Give families adequate support: It has real impact on productivity

Sun Xueling, 36

Sun Xueling, 36

Occupation: Investment director at Temasek Holdings

Family: Married to an IT entrepreneur, 37. They have a daughter aged two.Education: Bachelor of Social Sciences (Upper Honours) in Economics from the National University of Singapore and a Master of Science from the London School of Economics.

Hobbies: Reading and swimming

Why politics?

Being involved in the community puts you in touch with local issues, which is important. But politics is a way to do more, because you have the arena and ability to debate issues, not just for the constituency, but also on the policy-making front.

Why you?

Grassroots work taught me compassion and how to see the world through my fellow man's eyes.

What issues will you focus on?

I want to ensure families have adequate childcare and eldercare, and help young mothers sustain fulfilling careers. I understand what many families go through.

It's not just about putting more infrastructure. Knowing that your child is taken care of gives working mothers confidence to pursue their career and passions. That has real impact on productivity.

Favourite spot in Singapore?

Changi Airport. It represents adventure. When I return, it reminds me of home.

Rachel Au-Yong

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on August 23, 2015, with the headline Give families adequate support: It has real impact on productivity. Subscribe