SINGAPORE – Queenstown residents will continue to be served even as the constituency is carved out from Tanjong Pagar GRC into a single seat.
Speaking on March 15 on the sidelines of a community event in Mei Ling Street, MP for the constituency Mr Eric Chua said: “For the remaining runway, we’re still here.
“Don’t worry, there is continuity moving from GRC to SMC. Whoever is going to be here as part of the PAP team will be serving the residents.”
With the reshaping of boundaries after the release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report on March 11, Queenstown will be an SMC for the next General Election, which must take place by Nov 23 2025.
Mr Chua, who is Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development, said: “Who will eventually take part in elections in Queenstown is anybody’s guess for now.
“I will be happy and honoured to continue the work that we’ve been doing the past five years.,” he said, adding this includes his focus on mental health, low-income families and seniors.
“These are needs within the community, and I think these are what I will continue, probably focusing on and also expanding more upon,” he added.
He said there has been a lot of speculation on who will be fielded since the EBRC report was released.
“There’s a lot of excitement, I can understand why. But to me, it’s about keeping the focus on serving the residents.
“Actually for me, it’s business as usual,” he said, adding that he has been going around his activities in his constituency and speaking with residents, many of whom he had worked with previously.
“It’s all about a marathon, and it’s all about constant and consistent work. I have been doing my homework all this while, so I’m not worried,” he said when asked if he was ready to contest the ward again.
Mr Chua was speaking after he officiated the opening of the Happy Village @ Mei Ling, a shared community space located at Block 160 Mei Ling Street.
It is part of the Health District @ Queenstown initiative, which sees Singapore’s first and oldest satellite town carved out as a health district in a pilot programme to support residents to lead healthier and more productive lives.
At the event, Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for National Development & Digital Development and Information, shared findings of a study which showed that health challenges and age-related health issues can begin earlier than many may expect.
NUS researchers found that limited mobility and sensory impairment may begin earlier, before the 50th birthday.
The researchers said that while most respondents above 65 years old are mentally healthy, they should be more active socially and physically.
They noted that about two-thirds of respondents above 65 years old do not actively participate in pursuits such as exercising, volunteering and learning.
In their report, the researchers said that overall health is influenced by various physical, mental and social well-being factors such as social connections, environment, productivity and engagement.
The study also explored the financial health of respondents. They found that full-time employment starts to decline from 50 years old, which may indicate risks for future financial security.
The report suggested that community initiatives could explore financial literacy programmes and enhance employment support for mature workers.
Researchers had engaged over 5,000 Queenstown residents aged 21 to 102 years old from September 2023 to May 2024 for the study.
Happy Village @ Mei Ling is led by the National University Health System (NUHS), in collaboration with community partners including the Ministry of Social and Family Development, Agency for Integrated Care, the Health Promotion Board, People’s Association, SportSG and Lions Befrienders.
The Happy Village @ Mei Ling, a shared community space located at Block 160 Mei Ling Street, is part of the Health District @ Queenstown initiative.ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
The new space adopts a care model which brings together health and social care partners, as well as volunteers.
Mr Tan said those working and volunteering at the community space will work closely with residents to develop personalised care plans that address physical, mental and social well-being.
He added that NUHS will be expanding the Happy Village @ Mei Ling concept to support more residents across the western region.
Mr Jalaludin Peer Mohamed is an active member of the Happy Village @ Mei Ling walking group.
The 68-year-old Queenstown resident leads about 15 participants on weekly walks to explore their neighbourhood, where he shares information about Queenstown’s heritage.
Mr Siew Kum Chuen (left) and Mr Jalaludin Peer Mohamed are members of the Happy Village @ Mei Ling walking group.ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Mr Siew Kum Chuen, 78, joined the walking group some months back and has noticed improvements in his health.
He said he is able to walk for longer durations and has better balance now.
“Here at the Happy Village, we get regular checkups, hospital referrals and advice on how to exercise. I also made many friends here.”
They include Mr Jalaludin, who said the elderly members at the community space regularly check in with each other on WhatsApp.
“We share photos, tell others if we are not feeling well, or when we go overseas,” he said. “We look out for each other.”
- Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage.
Join ST’s WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.