Yee hopes to be an advocate of volunteerism
Mr Yee Chia Hsing. Photo: Ernest Chua
SINGAPORE — Having been an active volunteer, the People’s Action Party’s new candidate for Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituency, Mr Yee Chia Hsing, wants to be an advocate of volunteerism, while adding that his experience in the financial sector will place him in good stead to help small and medium enterprises.
The 44-year-old newcomer, who lived with his parents in Jurong West until he got married in 2008, said being fielded as the replacement of two-term Member of Parliament Alvin Yeo in the Nanyang ward felt like a homecoming. His parents and sister still live in Jurong.
Mr Yee, who has two children, has been volunteering in the children’s ward of St Andrew’s Community Hospital and Ren Ci Hospital’s Audit Committee since 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Speaking to the media yesterday, he recounted how he had once interacted with a wheelchair-using patient, who was jovial and thankful to be alive despite being a double amputee. The encounter gave Mr Yee a different perspective as he realised that it was important to be more appreciative of what life has given him.
“I told myself then that I must volunteer more and I hope that I can encourage youths to volunteer more, not only at grassroots organisations but also at other voluntary welfare organisations,” he said.
Mr Yee, who is head of Catalist at CIMB Bank Singapore, where he is responsible for identifying and helping promising SMEs, also wants to use his expertise to help these firms during the economic slowdown.
“I think the big numbers — when we look at a decline from 2 to 4 per cent economic growth, to 2 to 3 per cent economic growth — they do not capture (the slowdown). But when I talk to the SMEs, they feel the economy slowing down,” he said. “Even when I take taxis, the drivers tell me their daily takings are taking a hit.”
On comments that he was parachuted from the Punggol East single seat into Nanyang only late last month, Mr Yee said he plans to win residents over with his commitment.
“Of course it will take a bit of time. But with sincerity, I hope I can build up rapport with residents.” ALBERT WAI
About the candidate:
Yee Chia Hsing, 44
Head of Catalist at CIMB Bank Singapore
FACT FILE:
• Volunteer at the children’s ward of St Andrew’s Community Hospital since 2008
• Volunteer member of Ren Ci Hospital’s Audit Committee since 2009
• Served as treasurer of the Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC) at Chong Pang Division and subsequently as a town councillor of the Nee Soon Town Council from 2011
• Served as vice-chairman of the Punggol East CCC and the constituency’s PAP branch chairman from late 2014 to late last month
• Studied at Raffles Institution and Raffles Junior College; read accountancy at Nanyang Technological University where he graduated with First Class honours
He said: “Volunteerism is very close to my heart. Personally, I have become a better and happier person after I started volunteering. I hope that more people can volunteer. It can be in a very small way — say just two hours a week. I am sure it will make a big difference to the person (you help).”
“I came into politics from the private sector and I bring different perspectives. I believe that diversity of opinion is important. I hope that I bring something different to the table and to the decision-making process.”
Ward: Nanyang
