Helping disadvantaged groups access better opportunities is the cause closest to PAP candidate David Hoe’s heart as he contests in Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC.
Speaking during a walkabout at Bukit Batok West Hawker Centre on April 29, Mr Hoe, 37, said his passion stems from his own upbringing, where he accompanied his blind mother to sell tissues. Initially aspiring to be a hawker to escape poverty, he later found his calling in education after tutoring a schoolmate in mathematics.
Now director of philanthropy at Majurity Trust and a former educator, Mr Hoe said youth success should not be confined to traditional academic routes. “We can only define success if we know our strengths and areas of interest,” he said. Encouraging youths to pursue passions could also drive Singapore’s economic growth, he added.
Besides advocating for youth development, Mr Hoe pledged to be a voice for issues that young people care about, even if he is not an expert. He also aims to champion active ageing by pushing for better municipal infrastructure for seniors.
Mr Hoe is part of the PAP team led by Minister Grace Fu, alongside Ministers of State Murali Pillai and Rahayu Mahzam, and former Hougang branch chair Lee Hong Chuang. The team faces Red Dot United in the upcoming election.
Taking over the Clementi ward from outgoing MP Tan Wu Meng, Mr Hoe has been running door-to-door to meet as many residents as possible. “I’m new to residents, so every second counts. If I save a few seconds by running, it gives me more time to listen to their concerns,” he said.
Mr Hoe concluded: “I take this role with full responsibility and seriousness, because I know every resident interaction matters.”
