They both indeed are humble. Png came from slightly better off family but still considered modest. The family funded his overseas trip after he left Poly. He attended Peck Seah Primary (the school with one of first lift) and Heng came from Bukit Merah North Primary School. For secondary they headed to RI. Heng kept to himself while Ong mixed freely. During NS, out of the cohort, Heng was the same again preferring to keep to himself unlike Png, though shy was a team player.
Heng is a reluctant politician while Png is not. His classmates were surprised that Heng agreed to stand because of his aloofness.
Png was first recognised as someone with potential by one of the respected political observer and researcher during GE2011. That came across clearly in Punggol BE after he secured Hougang.
The issue with Heng came to the fore over the organising of the National Conversation and I guess for many observers including his classmates this was his litmus test as he was given charge of it. As you know it blew up spectacularly when netizens began publishing photos of the sessions and using graphics arrows to point and name attendees who turned out to be YPAP, grassroots leaders with PA and known friends of the PAP. Cries of Kelong were heard. Even the Ang Mo new citizen turned out to be member of the PAP as he was captured campaigning in PAP colours and holding a placard. They even listed the positions they hold within the various branches of PAP.
The result is that the National Conversation has been thoroughly discredited and Heng is now damaged at least in the eyes of his classmates. WHy hoodwink the public?
One would have thought that the lesson would be learnt. Then this week, he gave an interview where he claimed that National Conversation was a success as a number of issue were picked up there. He also conveniently de-linked the disastrous White Paper as though there was no over-lap. Belmont Lay who is Nicole Seah's hubby who tends to write over the top, did a wonderful job about Heng's claim. He tore Heng apart. The article was really good and scathing.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/the-flipside/national-conversation-going-073307342.html#more-id
The point is that the issues have long been identified. It is being played out daily on online forums, even on the forum page of the SCM. Yet we have a cabinet minister who is making claims that is beyond the pale. Even Hong Lim has seen these concerns expressed. What do you the protestors in Hong Lim were doing - having a picnic.
That list by his classmate is the outcome. A sign of disappointment and in a way not a surprise as he did not mix with anyone. The trust is with Png to carry the flame for Singaporeans.