Dr Koh Poh Koon is a 'son of Punggol'
Suddenly change father and become son of ang moh kio?
Dr Koh Poh Koon was introduced as the PAP candidate for the Punggol East SMC by-election this morning.
The following is a transcript of his video introduction:
I spent my early childhood in a farmhouse at Lorong Cheng Lim in Punggol before we were relocated to a 4-room HDB flat in Toa Payoh. I grew up poor - my father was a bus-driver, working two shifts a day to support a family of five children. My family and I are the proof of the success of Singapore's meritocratic system.
I am thankful that despite my humble background, I was able to attend medical school at NUS and graduate as a doctor. I was also given government scholarships to receive training at top centres in both the UK and USA. I worked for 14 years at the Singapore General Hospital before setting up my own practice as a Colorectal Surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
When called to serve, I feel I am duty-bound to stand and be counted. I want to help create the same opportunities for all Singaporeans to realise their fullest potential. While I love surgery and treating patients, I believe as a community leader, I will be empowered to contribute to the future of Singapore and play an active role in helping to shape the future of our country. As a father to my two young children, it's also my way of helping ensure that the Singapore they grow up in, is as much the one I've grown to love and cherish. This is why I have decided to enter politics.
As a HDB heartlander myself, I can readily identify with many of the issues and daily struggles faced by Singaporeans. I want to make our community a better place to live in and to create opportunities for a better future.
https://www.pap.org.sg/news-and-commentaries/party-news/dr-koh-poh-koon-son-punggol