Newly appointed Chair of Young PAP (YP) Alvin Tan wants YP to focus on developing leaders and strengthening advocacy and action.
Mr Tan, who serves as Minister of State for National Development, and Trade and Industry, recently took over from Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Education, and Sustainability and Environment as the new YP Chair.
He told Petir he is looking forward to build upon the work that Dr Puthucheary has done over the years, and the efforts of successive YP Chairpersons over the decades.
“Our youths are ambitious. They have ideas, energy, and passion to bring the YP together.”
This means refreshing YP’s structure to ensure we are intentional in identifying and nurturing youth leaders at every level — from the ground up, he said. By equipping them with practical and transferable leadership skills such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and event organisation, YP aims to groom confident, capable individuals who can contribute meaningfully throughout their lives as active citizens.
Mr Tan also emphasised the importance of fostering a strong culture of mentoring within the movement. Branch Chairs, YP Advisors and young YP leaders themselves will play critical roles in spotting potential leaders and guiding. Through this, YP becomes not just a platform for political engagement, but a training ground where young activists can grow, lead, and give back — both to the Party and to Singapore.
“These are skill sets our YP leaders can take back to their communities, districts, regions, constituencies, and help grow their branches,” he said. “Once we identify leaders, equip them, and give them autonomy to make decisions and groom others, the YP will be in good stead. This (approach) lays a strong foundation for grooming future leaders for the party and nation.”
YP will continue to advocate meaningful causes and bring key issues to Parliament
Mr Tan highlighted advocacy and action as another focus area. YP will continue to advocate meaningful causes and key issues that matter to young Singaporeans, bringing them to Parliament and to policymakers.
YP’s involvement in mental wellbeing and sustainability, has led to the Party forming standalone groups led by Dr Puthucheary and Dr Koh Poh Koon, respectively. Mr Tan previously led efforts on mental wellbeing as YP Advisor, alongside other YP leaders.
Mr Tan said young activists will continue to engage youths across life stages – students, new graduates, working adults, and young parents.
YP will work closely with employers, government agencies, and unions to address youths’ job-related concerns, he added.
“We want to avail and expose our youths to the vast opportunities in the job market,” he said. “So that they don’t need to worry about the challenges in terms of job security and future careers.”
Separately, Mr Tan acknowledged the challenges young parents face, often feeling “sandwiched” between raising children and caring for ageing parents – a situation he himself experiences as a parent of young children. He noted government support for young families through initiatives in housing, healthcare, education, and other transfers. These areas have seen tangible improvements under the ForwardSG movement. While recognising these efforts, he said that there is more to be done.
“Many of us at YP, including myself, are young parents or parents with young children. We understand the challenges they face. We will continue to give them a platform to advocate for policy changes and new ideas.”
Each YP Chair must refresh YP to stay relevant to new generations: Alvin Tan
Mr Tan was elected as a Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC at the 2020 General Election. He has been volunteering with the PAP’s Kreta Ayer–Kim Seng branch since 2005 and at Moulmein–Cairnhill since 2019. Before entering politics and government, Mr Tan worked in investment banking and in tech.
He has seen YP evolve over the years. He noted that the youth landscape has changed, particularly with the rise of social media and how youths now communicate their ideas and take action.
“Youths are not a monolithic group. They are, in fact, very dynamic. They come from diverse backgrounds, have different aspirations and interests. To engage different youths, (we must) allow them to express themselves, be it in causes they appreciate and care about or specific skill sets that enable them to take on new and exciting jobs.”
He cited a YP activist who set up a social enterprise focused on helping disadvantaged youth as an example of how one can address causes, “turning them in tangible action to help the community”.
“We see our youth becoming more active, having more agency, and more opportunities to pursue their desired causes and interests. We want to continue to foster a Singapore and a party where the youth can seize these opportunities and act on them.”
YP will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. Its first inception in 1986, as the Youth Committee was chaired by now Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. It was formed because there was a need for the Party to better engage youths in Singapore.
Mr Tan said this would be an opportunity for the group to reflect on its history. He emphasised that each successive YP Chairperson has a unique responsibility to refresh YP so that stays “relevant to the new generation”.
Calling on new youths to join the party, he added that “now is the time for us, the new generation, to step forward, shape policy, and serve with purpose.”
“I’m looking forward to next year where we can look back, remember our objective and chart a new plan forward so that we remain relevant as well as attractive to a new generation of youth that believe in the values and the action of the PAP.”
“Join us in building a Singapore that leaves no one behind — your voices and actions matter.
