MP for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC Goh Pei Ming vividly remembers a man who sought his help to apply for citizenship for his son.
Mr Goh, who is also Senior Minister of State for Social and Family Development, and Home Affairs, told Petir that the man came to his Meet-the-People Session to explain his predicament.
The man and his wife have six children. All of them are Singaporeans, save for the eldest son who was from a previous marriage.
The eldest son, a foreign citizen on a student pass, would no longer be allowed to stay in Singapore once he graduated from ITE. The father had written to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority multiple times to apply for citizenship or permanent resident status for his son but was repeatedly rejected.
“The father tearfully explained how he has been working hard to care for his large family while worrying about his eldest son’s citizenship status. He even contemplated having his son repeat a year of studies to extend his stay,” Mr Goh said.
“I felt that couldn’t be the solution. We needed a better, longer-term approach. I wrote to ICA several more times and personally appealed to them to review the case.”
Mr Goh explained that the boy has no other family and has grown up in Singapore, knowing it as his only home. There was “no reason to send him away,” he said. The boy was also prepared to do national service.
Thankfully, ICA has agreed to review the case and is now working to ensure that the boy can complete his NS and obtain his citizenship.
A supportive community ensures seniors, vulnerable families, and persons with disabilities are taken care of
Mr Goh noted that Marine Parade was built in 1974, and many of the flats are about 50 years old. Many residents proudly tell him that they have stayed here since day one. They appreciate that East Coast Park is across the road and that Marine Parade’s lifestyle is suited to them.
With several schools like Tao Nan Primary School and Tanjong Katong Primary in the vicinity, there is also a good mix of young families moving into the area.
Over the past year, Mr Goh and his team have been building Marine Parade into an even more supportive and vibrant community.
A supportive community, Mr Goh explained, ensures that seniors, caregivers, vulnerable families, and persons with disabilities are well taken care of.
“I want Marine Parade to be a vibrant, exciting place where residents can easily find a happening event every weekend in some corner of the neighbourhood,” he said. “More importantly, I want to build a community where residents feel this is where they want to grow up, raise their children, and grow old.”
Underground hub in Marine Parade offers S’pore’s first one-stop access to social services and shops
Mr Goh is particularly proud of The Anchor@ Marine Parade, Singapore’s first one-stop underground hub located next to Marine Parade MRT station. The hub allows residents to access everyday amenities and social services while finding ways to give back to their community.
The 450m-long stretch houses social service agencies (SSAs), charities and amenities including a convenience store, food and beverage outlets, enrichment centres and a senior-friendly gym.
Marine Parade Community Space Limited (MPCSL), a charity, runs the hub. Mr Goh said that Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, former Prime Minister and MP for Marine Parade, came up with the project.
As a patron of the charity, Mr Goh said the team worked closely with government agencies to build the hub. The hub opened on April 4 and is expected to be fully operational by year-end.
Nine SSAs and charities currently operate in the hub, with one more expected to join soon. The SSAs offer services ranging from counselling and reintegration support for former offenders to caregiver support and employment support for persons with disabilities.
The hub also includes a youth engagement centre, a care space for persons with disabilities and a volunteer-run charity thrift shop.
“I’m hoping agencies will collaborate by sharing their resources, networks and specialisation to bring together different groups of residents for joint activities—not just provide services individually,” Mr Goh said.
He cited examples of multi-generational engagement events where grandfathers and grandchildren participate in family activities together, or where people with disabilities and their caregivers join children in volunteer outreach work.
“It’s an opportunity to bring different groups and services together. When collaboration happens, I believe magic happens.”
Residents can also volunteer with charities and SSAs at the hub. Volunteer opportunities include roles such as senior transport escorts and programme support volunteers.
Marine Parade community building to open latest by first quarter next year
The brand-new Marine Parade Community Building will open by the first quarter of 2027, Mr Goh told Petir.
The building will house the Marine Parade Community Club, Marine Parade Public Library, a rooftop running track, a gym, badminton courts, and food and beverage outlets.
It will also feature a 24-hour self-help lounge where residents can register for courses and events, as well as music rooms, dance studios, and a culinary studio.
“Residents have been yearning for the club and library to reopen. I’m certainly looking forward to the new facility welcoming residents again,” Mr Goh said.
“What’s also exciting is that this building will connect to the Anchor at the basement level, creating a continuous community space for residents to enjoy. This also allows us to link one end of Marine Parade from Marine Terrace all the way through to the other end at Marine Drive and Parkway Parade.”
Mr Goh added that residents can access these areas through the underpass, overhead shelters, sheltered linkways, and the community club.
A key focus for Mr Goh is maintaining the infrastructure and upgrading the housing estate.
The Marine Parade Town Council is building a water play park at Block 57 Marine Terrace. The park will feature a water play area, flying fox, fountain, and iconic playground with elements reflecting the neighbourhood’s unique heritage.
“The refreshed playground and water play area in Marine Terrace will bring vibrancy to the constituency. Residents, especially young families, are looking forward to these recreational and leisure amenities.”
“When residents feel their estates are well maintained and their homes are in good condition, they gain assurance that they live in a place where everyone cares. After a busy day at work or school, they can come home and rest their minds. Home is where you should always feel comfortable.”
