SINGAPORE – Footballer Perry Ng's Community Contributions

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Cardiff City right-back Perry Ng has been quietly contributing to local causes during his time in Singapore. On March 20, the 28-year-old footballer took a break from his training sessions with the Lions to volunteer at the Thye Hua Kwan Active Ageing Centre located at Bukit Merah View.

Ng, who hails from England but is of Singaporean descent, is determined to give back to the community that connects him to his heritage. Coordinated by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), he participated in various activities such as leading morning exercises, distributing food to residents in need, and engaging in fun activities like bowling on video consoles with seniors—all without seeking any spotlight.

Interaction with Young Players

Just days later, Ng made an appearance at the Kallang Football Hub, interacting with young players from the Junior National Development Centre and the Singapore Youth League. His commitment to community service seems to stem from an ingrained desire to help those less fortunate, a value he also actively promotes while playing in England.

Ng's Ethos on Community Work

In a recent interview with The Straits Times, Ng remarked, “Community work is important in English football too; it's optional, but I always volunteer for it. Those who are fortunate should aim to uplift the less fortunate.” This ethos extends beyond just charity—he sees his potential Singapore citizenship as a profound way to honor his grandfather, who was born in Singapore.

Steps Towards Citizenship

The day after his volunteer work, Ng received his blue permanent residency card from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, bringing him one step closer to his aspiration of obtaining Singapore citizenship. While the process can take up to a year, his commitment is clear.

The Singaporean football scene recently welcomed Japan-born Kyoga Nakamura, who gained citizenship after about five months as a PR, highlighting an increasing trend of multicultural representation in the national team.

Paying Respects to His Grandfather

In a touching moment, Ng visited a Taoist columbarium in Bedok to pay respects to his late grandfather James, indicating how deeply connected he feels to his family's legacy. Ng expressed, “Since he passed away, my desire to play for Singapore has only grown. Now that I've completed this first step, my family is thrilled, and I can't wait for them to see me play live.”

Family Support and Optimism

His father, also named Perry and a native of Liverpool, shared his excitement, saying, "Buster has achieved his PR status, inching closer to becoming a Lion. He cherishes his roots and is eager to contribute positively, both on the field and within the community."

Despite Singapore's recent struggle in a match against Nepal, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat, Ng remains optimistic. He noted the potential in the squad, having trained alongside them in the past months, and is eager to lend his experience to the team. “I believe I can bring a calming influence and help control play when things get chaotic,” he said.

Regulatory Insights

FIFA's regulations state that players must have a "genuine link" to their desired national teams, which typically includes criteria such as birthplace, residency, or ancestry. However, Singapore's citizenship rules stipulate more stringent requirements. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth confirmed that Ng met the standards for granting PR under the Foreign Sports Talent (FST) scheme.

"The FST scheme aims to enhance our sporting landscape while nurturing local talent, and Perry Ng has demonstrated significant sporting potential that can benefit Team Singapore," they added.

A Role Model for Future Generations

With dreams of wearing the Singapore jersey while contributing to society, Perry Ng is set to become a role model not only through his athletic prowess but also through his commitment to community engagement. This football star’s journey is one to watch as he aims to blend his ambition with a genuine desire to give back.