SINGAPORE – Picture a young man, his heart racing, hiding in a shed as rockets rain down overhead. This was Mr. Goh Pei Ming's reality during his seven-month deployment in Kandahar, Afghanistan, with the Singapore Armed Forces in late 2010. In those life-altering moments, he found himself reflecting deeply on the significance of his life and the service he wished to render.

As a new face within the People’s Action Party (PAP), Goh views his military tenure as not just a test of his capabilities but also a profound lesson in the value of family and community. Just days after returning from his honeymoon with his wife—whom he reconnects with after years—he was thrust into the chaos of war. Goh recalls, “Rocket attacks were a daily reality. The risks were real, and so were the casualties.”

At 43, Goh is set to join the PAP’s fresh lineup for the upcoming election, driven by the belief that Singapore must never take its defense and security for granted. He reflects on a time when Afghanistan was a thriving society and warns, "We must get our governance right—just look at Afghanistan’s decline to see what can happen."

Goh's journey into politics stems from his long-standing commitment to public service, cultivated through both his military career and 17 years of grassroots volunteering in Kampong Chai Chee. His passion for serving started at the age of 24 when former MP Lee Yi Shyan encouraged him to engage with his community during a visit to his childhood home.

Education was a paramount value taught by his mother, a housewife who instilled in him from a young age the importance of giving back after getting an education. Goh also drew lessons from his late grandfather, a Teochew clan leader, and his experiences in scouting during his school years.

His quest for knowledge led him to the SAF Scholarship and eventually to Cornell University, where he studied civil engineering. Even after fulfilling his bond, he chose to serve beyond the confines of his military career.

During his time in the army, Goh made a difference not just in combat training but in the lives of young men. He recalls providing extra tuition to those from disadvantaged backgrounds and checking in on struggling soldiers, acting as a big brother and mentor.

Although stepping away from a commendable military career brought a sense of loss, Goh sees politics as a platform to extend his influence further. He acknowledges the sacrifices this choice entails, especially in spending time away from his family—his three children and supportive wife—but remains optimistic about his potential impact.

While the specifics of his political candidacy are still unfolding, Goh expresses a deep desire to return to the East Coast region, where he has built strong connections. He has been active in establishing crucial community services like a crisis operations center in Kampong Chai Chee.

Goh's philosophy emphasizes collaboration across all aspects of his life—professional, communal, and personal. He aims to address crucial social issues related to seniors, caregivers, and young families, drawing from his own experiences as a father.

On a broader scale, Goh intends to contribute to discussions on defense, security, and geopolitics while maintaining a strong foundation in social issues.

Choosing the PAP was a no-brainer for Goh, who states, "There's only one party I trust to lead Singapore forward, based on their proven track record over the past 60 years and their commitment to transparency and capability." In embarking on this new chapter, Goh Pei Ming is ready to blend his community experiences with his dedication to public service, setting out to make a significant difference in the heart of Singapore.