Kenneth has been a volunteer in the PAP since 2013.

He started out volunteering at Meet-the-People Sessions. He found that by writing letters for residents with problems, he could help them solve their issues, and at the same time learn more about their perspectives. This helped him to broaden his thinking about the impact of policies and society in general.

He is also involved in planning and execution of regular outreach activities in Nee Soon Central, like helping the less fortunate or giving out keepsakes to residents. He said, “Happiness shared is happiness multiplied. So from the first time I participated in these activities, I have never looked back.”

Kenneth is also a council member of the PAP Policy Forum, where he gives feedback and ideas about national policies. He finds that the lively debate in the forum is a learning experience for everyone involved, and generates useful feedback for MPs and policymakers.

As a PAP volunteer, Kenneth is making a difference on many levels.

Alan is an entrepreneur in the area of health research. He has been volunteering in Nee Soon South branch for seven years, and is now leading the Young PAP volunteers there.

We asked Alan why he chooses to devote time to branch activities. He replied, “If Singapore had not been on the right track, I wouldn’t be able to pursue such a meaningful career, or build a family without worries. And of course Yishun has also been transformed into a vibrant and well-connected town. I don’t take this for granted. In branch activities, we care for the needy, build bridges between races, and give constructive feedback on policies. All these help to keep Singapore on the right track. ”

Alan wants to say to anyone considering volunteering in a PAP branch: “Young volunteers usually start out by learning how to write appeal letters in MPS. This is the best ‘crash course’ in the issues different Singaporeans are facing, and the government policies surrounding them. If you’re interested in helping others and learning where Singapore is headed, you should definitely get involved. ”

Jane Lee first started volunteering at Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) six years ago, when her mother approached her to help out during her school break. For Jane, it was an eye-opening experience as MPS exposed her to different Singaporeans, and the difficulties they face at various stages of life. It was an enriching experience for her.

Jane has always been looking for ways to give back to society. Prior to MPS, she would volunteer at various charities on a monthly basis, but since starting at MPS, she has never looked back. She finds great joy in attending MPS every Monday – a weekly three hour affair.

Jane experiences immense satisfaction from being able to make a difference in someone’s life, even though she admits it isn’t all smooth sailing with some requesting for help. Her fondest memories was to help a single mother with three kids seek financial assistance. Through the process, she found that they were forming frienships. That deep bond motivated her to keep helping. To her, it is heartwarming to know that even regular individuals like herself can lend a helping hand.

She believes volunteerism is a journey with no end and plans to continue volunteering for the rest of her life. Jane hopes that she continues making a difference to someone’s life and being an inspiration to other people. She also encourages her peers to try attending their own MPS and to do so with an open mind.

Cynthia grew up in Chong Pang. She has always had an interest in helping others and doing constructive things. Her passion in youths issues has seen her take on leadership in the Young PAP where she gets to work with youths, provides them with political training. Through this position, she is able to impact the lives of youths positively. Apart from Young PAP, Cynthia also serves in MPS.

In MPS, she volunteers her time as the minister writer’s where she would listen to the problems of the residents and would direct the appeals or letters to relevant agencies for follow up. She especially likes to speak with youths and find out what motivates them. Beyond MPS, Cynthia would organize events to engage the youths such as team building activities. Through these events, she is better able to build rapport with these youths and help them improve their life circumstances.

Through MPS, Cynthia increased her knowledge of policies and issues, so as to better explain the policies’ intentions to the residents. She is also better equipped with soft skills to interact with residents of different personalities. Through her volunteer experience, she is exposed to the real issues that affect people and different segments of the needy such as the “sandwiched class” of the society. The “sandwiched class” is a term to describe people who are in need of assistance, yet do not meet the eligibility of official assistance schemes.

Janice has been living in Nee Soon for the past two decades. Throughout these years, the strong communal spirit of Nee Soon has left a deep impression on her. She is inspired by the selflessness and fruits of labour borne as a result of the blood and sweat of our pioneer generation. She hopes to walk in their footsteps and contribute positively to the community.

Janice’s involvement in the party began in 2013. She was approached by then Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC, Mr Patrick Tay, to volunteer at the Meet-the-People sessions (MPS). With a passion for community service, she accepted the offer and has not looked back since.

Her deep sense of joy from being able to make even a small difference in the lives of many continues to motivate her at the weekly sessions. She prepares petition letters for residents, advises them on the options available and doubles up as a confidante to many residents who seek her assistance to resolve their problems.

Apart from MPS, Janice works alongside many other passionate PAP members to organise social and community programmes for Nee Soon residents. She has gained appreciation for teamwork and camaraderie through these meaningful activities. She believes that it is this common sense of purpose and values that bring the party members together to forge deep friendships and develop ideas that will benefit the Nee Soon community.

Razak has been a resident of Yishun from 1984 and has been volunteering with in the Chong Pang community for well over 20 years. He has fulfilled many roles, including translating for Malay residents who don’t speak English.

When asked about why he committed to volunteering all this years, Razak answered without hesitation that it was his passion. He loves to help people, regardless of their backgrounds. He remarked that though he was not able to help in terms of giving monetary help, he helped in many other ways, such as giving consultations and moral support to the residents.

He sees the many people, especially in the Malay community, need help, but do not know where to seek help from. Razak thinks it’s his personal responsibility to direct them to the right form of help.

Razak serves from the heart and sincerely wishes the best for all the residents. He has seen so many people who are in need within his community and feels overwhelmingly lucky for the opportunity he has to help them. His jovial nature and candid personality is built on the contentment he has learnt to have for his situation and the purpose he finds in serving the community.

Cheerful and bubbly, Selena has always been involved with the grassroots. The jovial lady started volunteering when she was living in Bishan, and when she moved to Yishun seven years ago; she got involved with the grassroots as well. Her main motivation in volunteering was to lend a hand to other residents, as she has always been aware of problems that some of them were facing.

Selena loves meeting new people and being at the weekly Meet-the-People Sessions gives her plenty of opportunity to interact with her friends and neighbours. She derives satisfaction from the appreciation and recognition she receives from her peers when their issues are resolved with her help.

Having had several years of experience helping out at the grassroots level, Selena simply wants to reach out to residents who are in need and who may not know exactly to do. “I just want to see the best for Yishun and to be able to help in any way I can,” Selena says. “The best part of my day is when I see them smile.”