**SINGAPORE** – At a recent town-hall meeting held on March 29, the trio of incumbent Workers’ Party MPs representing Sengkang GRC—He Ting Ru, Jamus Lim, and Louis Chua—assured residents that they are committed to being the voice for the community's concerns as long as they remain elected representatives.

In front of over 50 attendees gathered at a multipurpose hall near Buangkok MRT station, the MPs highlighted their ongoing efforts to represent Sengkang residents in Parliament. They have consistently raised pressing community issues, notably the persistent jet noise from Paya Lebar Air Base and the ongoing scarcity of coffee shops in the area.

“These are serious matters that greatly affect our quality of life,” stated Associate Professor Lim. “Rest assured, we will continue to advocate for these issues and ensure they do not fall on deaf ears.”

Outside Parliament, Mr. Chua, who serves as vice-chairman of the Sengkang Town Council, mentioned that the MPs are actively collaborating with various authorities to enhance local infrastructure and amenities, aiming to alleviate the concerns voiced by residents.

The town hall meeting is part of a series known as "Sengkang Conversations," established by the MPs since 2022, aimed at fostering dialogue on both municipal and national topics. Some attendees raised broader economic issues, including proposals for tax exemptions on essential goods and increased oversight on government spending.

Interestingly, despite the community gathering's focus on pressing concerns, many attendees expressed curiosity about the Workers' Party's strategy for the upcoming 2025 General Election. Ms. He clarified that while political discussions are critical, the meeting was not designated for campaign announcements. “Stay tuned for upcoming updates as we prepare for the polls,” she advised the residents.

During the recent parliamentary discussions regarding the government’s substantial $143.1 billion spending plan, Mr. Chua shared insights into how they advocated for the rejuvenation of Sengkang. He reiterated the need for more community-oriented amenities and revealed plans for a meeting with the Urban Redevelopment Authority in April to discuss potential initiatives. This includes ideas for transforming the site of the now-closed Compassvale Bus Interchange into a hub for essential services, such as hawker centres and retail spaces.

Among the residents attending the meeting for the first time was 23-year-old Tai Binquan, who expressed his concerns about the rising cost of living and the sustainability of future wages. As a first-time voter, Tai is eager to see more support for young adults facing economic challenges.

The Workers' Party's team in Sengkang GRC is currently operating without one member, following the resignation of Ms. Raeesah Khan in 2021 after she admitted to misleading Parliament. Although there has been speculation regarding who might step in for Khan during the upcoming election, many eyes are on Mr. Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik. Known for his involvement in previous community events, he has formed a public connection with the current MPs and engaged with residents at the meeting.

With the upcoming election season rapidly approaching, residents of Sengkang GRC are keen to see tangible developments and the Workers' Party's commitment to addressing their concerns. Will they manage to transform Sengkang into the bustling neighborhood residents envision? Stay tuned for further updates in the lead-up to GE2025!