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Young PAP and its beginnings

26 Sep 2019 2 min read

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(Top Image: Mr George Yeo with other Young PAP members. Mr Yeo was Chairman of PAP Youth Wing from 1991 to 2000.)

First formed on 27 September 1986, the Young PAP was initially known as the PAP Youth Wing.

The idea of a youth chapter was mooted by Mr Goh Chok Tong in early 1986, then First Deputy Prime Minister. He had asked Party members how to convince more Singaporeans to join the PAP as older leaders retired from politics. Giving his opinion, Mr Goh said the PAP should never use material rewards to attract new members. He added that a platform should be given to young Singaporeans to share their views on national policies and play an active role in shaping the destiny of Singapore.

Mr Goh then asked Brigadier General Mr Lee Hsien Loong to chair the new youth chapter and draft its objectives. Speaking as the first chairman of PAP Youth Wing, Mr Lee recognised that the Party must appeal to young Singaporeans so that it can better represent their aspirations.

Over the years, the Young PAP continues to actively engage young members. 

This led to the first-ever PAP Youth Wing National Convention which was held at the Singapore Conference Hall on 19 and 20 September 1987. It was a significant milestone and saw some 1,000 members take part in five workshops to discuss topics of national importance.

In 1993, the PAP Youth Wing underwent a major reform and was renamed as Young PAP. Over the years, Young PAP continued to strengthen its activities through regular dialogues and outreach initiatives. To further strengthen the symbiotic relationship with National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), the Young PAP also regularly invites Young NTUC members to participate in its dialogue sessions regularly.

Through the years, members of the Young PAP continue to keep their ears close to the ground and engage in policy discussion to understand the sentiments of young Singaporeans, so that the PAP remains the mainstream party of Singapore in the years ahead.