Fighting 'subtle' ageism

Friends have been posting words of encouragement on Dr William Wan's Facebook page since it came to light last week that he was a Nominated MP (NMP) hopeful.

But in the Wan household, the only person in the know was his wife, Ruth.

Said Dr Wan, the general secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement, 66: "Of course I must tell her. Can you imagine what would happen if I didn't?"

His three children, who are aged 34 to 41, and his three grandchildren, all teenagers studying abroad, are still in the dark.

Other NMP hopefuls include Drama Box artistic director Kok Heng Leun and former national sailor Ben Tan.

When did you tell your wife about your decision?

Just before my friend submitted the papers on my behalf last Wednesday.

Why run for the NMP post?

Coincidentally, three different groups of friends asked me to do so. I declined previously as I believed NMPs should represent a physical constituency, but I've since realised there can also be a constituency of ideas.

In the last three years, the environment has changed. Singaporeans are speaking up more. There's also some unhappiness on the ground.

The Government is trying its best to focus on the soft side of life. I think it's important to look at the quality of life.

The NMP post offers a platform to engage more directly with leaders, to debate and persuade in the parliamentary context. Through the non-partisan post, I hope we can foster a kinder and more gracious society.

What causes will you speak up for?

The elderly in our society, especially the poor and abandoned, appear to be invisible. I hope we can be more compassionate in helping them.

For active agers, the biggest obstacle is changing potential bosses' mindset so the former can find legitimate work and support.

Ageism is very subtle in our society. There's a lot we can discuss and I hope we can see seniors as an asset rather than a burden.

Championing ex-offenders is another area close to my heart. People who have paid their dues for the crimes they committed and are willing to reform should be given a chance.

While the Government is doing quite a bit in this area, we have to make kindness a way of life.

Speaking up for preschool teachers

He is a former army trainer and preschool teacher. Now, early childhood trainer Philip Koh is also gunning for an NMP seat.

He is clear about his mission: Speak up and, fingers crossed, help improve the life of preschool teachers in Singapore.

The 50-year-old father of an undergraduate is the founder of the online group Preschool Teachers Network Singapore (PTNS).

Formed two years ago, it has more than 6,000 members. Of the names bandied as potential NMPs, Mr Koh said: "It's rather humbling when you look at some of their achievements. I'm just going to go for it and see what happens."

The hip dad, who enjoys dancing and going to the gym, has managed to keep his plans under wraps from his family - so far.

Business development manager Richard Toh, who has known Mr Koh for more than six years, said: "Philip will continue to be a moderate voice of reason and advocate for the (early childhood) sector.

"He's very passionate (about this) and always challenges students to think outside the box."

It is such passion that convinced preschool teacher Cassandra Chan to be his referee for the bid, despite not knowing him personally.

Madam Chan, 42, said: "I read the articles he wrote on PTNS and heard of him through other colleagues. We need someone who knows the ground and understands the issues to voice our concerns."

What made you decide to run for the post?

A group of us were talking about the NMP post. I mentioned it would be good if someone represented the sector and other preschool teachers suggested I do so.

What changes do you hope to bring about?

Build a sense of unity among the early childhood education community.

Teachers' pay, recognition and working conditions have been an issue for some time.

While there have been some announcements about pay review, it'll also be good to improve working conditions like class size and to look into achieving work-life balance.

Perhaps we can also have more government funding, to give teachers more scholarship opportunities.

I also hope that more men will enter the sector.

What are you busy with?

Organising the logistics for a PTNS event in July. We're eyeing a spot in the Singapore Book of Records for the most number of people running with painted faces.

Last year, we set a record for having the most number of people wearing bandanas while running.

The NMP Process

WHAT

Nominated MPs (NMP) are not elected MPs but they can participate in parliamentary debates and have limited voting rights.

The system was introduced in 1990 to bring alternative voices to the House.

Each term lasts two-and-a-half years.

WHEN

Applications closed yesterday.

All applicants, including current NMPs, who wish to continue for another term have to submit their names for consideration by the Special Select Committee of Parliament.

The Committee, chaired by the Speaker, will then nominate suitable candidates for the President to appoint.

WHO

There are currently nine NMPs. Their term ends in August.

Only two - Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan and businessman R. Dhinakaran - are seeking a second term.