Singaporean actor-producer Zheng Geping received the Public Service Medal for his volunteer work at the Woodlands Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC).
The 61-year-old, whose legal name is Edmund Tay Kok Peng, was among 7,210 recipients in the 2025 National Day Awards list announced on Saturday (9 Aug) by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Zheng learned about his recognition days before the announcement through Sembawang GRC MP Mariam Jaafar. The veteran Mediacorp star expressed surprise and gratitude when contacted by Shin Min Daily News.
Volunteer Work Started 15 Years Ago
Zheng began volunteering approximately 15 years ago after a friend asked him to join the Woodlands CCC. The actor said his initial motivation was curiosity about the community volunteer group’s activities.
“I joined because of my curiosity about what the team does. I am not a resident of Woodlands,” Zheng told the Chinese daily.
Zheng lives in Sembawang GRC, not Woodlands. He committed to regular volunteer work after finding the experience meaningful.
The actor’s volunteer duties include distributing items to underprivileged families, performing at festive events, fundraising at charity events, and helping during Meet-the-People sessions.
Zheng balances his entertainment career with community service. Filming schedules and overseas work sometimes prevent volunteer participation. He arranges his professional commitments to make time for community activities when possible.
Family Joins Community Activities
Zheng’s family participates in his volunteer efforts. His wife, 64-year-old actress Hong Huifang, joins community activities when not filming or promoting projects. Their children, 29-year-old actress Tay Ying and 25-year-old singer-actor Calvert Tay, also participate in fundraising events and community performances organised by his celebrity club.
Tay Ying married celebrity chef Wu Sihan (33) in June.
Zheng said the most rewarding aspect of volunteering is seeing residents’ happiness, particularly elderly nursing home residents during outings. He values knowing that people his team helped still remember their contributions.
On 25 Jul, Zheng joined about 10 other Singapore celebrities in a charity golf event benefiting Child at Street 11, a non-profit child development centre.
Zheng shared his gratitude on Instagram on 11 Aug. He wrote that the recognition belongs not only to him but also to his fellow Woodlands CCC volunteers, Woodlands residents, and MP Mariam Jaafar. He credited their trust, love and support as inspiration for continued service.
The actor has spent over 36 years with Mediacorp. He appeared in numerous Channel 8 productions including The Return of the Condor Heroes and Like Father, Like Daughter.
Zheng told reporters he believes he has only made small contributions to the community.
