Families in Naval Base have a new way to strengthen bonds during mealtimes. MP for Sembawang GRC Ng Shi Xuan has launched a set of locally designed conversation cards that encourage family interaction and spark meaningful conversations at the dining table.
Mr Ng told Petir that he developed the idea after observing how phones and tablets were taking up increasing amounts of attention during family meals, something many parents today can relate to.
“We want to normalise family mealtimes as a space for conversations and connections,” he explained. “The conversation cards are a small way help families restart those conversations and enjoy each other’s company. Sometimes all it takes is a good first question.”
“We hope this idea inspires stronger family conversations, not just in Naval Base, but wherever families gather around the table,” he added.
Mr Ng’s team at PAP Naval Base division designed the cards with local context for children across different age groups.
Each deck contains 75 conversation cards divided into five age groups: 0 to 2, 2 to 6, 6 to 12, 12 to 18, and 18 to 25.
For example, a question for toddlers aged 2 to 6 might be: “If we were superheroes with superpowers, what would we be?” A question for young adults aged 18 to 25 could be: “What is success to you?”
Mr Ng noted that while the cards are labelled for age-appropriate conversations, the discussions can overlap.
“As children grow older, the questions naturally become less about play and more about values, relationships, identity, and aspirations,” he said.
Conversation cards designed with S’pore families in mind
Before designing the cards, Mr Ng’s team of volunteers looked at what games were available on the market.
They discovered that most conversation card games consisted of questions such as icebreakers that were targeted at adults, making them less suitable for families.
“We wanted something that works for most residents and allows them to participate meaningfully,” said Lim Meng Wee, a volunteer who designed the conversation cards with Mr Ng.
He noted that many conversation card games were designed overseas. While they featured good questions, they often failed to resonate locally.
“The questions were based on very different lifestyles and cultural backgrounds. We want families to pick up the cards and intuitively start a conversation,” Mr Lim said.
Mr Ng added that the questions were written with Singapore families in mind, “drawing on everyday experiences, school life, and family situations that parents and children here can easily relate to”.
Mr Lim said that a big challenge was ensuring the questions felt age-appropriate without being too simple or too heavy.
“Our intention was to spark genuine conversation, instead of closed-ended replies,” he said.”Based on our interactions with young residents of different age groups, we discussed what questions felt right for each group.”
Mr Ng and his wife have three children aged 2, 5 and 7. He tested the cards the team designed with his children.
“Our family enjoys talking over meals because that’s often when I learn the most about their day in school, their friends, and what excites or worries them.”
Mr Ng’s team printed 100 sets of conversation cards and first distributed them to families who celebrated Parents’ Day with PAP Naval Base on 28 June. To date, they have distributed more than 60 sets.
The response from residents and community partners have been very positive.
A father of six children, Mr Suzairi shared that he enjoyed playing the game with his family.
“There are different questions for different age groups. I find the questions playful and fun. What surprised me were my children’s responses. I get to know my children personally through the game.”
A mother of three Mdm Effa found the conversations card an interactive way to connect more with her children.
“I get to know their secrets, and they also find out about mine. One question asked about the struggles I face as a parent. They listened to me attentively.”
To get more residents interested, Mr Ng’s team has partnered with Curry Café at Jelutung Harbour Park and Beaulieu House at Sembawang Park to offer the cards at these restaurants. They hope more eateries and family-friendly spaces will join them over time.
“We want the conversation cards to reach families beyond our usual grassroots or branch activities. That means bringing them to places where families naturally spend time together,” Mr Ng said. “We hope more like-minded community partners will share our belief that strong families begin with meaningful conversations.”
Since becoming an MP, Mr Ng has launched several family-focused initiatives.
Little Stars of Naval Base supports young parents during early parenthood; LumiPals engages children aged 3 to 7 in activities that promote positive development; and Sembawang Budding Rangers builds children’s confidence, resilience and love for nature through a child-centred, outdoor learning programme featuring unstructured play.
“These initiatives reflect our belief that raising a child is a community effort, not just a family responsibility,” he said. “The conversation cards form part of a broader effort to make Naval Base a place where families can learn, play, and grow together.”
