A solemn ceremony was held on the evening of 24 August to mark the start of the Government's new term, with 93 Members of Parliament (MPs) sworn into Singapore’s 14th Parliament. We are proud to have among them four SMU alumni. They are: Mr Louis Chua, Ms Nadia Samdin, Mr Pritam Singh and Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim.
In a speech after the newly elected MPs and two Non-constituency MPs had taken their oaths of allegiance, President Halimah set out key priorities for the Government – securing jobs, boosting social safety nets, strengthening the Singaporean identity and evolving its politics.
President Halimah said, “New generations of Singaporeans are coming of age. We have new aspirations and expectations, including a desire for more diverse voices to be heard, and stronger checks and balances… At the same time, new leaders are emerging to take Singapore the next steps forward.”
“As pointed out by President Halimah, our country is at an inflection point of its history. SMU is very proud to have four of our alumni serving in the 14th Parliament of Singapore. We look forward to their contributions in shaping the future of Singapore and making meaningful impact in our nation’s growth and success. We extend to them our heartiest congratulations and thank them for their service,” said SMU President, Professor Lily Kong.
SMU also congratulates Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui, who will be serving as MP of the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC. As a member of the SMU Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) Enterprise Board since 1 June 2018, Mr Chia is one of the industry veterans at the helm of IIE with a keen passion in discovering and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among talented students in SMU and beyond.
Let’s take a closer look at our four alumni in Parliament…
33-year-old Mr Louis Chua, who will serve as MP of Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC), graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double degree in Accountancy and Business Management (Class of 2012). He is also a qualified chartered accountant and has worked as a research analyst at international banks. As Vice President at a global bank, his research focus is on the Singapore equity markets, particularly on the real estate and transportation sectors.
He hopes “that every Singaporean is empowered to achieve his or her maximum potential regardless of background, with a strong social safety net for the less privileged… and that we have a culture of open-mindedness, where the government of the day and civil service recognise the value of alternative viewpoints to achieve the best outcomes for Singapore.”
30-year-old Ms Nadia Samdin graduated from SMU with a Bachelor of Laws (Class of 2013). She was a TV producer after graduation and currently works as an Associate Director at TSMP Law Corporation. She will serve as MP of Ang Mo Kio GRC.
"I care about Singapore’s future, and our place in the world. I am keenly aware of the responsibility of my generation to ensure a sustainable and prosperous Singapore where Singaporeans of all ages can thrive. Singapore must always be a country where opportunities can be accessed by all. To me, it is about speaking up for those who may not have the opportunity to do so and being part of the future I hope to see,” she said of her hopes for Singapore.
Mr Pritam Singh, 43, who has been named Leader of the Opposition, will serve as MP for the Aljunied GRC. He graduated Cum Laude with a Juris Doctor (Class of 2012). Since being elected to Parliament in 2011, he has spoken on a wide range of issues including foreign affairs, defence and manpower.
On his hopes for the country, he commented that “All Singaporeans, no matter their political persuasion or preference, should be represented in Singapore’s highest law-making body”; he also hopes that “Singaporeans take a deep interest in the country, their communities and neighbours, and speak to one another with kindness and empathy, even those who may disagree with them.”
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, 39, will be serving as MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC. He graduated from SMU with a Master of Laws in Islamic Law and Finance (Class of 2013) and is presently a Partner at Dentons Rodyk and Davidson LLP.
"In Singapore, our biggest resource is our people. We cannot let differing viewpoints and ideas divide us. To me, no matter what (one’s) political ideology or inclination is, I am committed to (serving) in the best interest of our nation, because to me, every one of us matters."
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