Low Thia Khiang his inspiration for joining politics

SINGAPORE — Growing up in Hougang, Mr Kenneth Foo saw first-hand no difference in the upkeep of his estate after Workers’ Party chief Low Thia Khiang took over in 1991.

When he was part of the Hougang Constituency Committee from 2006 to 2011, seeing Mr Low’s dedication up close left another mark on him.

Yesterday, the 38-year-old again put his desire to serve the public, by contesting as an opposition candidate, down to Mr Low. He recounted once when Mr Low prepared to attend a constituent’s wake after a party activity ended after 10pm.

“I asked him, ‘Why do you still want to go when it’s already so late?’. He said, ‘As the MP, this is my duty because I serve the constituents, and at this time, it’s usually less crowded, so I can talk to them, find out more about what kind of assistance they actually require from us.’ That was when I was truly inspired to serve,” said Mr Foo, who will make his electoral debut next month.

Explaining his decision to take part in an election nine years after joining as a member, Mr Foo said he had been juggling work and part-time studies. His career is in a “more stable” state now — he is a manager at the Singapore Cancer Society.

He added that his experience working with a voluntary welfare organisation has helped him gain better insight of the problems faced by the “marginalised and less fortunate”, which he hopes to help, should he be elected.

“I come from a lower-middle income family. My father was the sole breadwinner and he held two jobs, a day job and a night job,” Mr Foo said. Lee Yen Nee

About the candidate

Kenneth Foo Seck Guan, 38

Manager of Public Education at Singapore Cancer Society

FACTFILE:

• Joined the Workers’ Party in 2006

• Holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Southern Queensland and an Honours Degree in Bachelor of Health Sciences (Psychology) from University of Adelaide

• Single

WHAT HE SAID: “As society progresses, we must make sure lower-income families are not left behind.”