Gabriel Lam Yen Li, MP for Sembawang GRC, believes grooming the next generation of Singaporeans for community service is crucial. He empowers young activists to experiment with new initiatives that better serve the Canberra community.
As a Member of Parliament, Mr Lam oversees the Canberra division. A small medium enterprise owner himself, he applies succession planning principles to the PAP Canberra branch, viewing youths as the next generation of leaders, he told Petir.
“Young people bring fresh perspectives and different approaches to problem-solving,” he said. “Don’t dismiss their ideas. We remain open to exploring new concepts, experiences, angles, and events.”
According to Mr Lam, the PAP Canberra division sees strong attendance from its youth activists. About half of the activists who volunteer at the weekly Meet the People’s session (MPS) are youths aged between 18 and 35.
Mr Lam told his Young PAP Chair Joel Leong that “youth must lead other youths” when it comes to launching new initiatives and organising events.
“We give them free rein to run certain initiatives. Then we guide them throughout the process so we can grow together.”
The Canberra YP team came up with the idea of a mobile MPS that operates alongside regular MPS sessions. A group of eight to 10 volunteers of all ages visits residents and checks on them.
“We go to residents instead of waiting for them to come to us,” Mr Lam explained. “When residents raise municipal issues, our volunteers bring these matters to the relevant authorities and share information about policies.”
He added that when residents need help, the youth volunteers draft appeal letters, which he approves the same night.
“We engage residents through block visits, giving youth a chance to inject more energy to the branch,”said Joel Leong, Chairperson of the YP Canberra. “Mr Lam is very supportive and always encourage us to come up with new initiatives.”
Mr Leong shared that the YP team has also curated cultural experiences for members, recognising Singapore’s multiracial identity as something Singaporeans “value closely”.
During Chinese New Year this year, youth activists and their families, including children, participated in a lion and dragon dance experience. His team plans to organise such learning journeys during other festive seasons.
In February, the Canberra YP team organised a sharing session where Mr Lam shared his views and experiences on leadership with 20 YP leaders. The session formed part of YP Northwest District’s inaugural three-month leadership programme, which engaged youth in growth and development activities.
“I encouraged them to never underestimate the value of their voices. Their perspectives, ideas and convictions matter,” Mr Lam said in a Facebook post. “Our future is shaped not just by policies, but by people who are willing to step forward with heart and purpose.”
Mr Leong explained that the YP team’s expanded activities and stronger social media presence have attracted more youth to participate beyond the regular MPS.
Mr Lam added: “Young people are rediscovering the joy of serving the party. We encourage them to do whatever they can to help the group grow.”
