'Keep retirees involved in society'

In the Tampines GRC lineup, (from left) Mr Baey Yam Keng, Ms Cheng Li Hui, Mr Masagos Zulkifli and Mr Heng Swee Keat. PAP named Ms Cheng and Mr Desmond Choo (not in picture) yesterday as the new candidates for this GRC.
In the Tampines GRC lineup, (from left) Mr Baey Yam Keng, Ms Cheng Li Hui, Mr Masagos Zulkifli and Mr Heng Swee Keat. PAP named Ms Cheng and Mr Desmond Choo (not in picture) yesterday as the new candidates for this GRC. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Cheng Li Hui, 39

Occupation: Deputy chief executive of Hai Leck Holdings, a public-listed engineering company founded by her father who now is its chairmanFamily: Single. She is the third of five siblings. Education: Masters of Applied Finance from Macquarie University and Bachelor of Arts in economics and statistics from the National University of Singapore

Hobbies: Brisk walking and exercising in the gym

Why politics?

From being a girl scout to assisting at Meet-the-People sessions since 2003, helping people has been such an integral part of my life. In a way, politics is the next phase. Whether it's volunteering or working in the office, I interact with a lot of people. I'd like to think I'm not too bad at interaction and that's really important.

Why you?

I'm hard-working and have a lot of passion and heart for the people. I also have management skills.

What issues will you focus on?

Active ageing. For some, it can be quite a drastic switch from being busy working to being suddenly retired. When we're done with working life in our 60s, we're likely to be looking at another 20-plus years in society. Through my interactions (with residents), I feel our seniors would like to continue to be active participants in society. If we can enable society to provide opportunites for our retirees, to contribute as they can, this would give them a more meaningful life and benefit everyone. This is something I hope to promote and drive.

Where is your favourite spot in Singapore?

Just last week I was sitting on a bench by the Singapore River after a meeting and I was looking at Fullerton Building. That has always been my favourite building. I like the architecture, especially at night when the lights are switched on.

Charissa 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 'Keep retirees involved in society'. Subscribe