Keen to improve quality of life for families

The four Workers' Party candidates unveiled yesterday were businessman Adrian Sim, corporate lawyer He Ting Ru, polytechnic lecturer L. Somasundaram and real estate agent Ron Tan. The spotlight fell on Ms He, who fielded four of the seven questions posed to the candidates. PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

He Ting Ru, 32

Occupation: Lawyer

Family: Single

Education: Natural Sciences degree from the University of Cambridge before going on to read law in London

Hobbies: I cycle, read, practise kendo and enjoy playing musical instruments.

Why politics?

I believe it is the most direct way of shaping our country's future. I would like to see better balance in our political system and more inclusiveness and respect for different viewpoints in our public sphere.

I started volunteering with WP in May 2011, after coming back to Singapore. I decided to join the party in 2013. I saw for myself the dedication and sincerity of my colleagues and how we need to work together towards improving the lives of fellow Singaporeans.

Why you?

I believe that I bring a wealth of experience from working internationally and also working on the ground here in Singapore in the last four years. I've done Meet-the-People Sessions almost weekly. If called upon, I will serve my fellow Singaporeans with dedication and communicate their concerns to ensure that we lay down the right foundation for a more robust and sustainable future for our country.

What issues will you focus on?

Young Singaporeans face many pressures these days as we set out in life.

We need to make structural reforms to improve quality of life for the Singapore family, and to level access to opportunities for all. There is also scope for improvement in our care infrastructure and its affordability.

Favourite spot in Singapore?

My home. It is where my heart is. There's nothing I enjoy more than sitting down with my family to a home-cooked meal prepared with love.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 29, 2015, with the headline Keen to improve quality of life for families. Subscribe