Surprise video from Heng Swee Keat at event

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Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education, took part in the opening of a new community and lifestyle hub in Tampines with a surprise video. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat may be avoiding crowds as he recovers from a stroke, but he still took part in the opening of a new community and lifestyle hub in Tampines with a surprise video.

Mr Heng, an MP for Tampines GRC, credited residents with giving ideas on what the hub should have. He also thanked the team that made the hub possible, including architects, fellow MPs in the GRC, and former Cabinet minister Mah Bow Tan, who introduced the idea for such a hub in 2011 as part of the constituency's five-year masterplan.

"This is a place where we grow up, a place where we build bonds with one another," said Mr Heng.

The minister, who was discharged six weeks after he suffered a stroke at a Cabinet meeting on May 12, appeared fresh and energetic, albeit on the thin side. He has returned to work, but has been advised to stay away from crowds as he regains his immunity.

He thanked former MP Sin Boon Ann and volunteers for helping him out with his grassroots work, as well as residents for their get-well wishes. "Your greetings meant a lot to me and my family, and I want to thank you for your encouragement and your many encouraging words. I look forward to seeing all of you soon," Mr Heng added.

Fellow GRC MP and Cabinet colleague Masagos Zulkifli later said he was not sure when Mr Heng could resume attending grassroots events, adding: "He still needs time to recuperate."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 28, 2016, with the headline Surprise video from Heng Swee Keat at event. Subscribe