The People’s Action Party (PAP) marked its 70th anniversary with a lively celebration on the opening day of its two-day biennial PAP Awards and Conference. During the celebrations, the PAP also honoured the contributions of Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong and activists to the party’s enduring legacy.
Reflecting on its 70-year track record of serving Singaporeans, the PAP reaffirmed its commitment to be the party for all Singaporeans, that puts the interests of Singaporeans first. Addressing the 3000-strong audience, PAP Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat emphasised, “It is remarkable that so many people I met expressed admiration for the ability of our government to solve critical problems, and to plan ahead. But with the more challenging external environment, we must continue to work hard, work smart, and rise to the challenges ahead. The starting point is to strengthen our internal cohesion, and bring all Singaporeans together to chart our future.
He added, “Let us rally support, win trust, and earn a strong mandate in the coming General Election. With a strong mandate, we can bring Singaporeans together, and take Singapore forward together. And let us remember that our core values remain as relevant now as when the Party was founded. Let us live up to our name as a Party of Action, by Singaporeans for Singaporeans.”
PAP Chairman Heng Swee Keat addressing the 3000-strong activists and guests at the opening day of the PAP Awards and Conference 2024
Honouring the contributions of our activists
448 activists were recognised for their dedication and service to Singapore. Besides their dedication in serving their residents in the constituencies across Singapore, activists were recognised for championing causes important to Singaporeans, including women’s development, care for our seniors, and sustainability.
The highest honour of the evening – the Meritorious Service Star Medal, was awarded to former political office holder Dr S Vasoo for his dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the Teck Ghee Branch, the Party and Singapore over the past 40 years.
PAP Chairman Heng Swee Keat presenting the Meritorious Service Star Medal to Dr S Vasoo
PAP Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong congratulating Dr S Vasoo, who received the highest honour of the evening, the Meritorious Service Star Medal
Tribute to outgoing Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong
The party paid tribute to Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong, who also served Teck Ghee Branch and the party for 40 years since 1984. He has led 10 successive Central Executive Committees (CECs) over a 20-year tenure.
In his tribute, PAP Chairman Heng Swee Keat lauded Secretary-General Lee’s dedication and leadership through major events such as the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, so that Singapore and Singaporeans were not left behind. He pointed out that Secretary-General Lee ‘s leadership ensured the PAP’s continued strength amid a growing opposition presence.
Chairman Heng also presented a gift to Secretary-General Lee on behalf of the party. The Party is grateful to Secretary-General Lee for his exemplary leadership, service and contributions to the party.
PAP Sec-Gen Lee Hsien Loong presented with a tribute gift from the party – a painting by local artist Lee Kow Fong, of Sec-Gen interacting with locals at a hawker centre.
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Award citation for Meritorious Service Star Medal recipient Dr S Vasoo
Comrade Dr S Vasoo’s political journey began in 1984 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bowen Constituency in Ang Mo Kio. He later represented Tiong Bahru Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in 1988, then Tanjong Pagar GRC in 1991 where he served until his retirement in 2001. Throughout his 18 years as an MP, Dr S Vasoo was known for his unwavering commitment for people, his dedication to strengthen the community, and his impactful contributions to the social service sector. Particularly, his efforts to uplift low-income families earned him the moniker “poor man’s MP”.
Dr S Vasoo was one of the first MPs to put forward the concept of the town council as he believed that residents should have a greater say in shaping the home they live in. He also held the position of Chairman of Town Councils in the respective GRCs he was elected in. Even after retiring from politics, he remains a vital part of the community where he continues to actively serve the Party and the residents of Ang Mo Kio as the Vice Chairman of the PAP Teck Ghee Branch. His enthusiasm and track record also galvanised social service agencies, community groups and residents to build up the Ang Mo Kio community together.
2024 marks Dr S Vasoo’s 40th year of service to the community since he was first elected as MP. In this time, he has pioneered numerous social service initiatives to help low-income families, persons with disabilities, persons with special needs, and isolated seniors. For his selfless dedication and exemplary service to Ang Mo Kio and the broader community, Comrade Dr S Vasoo has been awarded the Meritorious Service Star Medal.
