The PAP Policy Forum (PPF) was set up in 2004 to give members of the PAP a platform to engage government leaders on policy issues.

Ms Ellen Lee was the first chairperson of PPF and there were 188 members. To ensure wide representation, all PAP branches were asked to nominate two members from their branch to join the PPF. At the very first PPF dialogue session held in April 2004, members shared their views on two topics: Engaging the Leadership and The Singaporean Dream.

Over the years, PPF has evolved as an organiser of dialogue sessions to one that undertakes feedback collation from the ground and online platforms. However, its goal still remains the same – speaking up and sharing feedback on national issues that matter to Singaporeans.

Most recently, PPF appeared before the Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehood in March 2018 to share their written submission, which reiterated that the spread of deliberate falsehoods can seriously affect democracies, undermine national institutions, and change societal values for the worse.

At the PPF 15th Anniversary Dinner, PAP 1st Assistant Secretary-General Heng Swee Keat said that PAP’s approach to leadership must continue to be anchored on trust, unity and constructive politics.

Using the acronym ACT: A – Action, C – Communicate, T – Team Up, Mr Heng issued a call to PAP activists to go beyond giving feedback and suggestions and turning them into action. “By taking action to give back to society, better communicating our policies, and encouraging Singaporeans to work as a team to build our nation, you will help to build trust,” he added.

The PPF, as ambassadors of government policies, will not only remain a dynamic platform that strengthens the openness and trust between the Party and Singaporeans but will also undertake to mobilise society to help build our future Singapore.