A WORD FROM THE MP
December 2008

Wishing You Significance in 2009 and Beyond!

Dear Friends,

2008 was an eventful year both for Singapore and Kampong Glam constituency.

In early 2008, rising cost of living was a major worry for people in many countries. As oil prices and aggregate demand fell steeply amidst a global financial crisis, worries over job losses now become the talk of town. The devastating terrorist attack in Mumbai which claimed many victims including a Singaporean reminds us again of the importance of unity and harmony amongst different groups.

It is a time to take stock so that we can chart the way forward for a better life for all.

Thanks to the joint efforts of grassroots leaders, government agencies and businesses in Kampong Glam, we were able to achieve the following for our people in 2008:

• Almost $200,000/- were given out to more than 300 needy household to help them cope with the cost of living
• 70 students in Kampong Glam received the Kampong Glam and Ted De Ponti scholarships and bursaries
• 19 estate improvement projects amounting to $7 million were completed for our residents
• 5 Lift and Hawker Centre projects were launched to upgrade our estate
• More than 300 grassroots volunteers actively serve in Kampong Glam
• 70,000 participants joined in more than 400 events organized for them by grassroots organisations

2009 will be a challenging year ahead but we can overcome it.

Each of us must make a choice to make a positive difference in whatever we do. If you are an employee, I ask you to help your organization do well by performing your own job well.  If you have lost your job, do take up the various training grants and other initiatives launched by the Government. If you can volunteer some time and resources, please come and see me or your grassroots leaders so we can work together to make life better for the community.

My wish for Singapore for 2009 is that we will stay united and be willing to look out for and help out one another. Some of us genuinely need help. Those of us who are more successful should step out and serve. Significance in life comes from service and is more valuable than just worldly success.

I wish you significance in 2009 and beyond!

Best regards,

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