Labour chief Ng Chee Meng said he plans to use his years of experience in the labour movement to help residents in Jalan Kayu if he is elected at the upcoming General Election (GE2025).
Ng, 56, is facing off against Workers’ Party (WP) candidate Andre Low, 33, in the Jalan Kayu Single Member Constituency (SMC).
Speaking to The Straits Times at a coffee shop in the area, Ng shared that his work as Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) taught him how to create practical policies that workers can understand and benefit from.
He said he has fresh ideas and wants to find innovative ways to reach out to younger workers, especially those under 35 and the group of professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs).
“Maybe with that dose of age, of having seen different things, I am able to translate fresh ideas into real possibilities,” he said.
Ng also mentioned his past work helping private-hire drivers get Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions.
When asked about what he could offer Jalan Kayu residents, Ng said:
“On the NTUC side, I have experience running a big organisation, understanding the macro picture and translating what matters to the residents. I think that will be a key value-add.
If you really want to go for jobs upskilling, what will be the most relevant to a resident? What are the things that are practical to your profession… I can definitely bring that to Jalan Kayu.”
Key issues: Jobs, housing, cost of living, elderly needs in Jalan Kayu
Ng said young residents are concerned about job security and the long waiting times for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats.
At the same time, he said people of all ages worry about the rising cost of living.
For the elderly, municipal issues like the need for more lifts and sheltered walkways are also key concerns, he noted.
Ng stressed the importance of making policies that balance both the “head” (thinking) and the “heart” (empathy).
“If I’m all head in making policies and don’t know what’s happening on the ground, then we are not really fulfilling the mandate the people have given to us. If I’m all heart on the ground, I could be destroying the system… with unsustainable policies,” he said.
On foreign workers, Ng pointed out the need for a careful balance:
“If we reject foreigners, our economy will collapse, but it’s about how we can trust, build on foundations… and always make sure that when there is success, there is always an element for the workers to share.”
On the NTUC Income-Allianz deal
Ng was also asked about the controversy surrounding NTUC Income’s attempted sale to Allianz.
The deal was stopped by the Government in October 2024 after concerns were raised about Income’s ability to continue its social mission.
Ng said he had already addressed the issue during a Jalan Kayu rally on April 27. He told residents during his speech:
“In NTUC, we will do our best, and sometimes, I’m sorry that it is not good enough, but… we will do better.”
He added that he initiated a review within NTUC Enterprise — the parent entity of Income — to learn the right lessons.
Lessons from past elections
Reflecting on his loss in Sengkang GRC during GE2020, Ng said:
“The most important one is the humility that one learns over 10 years in political service. You do your best, and really listen more and more.”
He also responded to WP chief Pritam Singh’s comments about the labour movement being a “guaranteed trampoline” for losing People’s Action Party (PAP) candidates. Ng said:
“I very much prefer fair, respectful contests. At the end of it, after the election period, we must come back together regardless, so that we can position Singapore to face challenges.”
As for whether he will continue to serve in NTUC if he wins, Ng said:
“I’d be happy to, if Prime Minister Lawrence Wong deploys me in the labour movement, but I can’t tell exactly… But whatever I do, I will make sure I get the blessings from those in the unions.”
He stressed that no matter what role he plays, he will keep pushing for workers’ interests.
“Our basic philosophy is, a good job is the best way to ensure that you can cope with any costs, because if you have real wage growth, it means you are beating inflation.”
A simple message to Jalan Kayu residents
At the end, Ng said he hopes residents will judge him not just by his professional achievements but by the kind of person he is.
“I hope through the interactions, they will see me, not so much from my professional life, but see me as a person, as part of their community.”
