Yio Chu Kang's rookie MP unfazed by task of running SMC

Being a political rookie running a new single-member constituency does not faze Mr Yip Hon Weng, the newly elected MP for Yio Chu Kang SMC.

"I think one advantage is that I have a bit more autonomy in terms of what I want to do here for the residents," said the People's Action Party (PAP) new face, who met residents at the Ang Mo Kio 628 Market yesterday morning.

"Ultimately it is to serve the residents here, to make sure this is a place that they are happy to live in and their needs and issues are addressed," he told The Straits Times.

Despite being untested in electoral battles, Mr Yip, the former group chief of the Silver Generation Office under the Agency for Integrated Care, was sent to contest in the new constituency that was carved out of Ang Mo Kio GRC.

But the move to field the 43-year-old there paid off, with Mr Yip garnering 61 per cent of the votes against the Progress Singapore Party's Ms Kayla Low, a fellow newcomer.

Mr Yip said he had gone into the contest expecting a tough fight, and the result is reflective of the hard work put in by his campaign team.

"It is not easy being a newcomer in an SMC. The campaign team has helped me quite a fair bit," he added. "We have put in our best efforts to cover the ground in Yio Chu Kang, and we've managed to cover all the blocks, condominiums and landed estates. I am happy with the results and credit goes to the team that has helped me tirelessly."

Mr Yip said he brings a wealth of experience from the public sector to his constituency. He started his civil service career as a physical education and mathematics teacher, and later served in the Education, Manpower and Defence ministries. He also helped to set up and run the Municipal Services Office - work that involved coordinating with various government agencies.

Yio Chu Kang, a traditional PAP stronghold, was previously helmed by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Koh Poh Koon, who has been elected as an MP for Tampines GRC at this year's general election.

Mr Yip will continue to engage residents over the next few weeks to find out their needs and concerns. "It is not about the plans that I want to implement but, rather, what are the things that residents need in Yio Chu Kang?" he added.

The father of five shared that ageing issues remain a priority. This includes infrastructure improvements to help elderly residents move around better, and assisting them and their caregivers in accessing resources and support.

An estimated 40 per cent of the SMC is made up of senior citizens from the Merdeka and Pioneer generations.

Mr Yip also commended his rival, Ms Low, for her determination and for putting up "a very good fight".

Ms Low, also 43, had pushed for issues like welfare and job security, noting that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many to lose their jobs.

The chartered accountant and former prisons officer was also at the market yesterday morning, and received from her supporters gifts such as flowers and an album with photos of her taken during the nine days of campaigning.

Ms Low, who appeared emotional when speaking to reporters, said she had tried her best.

"For me, as a newcomer in a new party, getting nearly 40 per cent of the votes is actually quite good," she added in Mandarin.

Ms Low, who volunteers with low-income families and the elderly, will continue to walk the ground for the next few years.

"There are residents here who believe in me and trust in me, so I need to step up," she explained, adding that it will not be easy. "But I will try my best."