Actor Zheng Geping receives Public Service Medal from President Tharman
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Zheng Geping and Hong Huifang (middle) with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (third from left) and his wife Jane Ittogi (fourth from left) as well as Sembawang GRC MP Mariam Jaafar (second from left).
PHOTO: ZHENGGEPING/INSTAGRAM
SINGAPORE – Local actor-producer Zheng Geping received the Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat) from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Nov 16 after serving the Woodlands community for 15 years.
Zheng, 61, posted on social media on Nov 17 photos and videos of himself and his wife, local actress Hong Huifang, attending the National Awards Investiture ceremony.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the Public Service Medal – Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM) from our President, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam,” he wrote.
Zheng also expressed his gratitude to Sembawang GRC MP Mariam Jaafar for the nomination.
“Thank you for your leadership, guidance and trust,” he wrote. “It is a privilege to serve alongside you and our wonderful Woodlands CCC (Citizens’ Consultative Committee) family. I truly appreciate every one of you for your encouragement and partnership.”
Zheng and Hong, 64, have two children: actress Tay Ying, 29, and singer-actor Calvert Tay, 25. Tay Ying tied the knot with celebrity chef Wu Sihan, 33, in June.
“A heartfelt thank you to my family for your constant support, understanding, and for often stepping forward to volunteer as well,” Zheng continued on social media. “Your love and encouragement make this journey meaningful.”
Zheng, who received the award for 15 years of dedicated community service, told Chinese-language evening daily Shin Min Daily News in August that he joined the Woodlands community volunteer group at the urging of a friend.
“I joined out of curiosity, wanting to know what the volunteer group does, since I don’t live in Woodlands,” he said then.
The actor added that he has contributed to “various activities”, such as distributing supplies to underprivileged families, performing at festive events, raising funds and assisting at Meet-the-People Sessions.
Speaking to Shin Min on Nov 17, he said: “I served the community back then simply with a heart to do my best and give back to society. I never thought about any reward.
“Receiving the Public Service Medal is something I’m very grateful for, and it feels like a form of recognition. Receiving the medal from the President felt like an honour.”
Zheng believes that artistes can leverage their influence to set an example and inspire the public to contribute to society and the nation.
He told Shin Min: “I’ve never felt any pressure while volunteering. We should give back to society as we are public figures supported by the public.”
