A WORD FROM THE MP
May 2009

To Have Faith and Do Not Despair

Dear Friends,

2009 is expected to be another difficult year due to the global financial crisis and its impact on Singapore. However, I encourage you to have faith and do not despair.

If you have a job, be sure to adopt a spirit of excellence and do it well; whether you are a blue-collar worker or a manager. That way, you have a better chance in riding out this difficult period with lesser risk of losing your job.

If you have lost your job, do not give up. Approach agencies such as the CDC, e2i or the Workforce Development Agency to seek out job opportunities or sign up for one of the 800 training courses under the government’s SPUR initiative. Please do not be overly fussy in this economic climate.

In his 2009 May Day Rally, our Prime Minister called for more successful Singaporeans to help those who are in need of help. Indeed, when we heed that call, we are strengthening the character of our society.

Recently, when I highlighted the plight of a deaf resident who had lost her job, I am pleased that many came to her help. 3 potential employers offered to interview her. Her son was given a cash grant donated by 2 grassroots leaders; in addition to free food and grocery vouchers for the family. I am grateful that there are people amongst us who are unselfish and took tangible steps to bless others in need.

No matter what challenges we face, there is always something we can do to improve the situation; there is always something in our lives that we can be grateful for - our friends, our families, a roof over our head and a safe country to live in.

How we respond to our own personal challenges and others in need determine our character and maturity. Stay cheerful and persevere!

Denise Phua Lay Peng
Advisor to Jalan Besar GRC (Kampong Glam) Grassroots Organisations
Member of Parliament, Singapore