When the PAP launched its Youth Wing in 1986, the first generation of Singaporeans born after our nation gained independence was turning 21.
Singapore was going through an industrial shift. The labour-intensive manufacturing industries that helped build our country throughout the 60s and 70s would soon give way to new, better jobs in telecommunications, semi-conductors, advanced electronics and financial services.
In the midst of this shift, for the PAP, it was important that young people had an avenue to share their views and engage with national policy discussions, which reflected their different concerns and aspirations from the previous generation.
“If the PAP is going to represent the population of Singapore…we must have a reasonable number of the PAP membership who are young. We have to bring them in, identify with them, and represent them,” said Mr Lee Hsien Loong, then-Chairman of the new Youth Committee.
Against this backdrop, the Youth Wing was formed to build trust and give young people the confidence that their government will always have their back.
Forty years on, the Youth PAP has kept to its mission. Regular outreach programs, forums, workshops and dialogues have encouraged young Singaporeans from all walks of life to make their voices heard. MPs and Ministers are frequently present, a testament that new ideas and concerns are taken seriously.
As a leading platform for youth voices, YP has energised young people to become active citizens. It has inspired a new generation of youth to step up and drive meaningful change. Indeed, some former YP members have continued their advocacy in Parliament.
Ms Tin Pei Ling, MP for Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC, is a familiar and beloved face, serving MacPherson residents for the past 15 years. She has also been a vocal advocate for policies that support vulnerable groups and digital safety. Prior to being elected as an MP, Ms Tin served in the YP Executive Committee as Assistant Treasurer.
Similarly, Ms Chan Hui Yuh, Branch Chair of PAP Serangoon, and our party’s candidate in Aljunied GRC at the 2025 General Elections, was previously Southeast Region Chairman for the YP and Assistant Organising Secretary of the YP Executive Committee.
Translating ideas into action
The YP plays a crucial role in bringing the concerns of young Singaporeans up in our national conversations.
Climate change, for instance, is a cause that YP has helped amplify for many years. It is an existential issue for our times. In 2020, YP spoke to experts, businesses and community groups over several months. These conversations and deep dives resulted in a position paper titled “Singapore: A Green Hub” on how Singapore can tackle climate change without losing its competitive edge.
PAP MPs helped raise the paper in Parliament so that our lawmakers could debate on building a more sustainable Singapore. Many of these proposals have been taken up by our lawmakers. They include grants to help SMEs go green as well as a $50 million SG Eco Fund to kickstart environmental projects from the ground up
The passion and hard work of our Young PAP resulted in clear, actionable change. Building on the momentum, the PAP launched the Climate Action Group (CAG) to develop sustainable policy ideas and engage more Singaporeans.
Another area where YP has made a significant impact is in women’s issues. Together with the PAP Women’s Wing, YP put up a set of recommendations to address the challenges facing young women.
Again, the result is clear, actionable change in policies. Lifting the ban on social egg freezing gave women greater control over their fertility. Meanwhile, tougher rules against discrimination (i.e. Workplace Fairness Act) help ensure that women are not held back at work due to gender, pregnancy or caregiving status.
Taking Action for Youths
As YP celebrates its 40th birthday, Singapore is once again at a crossroads. AI and cutting-edge technology are reshaping industries and impacting youth employment. An ageing society and climate change are demanding more innovative solutions. Geopolitical tensions around the world have implications for our safety and security.
YP’s role in engaging our youth and making room for their voices will be more important than ever. By harnessing their energy and ideas, young Singaporeans will have a say in shaping the future of our nation.
“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,” said Alvin Tan, Chairperson of YP.
Young PAP will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this Saturday (4 July, 2 – 5.30 pm). Keen to step forward and make a change? Register here to join the movement.
