Lee Hong Chuang, 45

Occupation: Senior IT manager at IBM

Family: Married to a 40-year-old housewife. They have a daughter, 12, and a son, 10.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Sciences from the National University of Singapore

Hobbies: Community service, sports

Why politics?

When I became a grassroots leader back in 1989, I did not really think about politics then.

I just organised a lot of events and realised that a lot of youth benefited from them.

I thought if I could influence some policies, I could influence some of these youth and speak on their behalf.

When I was asked to become a member of PAP in 2004, I thought for a while and said: Why not?

Why you?

At the end of the day, voters have to look at who can serve them, who is able to be there to make a difference for them.

So what I'm trying to do is to make my presence felt and, hopefully, they can see my sincerity and trust that I'm not just another PAP candidate.

I'm here as a friend.

What issues will you focus on?

A lot of fundamental basic infrastructure that you can see in many estates may not be in Hougang.

One example is a sheltered linkway. Residents have been requesting for this. I want to work hard and improve the environment to give them a better home.

Favourite spot in Singapore?

Right now, it's Hougang.

I frequent the coffee shops very often. They have a lot of good food: $2 chap chye peng (mixed vegetables with rice), very good chicken wings, mutton soup and even Hainanese curry rice.

There are plenty of them. I just can't resist.

Charissa Yong