Minister reassures residents that ongoing projects and commitments will continue

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong has reaffirmed his commitment to continuing his work in Joo Chiat, even after the ward becomes part of East Coast GRC.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on March 12, Mr Tong stated: “Joo Chiat remains largely unchanged, so my plans remain the same. Everything I promised to do, we will follow through. Residents should not expect any disruption.”

Mr Tong has represented Marine Parade GRC since 2015. The recent Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report, released on March 11, confirmed that Joo Chiat will be absorbed into East Coast GRC, along with part of Kembangan-Chai Chee ward.

While acknowledging his disappointment at leaving Marine Parade GRC, Mr Tong expressed relief that Joo Chiat remains intact as a constituency. “I have served Joo Chiat for a decade, and I do feel a sense of loss in leaving Marine Parade,” he admitted.

Over the past ten years, Mr Tong has collaborated with fellow MPs, grassroots leaders, and volunteers to launch various community initiatives. These include WeCare programmes to assist residents in need, a caregiver support network, and a free shuttle bus service connecting residents to key amenities like MRT stations, polyclinics, and hawker centres.

Reflecting on the transition, he remarked: “While I am sad to leave these programmes behind, we will explore ways to implement similar initiatives in East Coast GRC while ensuring they align with the needs of the community.”

Having first entered Parliament in 2011 as an MP for Jalan Besar, Mr Tong was later assigned to Marine Parade GRC in 2015. “As MPs, we serve where we are needed, and we must be prepared for changes,” he said.

Consultation has been central to his approach as an MP, with a strong emphasis on community-driven development. Over the years, he has championed efforts to enhance public spaces, improve connectivity, and strengthen engagement through dialogue sessions with residents.

One of his notable achievements includes the reconstruction of PCF Sparkletots Preschool in Joo Chiat, where he helped raise over $2 million with the support of sponsors and grassroots leaders. Other projects under his leadership include upgrading playgrounds with creative themes like pirate ships and treehouses, developing dog runs in Telok Kurau and Opera Estate, and expanding healthcare access with the opening of a paediatric urgent care centre at Parkway East Hospital and Eunos Polyclinic during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A major upcoming project is the integrated community hub in Siglap, scheduled for completion in 2029. Unlike conventional infrastructure projects, the hub’s planning started with resident consultations rather than construction blueprints. The facility will feature amenities such as a 300m running track, a rooftop gym, and a jamming studio.

Mr Tong declined to speculate on the reasoning behind Joo Chiat’s transfer to East Coast GRC, but he stressed that his commitment remains unchanged. “What matters is that we continue serving Joo Chiat residents as promised. I am grateful that the constituency remains intact, allowing us to deliver on our plans effectively.”

When asked whether East Coast GRC could accommodate another full minister, given that it already includes Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Minister Maliki Osman, Mr Tong stated that the decision rests with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

“As MPs, our duty is to serve our divisions effectively. While ministers and senior MPs oversee the broader GRC, our foremost priority is ensuring our wards receive the care and attention they deserve,” he concluded.