S’poreans must know there is more than one definition of success

SINGAPORE — At 30, Abdillah Zamzuri is the youngest candidate in the Singapore People’s Party–Democratic Progressive Party joint team for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, and this was evident in the way he affably introduced himself as “Ab”.

Citing the connection he feels with youths and those of his generation, Mr Abdillah said he hopes to fight for equal opportunities for them.

“Equal opportunities differ from individual to individual. (Each) individual will require different types of resources,” he said. Resources have to be allocated according to the needs of each individual, he added.

A rookie in politics, Mr Abdillah was scouted by Singapore People’s Party chairman Lina Chiam only last month. “Someone told me Mrs Chiam wanted to see me. I accepted her offer immediately, because it’s an honour to know someone has seen your CV, knows your achievements and wants you on the team,” said Mr Abdillah, who has mentored at-risk youths under a Mendaki programme for the past seven years.

He wants to bring across the message that there are different pathways to success. “I believe in Singapore, currently the definition of success that we always listen to is about academic achievements. It goes beyond academics. There’s a lot more than young people can achieve,” he said.

When a reporter pointed out that the Government had been promoting this recently through the introduction of schemes such as SkillsFuture, he acknowledged that the Government has “fantastic” policies, but there remains a gap in how policies are implemented and understood on the ground.

“As someone who talks to the youths a lot, I believe this is where I can try to help convey these messages from the Government to the youths,” he said, adding he would also like to introduce new programmes on the ground, if elected.

Abdillah Zamzuri, 30, Businessman

FACT FILE:

• Single

• Runs two businesses: A training company and a sports academy

• Joined the SPP last month at the invitation of chairperson Lina Chiam

• Grassroots volunteer with Cairnhill Community Centre’s Youth Executive Committee

• Mentored at-risk youth for about seven years, under Mendaki’s Youth-in-Action programme

HE SAID: “We want to try to provide equal opportunities. The Government says we are working on a meritocratic system. Unfortunately, I believe some people may have fallen through the cracks and may not have received the proper assistance that they need. This is where I hope I can come in and make some adjustments and, hopefully, help the youth achieve their aspirations.”

WARD: To be announced