh Koon, SPS Baey Yam Keng and Minister Masagos Zulkifli.
“We believe in nurturing a cohesive and caring community, which proved to be so important when we went through the COVID-19 pandemic” said Minister Masagos, who has been an MP for Tampines since 2006.
During the pandemic, the PAP Tampines team mobilised resident volunteers, who provided aid for their neighbours in the GRC. The team also supported the CareLine Call Centre, which offers 24/7 telemedicine services and social support to seniors.
“Sustainable living will continue to be an important aspect,” added Minister Masagos about the Tampines team’s priorities. He mentioned also how the newly-launched five-year Masterplan for Tampines continues to build on the town’s excellence in sustainability.
“In fact, Our Tampines Hub [OTH] is a testament to how we provide programmes and comprehensive facilities in the community,” he said. This beloved community landmark now uses less energy in the building and recycles some 1.4 tonnes of food waste every day into compost.
“It means also that we reduce the number of trucks in from four to one. And the back of the Hub is a very clean one,” he continued on the benefits to Tampines residents. “But what is more important and special to all of us is that it was co-created with inputs from 15,000 residents.”
“We took time to listen to them, and today, OTH is a vibrant hub. Something for everyone,” he added.
Meeting health needs and forging common ground around Tampines
Tampines residents can also be assured that their health needs will remain met and their voices remain heard.
SMS Koh started the Tampines Cares shopping programmes, which helps low-income families buy fresh produce.
This complements his various other health initiatives for Tampines, such as the hydroponics farm at Tampines Sky Garden, where families as well as youths with special needs can visit for healing and connecting with the wider community.
SPS Baey listened particularly closely to his residents’ different points of view as Tampines North’s ward MP for three terms, and kept them updated in monthly KopiTalk sessions over at the Happy Hawkers Kopitiam.
“I always believe in interactions with residents, because that’s where I learn their moods, to understand their concerns and how we can act on their feedback,” he said.
Support for Tampines Changkat from the larger Tampines family
Meanwhile, Mayor (North East) Desmond Choo will contest the new Tampines Changkat SMC, having acted as MP for the area since 2015.
During his tenure as MP, Mayor Choo made Tampines Changkat’s streets safer with the Silver Zone initiatives in Streets 11, 32 and 33. He supported families through initiatives like $2 Sunrise Smiles affordable breakfasts, and spoke up in Parliament to push for better childcare leave for working families as well as fairer wages for women to thrive equally.
“We have made real progress. But there’s so much more to do,” said Mayor Choo. “Let’s keep building a Tampines where every resident feels supported, valued and hopeful.”
“I ask for your continued trust and partnership.”
Tampines Changkat SMC will remain working closely with, and have support from, Tampines GRC, in order to build this brighter tomorrow.
“Desmond will always be part of our team,” emphasised Minister Masagos. “And let me assure residents that the SMC in Tampines Changkat is very much part of Tampines town.”
“Tampines is a model town you can only build by a caring community. And this what our PAP team will be with our residents — a town where we show that we care for one another and our town. And that we are inclusive, and no one will be left behind.”
