‘Pak, buay si’ (Beat also, won’t die)

Does Singapore have what it takes? Going by what was said by five activists who spoke at the Nov 1 Party Convention, it does.

Example after example was cited. Comrade Janil Puthucheary highlighted the “extraordinary” Lims, a couple who own a shop specialising in folding bikes, as an example of the Singapore Spirit.

Theirs was a massive task when they started their business, as this was a new technology. They had to convince people it was a safe mode of transport in order to get customers, and then persuade the authorities to allow these bikes on trains and buses.

Their story, he said, reflects “an approach and an attitude that is not so unusual in Singapore” – “that as a nation, as a society, as a people, we have what it takes and will not hesitate to turn a challenge into an opportunity”.

Comrade Ang Hin Kee, from the NTUC, brought up everyday heroes. One of them was administrator Yvonne Yeo, who was retrenched three times. The third occasion was a month after she gave birth prematurely. To compound matters, her father, who was caring for her two older children, had a stroke.

But she rebuilt her confidence, went for interviews and today works for more pay at an integrated resort.

Then there is the UWEEI, which worked on getting retrenched members a good package and aid, and training for those still with a job, thereby “strengthening trust with workers…and its partnership with management”.

His last example was “Kopitiam’s HR director Gina”, who “worked tirelessly to hire the jobless, re-skilled her supervisors to be mentors, and worked with her tenants to up-skill their F&B staff”. She even organises line-dancing to boost morale.

Comrade Jack Soh highlighted how PAP branch members at Nee Soon have been working to realise the goals set for them by Comrade Lee Bee Wah, when she was elected in 2006. These included improving the branch’s ranking and providing more help to needy residents.

The branch, which used to be in the top 60 at the time, received its third consecutive top 10 award this year. Its efforts to do more for the needy have resulted in three free clinics, and four bread distribution and five hot meal programmes.

Said Comrade Soh: “Our grassroots activists are inspired and motivated, working together like one big family where we do not see challenges as insurmountable, but as opportunities to do even better.”

Advice on what’s needed to turn lemons into lemonade was also given.

Noted Comrade Puthucheary: “The idea, the drive, the passion, is vital to taking a risk that launches us onto the journey of turning a challenge into an opportunity.

“But that’s never enough. There must be follow-through with meticulous attention to detail. There must be an acceptance of set-backs as learning opportunities, there must be perseverance and follow through.”

Indeed. Comrade Azlinda Anwar pointed out that in her area, scientific research, where the environment is ever changing, long hours, frustration and failure are constant companions. “But failure is mainly feedback for success.”

She also highlighted that staying relevant and updated – in terms of knowledge and skills -- are pre-requisites for success and pertinent for the average Singaporean faced with ever-increasing competition for his job.

However, the most important issue is to instil hope and empower people to face challenges head on. She touted education, as it would provide options, and a nurturing environment, to empower people

“Just knowing that we have choices in life generates hope,” she said, adding that honing minds and skills needs to take place in “an environment that encourages questioning, not fearing failure and brainstorming to overcome challenges”.

Comrade Lim Kexin noted the need for yet another element in her speech to help the sceptical “troubled over our uncertain future” and to win votes – trust. 

“Singaporeans need to believe that the party leadership will work alongside us. Trust that the Party understands our aspirations, worries and insecurities. Trust that the Party will truly be the best party to lead Singapore.”

To build this trust, “we have to be brutally honest when sharing feedback with leadership. We need to stay humble and walk the ground”, she rallied members.

“To have a chance to succeed, to have a chance to lead, we need to show Singaporeans that they should and can trust us with their future.”