Warmth and friendship of residents inspired him to serve

SINGAPORE — No family or child should be disadvantaged by their background, said Mr Ron Tan Jun Yen yesterday, as he was introduced as one of the Workers’ Party’s (WP) new candidates for next month’s polls.

Mr Tan, who is engaged to be married, said his time volunteering at the WP’s Meet-the-People Sessions showed him the “despair and frustration of families affected by certain policies”.

“I empathise with their situations, and felt like I should be doing more to assist them,” said Mr Tan at a press conference held at the party headquarters on Syed Alwi Road.

“I gained a lot from the community, the warmth and friendship of the residents. Working closely with WP members in organising the grassroots events, I was very touched by the dedication and commitment to serve, and decided to become a member of WP as well.”

Mr Tan, who has been volunteering for the party since 2011 after the General Election, is currently an executive committee member in the WP’s Youth Wing, a member of the WP’s Grassroots Committee, and a member of Hougang Constituency Committee .

The 30-year-old also said he feels strongly about issues that affect the youth, and believes the young should step up to take more responsibility in society.

If elected, Mr Tan said he will bring up issues that affect young Singaporeans, including housing, in Parliament.

“As a young Singaporean, I think it is very important for us to step up and take charge of our future, especially now that we have celebrated our Jubilee Year this year,” said Mr Tan.

“What’s going to happen in the next 10, 20, even 50 years will concern us Singaporeans, especially my generation.

“And it is important for us to be the voice, and I believe that I am ready to step up, to be the representation of their concerns, and to create a better future for all Singaporeans.” HON JING YI

Ron Tan Jun Yen, 30

Real-estate agent and director of a small investment company

FACT FILE:

• Holds a Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia, Perth-Western Australia

• Studied at Maris Stella High School (Primary), before attending Guildford Grammar School in Perth

• Started volunteering in Hougang after 2011 General Election

• Engaged

He said: “The matters that really touch me are regarding family and community spirit. I was overseas for a period of time, and I came back to Singapore. I can sense that something is changing. I hope that we can bring back what Singapore used to be — the communal spirit, the loving society.”

WARD: To be announced