East Coast Plan unveiled

[jw5]

HSK wants to build a fair, inclusive, caring and vibrant Singapore that will shine brightly for generations to come.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
The People's Action Party is, and has always been, guided by the principles of justice, equality, racial harmony, integrity, and incorruptibility. Our commitment to build a harmonious, multiracial society with opportunities for all, never ceases.
We cannot do this without the dedication and hard work of our activists, who are the agents for creating good and effecting change on the ground. This is why we came together to recognise their efforts at the Party Convention today. My heartiest congratulations to the 415 party members who received their awards, and a heartfelt “Thank You” to all members for serving our people tirelessly.
On this 100th anniversary of the birth of our founding secretary general Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, let us do our utmost to build on the legacy that he and our founding leaders have built, and continue to take Singapore forward!
Let us deepen our trust in one another, gear ourselves up to serve with conviction, and live up to our name as a Party of action, a party for our people.
Together, we can build a fair, inclusive, caring and vibrant Singapore that will shine brightly for generations to come.
#PAP4SG #TeamPAP #ChartingThePathForward #EveryVoiceCounts

 

[jw5]

HSK spoke to some 170 stakeholders.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Singapore’s innovation ecosystem is more compact than other countries and cities, but we can leverage our small size to gear up collaboration and move quickly together to get ahead of the competition.
Spoke to some 170 stakeholders from our Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) ecosystem – researchers, deep tech startups, Temasek, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National Research Foundation Singapore and government representatives – at this year’s RIE Industry Day 2023. This year’s theme – “Venture engineering – from deep tech research to commercial reality” – speaks to the importance of transforming research results into impact. I suggested three ways we can do this:

Nurture deep tech

Spur corporate innovation

Rally our compact and deep ecosystem
Our RIE ecosystem has deepened and become more vibrant over the years, thanks to our consistent investments and our stakeholders leaning forward to share, collaborate and grow together. Let us sustain this momentum to stay ahead of the game, and strengthen our reputation as a nimble and action-oriented destination to grow research, innovation and enterprise.

 

[jw5]

HSK prepares for Deepavali.

Heng Swee Keat updated his cover photo.​

1 d ·
Preparations for the Festival of Lights are in full swing, as seen by the crowd of happy families and friends at the annual street light-up and bazaar in Little India!
This Deepavali, let us bring light and hope into the lives of those around us. இனிய தீபாவளி வாழ்த்துக்கள்!

(MCI Photo by Ngau Kai Yan)

 

[jw5]

HSK was glad to catch up with PRC Vice President Han Zheng.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Glad to catch up with PRC Vice President Han Zheng today.
Vice President Han is an old friend; we were fellow co-Chairs of the Singapore-China Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation and Joint Steering Councils from 2019 to last year. Vice President Han has played an important role in nurturing our strong bilateral ties, and we had a good discussion on how the Singapore-China relationship can continue to be taken forward. We also exchanged views on the many pressing regional and global issues of the day.
I hope Vice President Han and his delegation had a fruitful visit here and I look forward to strengthening our bilateral ties with China.
(MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

 

[jw5]

HSK was very glad to have watched a harmoniously blended cross-cultural performance.

Heng Swee Keat​

12 h ·
Very glad to have watched a harmoniously blended cross-cultural performance “The Origins Cipher《溯源密码》”recently. Featuring elements from Chinese and Korean cultures, the performance was inspired by ancient Chinese texts such as《楚辞》(Songs of Chu),《千字文》(Thousand Character Classic), Tang poetry; and traditional Jeju poetry and folk songs such as the traditional song Ieodo Sana. The music was a blend of Nanyin and traditional Korean music gugak, performed by musicians from Siong Leng Music Association and Jeju. These ancient musical genres came to life through a range of instruments such as harp, strings, flute and erhu, along with theatrical elements on stage.
My thanks to Siong Leng, and Vice Governor of Political Affairs Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Mr Kim Hee Hyon and his team for bringing this wonderful performance to the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, after their first collaboration in 2022. By building cultural ties through such exchanges and collaboration, we help to promote mutual understanding and appreciation of different cultures between our peoples. Well done to all performers for bringing together a musical feast through the fusion of music, storytelling and multimedia!

 

[jw5]

HSK was happy to join Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (KWSH) at its charity gala dinner.

Heng Swee Keat​

33 m ·
Happy to join Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (KWSH) at its charity gala dinner last Sunday, to thank and appreciate their donors whose generosity has enabled KWSH to strengthen care and support for seniors and their families.
As Singapore becomes a “super-aged” society and care needs grow, community healthcare facilities such as KWSH will play an important role in providing seamless care to empower our seniors to age well in place.
Glad to see that KWSH has steadily expanded its capacity and reach over the years — its Serangoon Road main site is today an integrated community healthcare hub which comprises new facilities built upon the original conserved buildings, and plans to contribute further through more care centres and Active Ageing Centres in the next 10 years. KWSH has also embraced technology, upskilled its workforce, and strengthened the capabilities of the community care sector through training and mentorship.
The KWSH management and staff have done well to steer the hospital through its transformation. My sincere thanks to Patrick Lee for 22 years of distinguished leadership on the Kwong Wai Shiu Board, including 12 years as Chairman. May KWSH continue to strengthen its legacy of care and service!

 

[jw5]

HSK wishes a joyful Deepavali to all who are celebrating.

Heng Swee Keat is with Tan Kiat How and Dr Maliki Osman.​

11 h ·
Happy Deepavali! இனிய தீபாவளி வாழ்த்துக்கள்!

Celebrated the Festival of Lights with our East Coast residents recently. We bonded over an afternoon of energetic performances, games, and good food! Many thanks to our Indian Activity Executive Committees Council for organising this lively event!
With the world facing more unrest and uncertainty this year, it is a timely reminder to never take the peace and harmony we enjoy in Singapore for granted. Let us take the opportunity of festivals like Deepavali to appreciate and celebrate our diverse heritage, and the unity we share as one people and one Singapore.
A joyful Deepavali to all who are celebrating, and wishing everyone an enjoyable long weekend!

 

[jw5]

HSK wants to work together across borders, sectors and domains.

Heng Swee Keat​

5 d ·
At the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW) Gala Dinner last week, we were treated to this beautifully presented

appetiser made from locally-sourced eggs and mushrooms.
Producing more of our food locally will enable Singapore to be more sustainable and resilient. So I am happy to see more local farms and companies growing tastier and healthier produce locally. This supports the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s 30X30 goal!
But even as we grow and produce more food, we must also take care of the planet. Agriculture carries a high carbon footprint and we must invest and innovate to decarbonise the sector and produce our greens in a greener way.
To do this well, we must work together across borders, sectors and domains. Glad that Temasek, together with PwC, Rabobank, and Terrascope, have collaborated on the third edition of the Asia Food Challenge Report which provides valuable insights on innovations in agri-food.
SIAW is a useful platform for global industry leaders to convene and exchange views on building a robust and vibrant agri-food ecosystem in Asia. As a Global-Asia node of technology, innovation and enterprise, Singapore looks forward to working with global partners to continue driving innovation and game-changing breakthroughs that can contribute to shaping a more sustainable, resilient, healthy and equitable global agri-food landscape for all.

 

[jw5]

HSK thanks youth volunteer leaders.

Heng Swee Keat is with Cheryl Chan 陈慧玲 and
2 others
.​

7 November at 09:19 ·

“Youth Have No Limits”

Happy to see our youths and their families enjoying our first-ever East Coast Youth Festival, organised by Heartware Network. There were performances, games and activities for everyone. Industry partners, such as the Singapore Police Force, Digital and Intelligence Service and Mediacorp Radio, were also present to share about career options and opportunities for our youths.
Thank you and well done to the more than 100 youth volunteer leaders from the Heartware-East Coast Sustainable Youth Leadership Development Programme (HW-EC SYLDP) who organised and ran this festival! I hope that your energy and dedication will inspire more youth to step forward to join us in building a greener, more vibrant, and more caring East Coast!
East Coast Buzz
#EastCoastCares
#HWECYouthFestival

 

[jw5]

HSK is happy that residents of Bedok South Ave 2 have voted for the Housing & Development Board Home Improvement Programme (HIP)!

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Happy that residents of Bedok South Ave 2 have voted for the Housing & Development Board Home Improvement Programme (HIP)!
Residents can look forward to improvements such as new doors and gates, as well as senior-friendly fittings like slip-resistant treatment for bathroom tiles and grab bars. These enhancements will make our homes and living spaces safer and more comfortable, particularly for seniors. Check out some of these enhancements in the photos!
We Love Bedok

 

[jw5]

HSK was happy to attend the launch of Voilah!

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Happy to attend the launch of Voilah! — the 39th French Film Festival last week! The festival kicked off with the screening of “The Animal Kingdom”, a beautiful and moving story of a father-son relationship amidst a world where some humans have started mutating into other animal species. (No spoilers here.

)
The festival runs until 21 Nov, with a curation of 38 films that capture the essence of French cinema. Do catch the films if you can!
My thanks to French Ambassador to Singapore Minh-di Tang for hosting me. I was also glad to have the director and actors from “The Animal Kingdom” join us for the opening!

 

[jw5]

HSK felt wonderful tonight.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
Wonderful to join our residents at the opening ceremony of Pastel Nagomi Art Exhibition, "LOVE STORIES 爱の物语 2023" at HeartbeatBedok. The exhibition showcases more than 800 artworks from different countries, including many by our very own East Coast residents!
Happy to meet Mr Hosoyo Norikatsu, founder of Nagomi Pastel Art, at the event. Mr Hosoyo told us that Nagomi Art techniques allow for the expression of words and feelings that can be shared with families and friends, thus creating a beautiful connection with one another.
The exhibition is on until this Sunday, 19 November. Apart from checking out the artworks on display, you can also purchase the artworks! Proceeds will be donated to beneficiaries in Bedok.
Thank you Art Peace - Pastel Nagomi Art & Flower of Crystal and our community partners for building a caring and vibrant East Coast with us, through this meaningful event!
We Love Bedok
East Coast Buzz

 

[jw5]

HSK wishes all students, teachers, and parents a well-deserved break!

Heng Swee Keat​

1 d ·
The year-end school holidays have started! If you’re looking to do something fun and different with your friends and family in the coming weeks, head over to our vibrant East Coast!
From dinosaurs, beach picnics, heritage trails, coastal walks and more – there’s plenty to see, explore and do! Take a look at our e-newsletter, “Our Sunny Side” (https://ectc.org.sg/e-newsletter/08/) for more ideas on what East Coast has to offer during the holidays!
I hope everyone can take this time to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with your loved ones.
I wish all students, teachers, and parents a well-deserved break!
East Coast Buzz
#EastCoastCares
#VibrantEastCoast

 

[jw5]

HSK had thosai for lunch.

Heng Swee Keat​

2 d ·
Thosai for lunch!
Here at Blk 16 Bedok market to visit stallholders and residents in between my community events.
Wishing those who are celebrating Deepavali a good weekend of visits!

 

[jw5]

HSK hopes everyone who came to the event enjoyed the games and the fun atmosphere.

Heng Swee Keat​

3 d ·
Ready, aim, and throw!

Was at Bedok CC to support the inclusive Boccia (iBoccia) competition organised by SUN-DAC last weekend. This precision ball sport requires tactical and strategic skills. Boccia was originally created for persons with certain physical disabilities, and has since been adapted to iBoccia to enable anyone, disabled or abled, to form a team and participate. Nice to see boccia athletes playing with their loved ones and cheering their peers on!
Kudos to all the athletes for spending hours to train, and putting up a good match! I hope everyone who came to the event enjoyed the games and the fun atmosphere. Thank you to SUN-DAC and all the volunteers for promoting social inclusion through sports. Let's work together to create an inclusive and vibrant community where everyone can enjoy an active lifestyle through sports!
We Love Bedok

 

[jw5]

HSK congratulates the newly elected NTUC Singapore Central Committee.

Heng Swee Keat​

1 h ·
The tripartite collaboration between our unions, employers, and the government is key to driving workforce transformation, to keep Singapore and Singaporeans competitive in a more volatile world. With the economic and career landscape rapidly evolving, our Labour Movement has kept pace by innovating its business and training models to support workers and companies in navigating disruptions.
At the NTUC National Delegates’ Conference yesterday, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng 黄志明 spoke about 3Ws to uplift workers — better Wages, Welfare, and Work conditions, and how our unions have contributed to make a difference. For example, Brother Zaid from the Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union (AREU) has been championing youth-related issues like promoting mental well-being at workplaces; while Sister Cherlyn has been serving in the CMPU - Creative Media and Publishing Union to support young mothers returning to the workforce. Well done, Zaid and Cherlyn!
My warmest congratulations to the newly elected NTUC Singapore Central Committee. I am confident that you will continue to lead the Labour Movement with conviction and integrity, and chart a strong path forward to uplift the lives and livelihoods of our workers!
#EveryWorkerMatters

 

[jw5]

HSK congratulates Primary 6 students.

Heng Swee Keat​

2 d ·
Congratulations to all our Primary 6 students who have collected your PSLE results today! You have worked hard to achieve this milestone, and secondary school will be a new adventure. I hope that you and your parents will take the time to discuss and choose a school that best suits your gifts and inclinations, so that the next phase of your learning journey will be joyful and fulfilling.
I wish all students, parents and teachers a restful break and happy holidays!
(Release of 2023 PSLE results at Bedok Green Primary School. / MCI Photo by Terence Tan)

 

[jw5]

HSK had an engaging time.

Heng Swee Keat is with Edward Chia Bing Hui 谢秉辉.​

53 m ·
Recently visited LKY: THE EXPERIENCE — an interactive exhibition that commemorates the life journey of Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Had an engaging time exploring the immersive collection that brings us through Mr Lee’s life – his personal memories, professional milestones, and interesting tidbits about his deeply-held convictions and underlying motivations. Also honoured to contribute a small part to one of the displays – the 100 Stories room which features reflections by Singaporeans from all walks of life who knew or interacted with Mr Lee personally.
Thanks to the team behind this exhibition for a thoughtful and wonderful initiative commemorating Mr Lee’s 100th birth anniversary this year. Open to all ages, it is a meaningful way to spend time with loved ones this year-end season. The exhibition runs until 31 December and I encourage everyone to pay a visit with your friends and family if you can. More details including opening hours, location and ticketing can be found at: lkyexperience.com

 

[jw5]

HSK had a lovely Saturday afternoon.

Heng Swee Keat​

10 h ·
Spent a lovely Saturday afternoon with Bedok residents at a screening of "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" last week!

Interacted with many young families and teens, some of whom dressed in their best Taylor Swift outfits to take part in the Best-Dressed Contest! Glad to see everyone having a good time, singing, and dancing along to the songs.
Community events like these are made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers. Before the movie screening, I joined a sharing session organised by the Bedok CC Women's Executive Committee and Bedok Youth Network on the volunteering opportunities in our community. Volunteers are at the heart of our community — supporting residents, improving our neighbourhoods, and organising meaningful events to strengthen community bonds. If you would like to contribute and help make Bedok an even more vibrant, caring and green home, do reach out to Bedok Youth Network to register your interest.

 

[jw5]

HSK was delighted to join Bizlink Centre at its charity and appreciation dinner.

Heng Swee Keat is with Eric Chua.​

9 h ·
Delighted to join Bizlink Centre at its charity and appreciation dinner last week!
Over the past three decades, Bizlink Centre has been empowering vulnerable groups like persons with disabilities and persons in recovery from mental health conditions to achieve the dignity of inclusion and independence through employment. BizLink provides pre-employment training, works closely with employers to provide in-employment job support, and recently launched Train and Place programmes to enhance employment in growth industries like logistics and graphic design.
This work will grow even more important in the coming years. Under MSF Singapore’s Enabling Masterplan 2030, we aspire to raise the employment rate of persons with disabilities, and strengthen lifelong learning and inclusive employment. We can achieve this through strong partnerships across the public, private and people sectors. This is why we have designated 2023 as the Year of Celebrating Social Service Partners, to recognise the integral contributions of partners like Bizlink and employers, in building a more caring and inclusive society.
I hope to see more companies step forward to create meaningful job opportunities for persons with disabilities, and enable them to be equally recognised for their abilities, knowledge, and skills. My thanks to all donors and partner companies for your contributions!
Eric Chua
Tin Pei Ling 陈佩玲