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- Jul 19, 2011
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Tin Pei Ling: Life as a full-time MP
Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliament (MP) Marine Parade GRC
"I thought that it is only the right thing to do, to dedicate more time, to understand the ground, to get to know the residents, to really have a better grasp of the issues that my residents face here. And also at work, I felt that if I had to spend more time on the ground, then potentially there would be an impact on my boss and also my colleagues. But between the two, I had to make a choice and I chose to dedicate myself to MacPherson."
"I am much more familiar with places and I've known a lot of people, a lot of residents, and some I would say that we have a special bond with quite a number of residents here. I regard them as my family members, like just now you saw some makciks, they're like neneks to me and it's a very special bond that I feel. So I really cherish this."
Since 2011, Ms Tin has not only been able to understand the issues and her residents in Macpherson better… in fact since the area has her undivided focus, she has also managed to be more actively involved in introducing a variety of community projects.
"So for the senior citizens, before the EASE programme (Enhancement for Active Seniors), we actually had a "Say no to fall" (programme). This really came out from what we saw, what we observed, what we heard from elderly residents. As you know, falls are something that pose a great risk to the elderly in terms of their quality of life. Therefore, we managed to pool together some community partners to deliver this project, this outreach programme for the elderly."
"In terms of youth and children, we also have… I set up this MYDream team, which means MacPherson Youth Dream team, it also means MYDream team, MY as in the youth, their own dream. It's something we want them to own. It's really a platform for them to come together and take ownership of the community. They have so far been very cohesive. They're very enthusiastic, very energetic and very creative. They have put together quite a few community initiatives to inject a new energy, a sense of vibrancy into the community."
Much has been achieved since Ms Tin became a full-time MP three years ago. However, she acknowledges there are merits for an MP to have a career as well.
Today, MPs have to remain relevant and updated about the issues and challenges affecting other communities in their professional sectors.
"You get to keep yourself updated, keep yourself relevant, and also you are in touch with other communities as well, so you have a full grasp of all the issues that Singaporeans face."
The issues that an MP has to deal with has increased, along with the demands of the people. Being an MP today requires more time and energy.
Being a full-time MP has benefitted her, but it is not the absolute solution to fulfilling the needs of citizens and helping them solve increasingly complex issues.
Thus, Ms Tin has not ruled out the possibility of going back to work one day.
"If there is a chance, if there are jobs that would offer flexibility, I may consider it as well. But of course, my first priority is to make sure that MacPherson, my residents, are being taken care of."
Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliament (MP) Marine Parade GRC
"I thought that it is only the right thing to do, to dedicate more time, to understand the ground, to get to know the residents, to really have a better grasp of the issues that my residents face here. And also at work, I felt that if I had to spend more time on the ground, then potentially there would be an impact on my boss and also my colleagues. But between the two, I had to make a choice and I chose to dedicate myself to MacPherson."
"I am much more familiar with places and I've known a lot of people, a lot of residents, and some I would say that we have a special bond with quite a number of residents here. I regard them as my family members, like just now you saw some makciks, they're like neneks to me and it's a very special bond that I feel. So I really cherish this."
Since 2011, Ms Tin has not only been able to understand the issues and her residents in Macpherson better… in fact since the area has her undivided focus, she has also managed to be more actively involved in introducing a variety of community projects.
"So for the senior citizens, before the EASE programme (Enhancement for Active Seniors), we actually had a "Say no to fall" (programme). This really came out from what we saw, what we observed, what we heard from elderly residents. As you know, falls are something that pose a great risk to the elderly in terms of their quality of life. Therefore, we managed to pool together some community partners to deliver this project, this outreach programme for the elderly."
"In terms of youth and children, we also have… I set up this MYDream team, which means MacPherson Youth Dream team, it also means MYDream team, MY as in the youth, their own dream. It's something we want them to own. It's really a platform for them to come together and take ownership of the community. They have so far been very cohesive. They're very enthusiastic, very energetic and very creative. They have put together quite a few community initiatives to inject a new energy, a sense of vibrancy into the community."
Much has been achieved since Ms Tin became a full-time MP three years ago. However, she acknowledges there are merits for an MP to have a career as well.
Today, MPs have to remain relevant and updated about the issues and challenges affecting other communities in their professional sectors.
"You get to keep yourself updated, keep yourself relevant, and also you are in touch with other communities as well, so you have a full grasp of all the issues that Singaporeans face."
The issues that an MP has to deal with has increased, along with the demands of the people. Being an MP today requires more time and energy.
Being a full-time MP has benefitted her, but it is not the absolute solution to fulfilling the needs of citizens and helping them solve increasingly complex issues.
Thus, Ms Tin has not ruled out the possibility of going back to work one day.
"If there is a chance, if there are jobs that would offer flexibility, I may consider it as well. But of course, my first priority is to make sure that MacPherson, my residents, are being taken care of."
