PAP Naval Base division has relocated to a new site at the start of this year to better serve residents.
The division shifted its Meet-the-People session (MPS) from Block 319 Sembawang Close, where it shared premises with PAP Canberra division to Block 413, Sembawang Drive, located within the constituency in January.
Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC Ng Shi Xuan told Petir that the move has cut travelling time by half for most residents.
He conducts MPS at the branch every Monday evening at 7:30pm, except for the fifth Monday of the month, or when Monday falls on the eve of or on a public holiday.
Retirees Mohammed Shabir (66) and his wife Sherifah Noor Sabah Binte Syer Ahmad Alkaff (71) previously sought assistance from Mr Ng when the division shared premises with the PAP Canberra division.
Mr Shabir mentioned that the new location offers greater convenience since it is within walking distance from their home. Mdm Sherifah added: ” Canberra branch had a smaller room that was often overcrowded. During interviews, there were many interruptions, and people couldn’t hear each other properly.”
Peter Tan (75) said the surrounding environment and topography is better at the new branch and the it “evokes good feelings”.
Huang Jiehao, 38, Branch Secretary of PAP Naval Base division, told Petir that establishing a new branch presented two main challenges: ensuring the system was ready to serve residents and informing them about the relocation.
“The important thing was to lay the groundwork – everything is set up, the system is ready – so that our volunteers can do their best to serve the residents,” he explained.
A month before relocating, the team informed residents by posting notices and collaborating with various agencies to update address records, ensuring everyone received proper notification of the move.
“We let the residents know in advance to minimise the occasions when they go to the wrong MPS, preventing them from having to travel back here.”
PAP Naval Base’s free haircut initiative helps volunteers connect with residents
The first-term MP and his team focus on uplifting communities at Naval Base. They launched a free haircut programme for residents aged 60 and above and children between five and 12.
The programmes runs on alternate months, and is available for blue (CHAS) Commmunity Health Assist Scheme card holders or residents staying in the rental blocks within the constituency.
Mr Ng said that rising cost of living concerns many residents, which prompted the branch to partner with a local hair salon in July 2025 to offer free haircut services.
“When residents get their hair cut, they spend a good 10 to 15 minutes seated there. This gives me an opportunity to chat with them about their daily issues,” he said.
“Caregivers bring their senior parents or young children. It’s a good platform for us to connect with caregivers, seniors, and young children.”
Beyond the haircut initiative, the branch has also organised a family outing to the zoo for lower-income families and distributed popsicles at Jelutung Park during last year’s Children’s Day.
Young activists are attracted to volunteering through word of mouth
As a new branch, PAP Naval Base began with a core group of resident volunteers, explained Mr Huang. The branch actively invites interested residents to join their volunteer team.
“We focus on building bonds with them, hoping they’ll continue returning to serve the community together,” he said.
Mr Huang mentioned that the branch enjoys a consistent presence of young volunteers and hopes their numbers will grow through personal recommendations.
“We believe recruiting volunteers through word of mouth helps us attract more committed individuals who stay longer because their friends are involved and they feel they’re spending their time on meaningful activities.
Mr Satyamoorthi, a 44-year-old aviation professional, serves as a volunteer case writer at Mr Ng’s MPS. While he previously volunteered with the PAP Canberra division, he was not actively involved there.
“Since Naval Base is a new constituency carved out from Canberra, I decided to step up and become more engaged in the PAP Naval Base branch activities,” he explained. “Volunteering is my passion, and I believe in giving back to society.”
