Latest news with #AlexYeo
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pink Dot returns to Singapore's Hong Lim Park with call for inclusion and hope for future generations
SINGAPORE, June 29 — Thousands gathered at Hong Lim Park in Singapore yesterday for the 17th edition of Pink Dot, celebrating LGBTQ love and pushing for greater inclusion in Singapore society. Despite an afternoon downpour, the weather cleared just in time for the rally. Under the theme 'Different Stories, Same Love', attendees picnicked, caught up with friends, and shared stories of progress and continuing challenges. This is the third Pink Dot since the repeal of Section 377A in 2022. Among those present were PAP MPs Alex Yeo and Ng Shi Xuan. Yeo told Channel News Asia (CNA) he was 'very happy' to be at the rally to engage with the LGBTQ community, adding: 'They are part of the Singaporean community, very important part of our community... And so therefore we are very happy to be here.' Ng said the event had helped 'create more awareness surrounding topics of inclusivity'. Workers' Party MPs Louis Chua and He Ting Ru also attended but declined media interviews. Many attendees spoke of feeling safer and more welcome in recent years. Ann, who attended for the fourth time, said, 'I know a lot of people who exist very separately from issues that are happening in the queer community. Showing up just helps people remember that there is a community here.' Meanwhile, Benjamin Lee, who has been with his male partner for 25 years, added: 'We had to be more prudent 25 years ago, but we're more open now.' Some brought their children to show support. Gladys, who came with her husband and son, said: 'I always believed in freedom to love and to show support towards friends and family. These are the lessons I want to teach my son.' Others acknowledged that societal attitudes are still catching up. 'I think Singapore is still conservative. It still takes time for the older generation to get used to us,' said Diana. 'The inertia, the resistance, is a normal state of mind. But if you close yourself up from the onset, the only person who loses out is you.' A key feature this year was a time capsule containing nearly 70 personal items from the LGBTQ community — to be opened in 2050. Organisers hope it will inspire future generations. 'She is the hope,' said Cally Cheung of her daughter, whom she is raising with her wife, Ching Sia. 'Just looking at her and thinking about how we are raising her, she is the hope for us.' As the crowd lit up the park with pink lights to end the night, Pink Dot spokesman Clement Tan reminded those present. 'Pink Dot here exists today because we can prove that what was impossible is possible... 'We long for a future in which our relationships with one another are validated and recognised and celebrated,' he reportedly said.
Malay Mail
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Pink Dot returns to Singapore's Hong Lim Park with call for inclusion and hope for future generations
SINGAPORE, June 29 — Thousands gathered at Hong Lim Park in Singapore yesterday for the 17th edition of Pink Dot, celebrating LGBTQ love and pushing for greater inclusion in Singapore society. Despite an afternoon downpour, the weather cleared just in time for the rally. Under the theme 'Different Stories, Same Love', attendees picnicked, caught up with friends, and shared stories of progress and continuing challenges. This is the third Pink Dot since the repeal of Section 377A in 2022. Among those present were PAP MPs Alex Yeo and Ng Shi Xuan. Yeo told Channel News Asia (CNA) he was 'very happy' to be at the rally to engage with the LGBTQ community, adding: 'They are part of the Singaporean community, very important part of our community... And so therefore we are very happy to be here.' Ng said the event had helped 'create more awareness surrounding topics of inclusivity'. Workers' Party MPs Louis Chua and He Ting Ru also attended but declined media interviews. Many attendees spoke of feeling safer and more welcome in recent years. Ann, who attended for the fourth time, said, 'I know a lot of people who exist very separately from issues that are happening in the queer community. Showing up just helps people remember that there is a community here.' Meanwhile, Benjamin Lee, who has been with his male partner for 25 years, added: 'We had to be more prudent 25 years ago, but we're more open now.' Some brought their children to show support. Gladys, who came with her husband and son, said: 'I always believed in freedom to love and to show support towards friends and family. These are the lessons I want to teach my son.' Others acknowledged that societal attitudes are still catching up. 'I think Singapore is still conservative. It still takes time for the older generation to get used to us,' said Diana. 'The inertia, the resistance, is a normal state of mind. But if you close yourself up from the onset, the only person who loses out is you.' A key feature this year was a time capsule containing nearly 70 personal items from the LGBTQ community — to be opened in 2050. Organisers hope it will inspire future generations. 'She is the hope,' said Cally Cheung of her daughter, whom she is raising with her wife, Ching Sia. 'Just looking at her and thinking about how we are raising her, she is the hope for us.' As the crowd lit up the park with pink lights to end the night, Pink Dot spokesman Clement Tan reminded those present. 'Pink Dot here exists today because we can prove that what was impossible is possible... 'We long for a future in which our relationships with one another are validated and recognised and celebrated,' he reportedly said.
CNA
28-06-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Thousands show up in support of LGBTQ community at annual Pink Dot rally
SINGAPORE: Heavy rainfall on Saturday (Jun 28) afternoon halted just in time as the 17th edition of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) rally Pink Dot began. Thousands of supporters brought Hong Lim Park to life with bold outfits in different hues of pink. They lounged on picnic mats, reconnected with old friends and made new ones, while children ran around with balloons in hand and pet dogs trotted alongside their owners. This year's theme, "Different Stories, Same Love", aims to celebrate love in all its forms as the LGBTQ community comes together to share hopes for a more inclusive future. This is the third year of Pink Dot since Section 377A, a decades-old law criminalising gay sex, was repealed in November 2022. Two Members of Parliament (MPs) from the People's Action Party (PAP) were spotted visiting booths and engaging with committee members from Pink Dot. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, MP for Potong Pasir SMC Alex Yeo said he was 'very happy' to be at the rally to engage and listen to the concerns of the LGBTQ community. 'They are part of the Singaporean community, very important part of our community, our overall social compact in our community. And so therefore we are very happy to be here,' Mr Yeo said. MP for Sembawang GRC Ng Shi Xuan said Pink Dot has deepened understanding and created more awareness surrounding topics of inclusivity. 'Conversations will help us to understand each other better. And conversations means two-way right? You talk and you listen. So that's very important,' Mr Ng said. Workers' Party MPs for Sengkang GRC Louis Chua and He Ting Ru were also seen at the rally, but declined to speak to the media. STRONGER ACCEPTANCE, BUT STILL WAYS TO GO Members of the LGBTQ community told CNA they felt more accepted in recent years, with some saying they no longer shy away from attending the rally. Ms Ann, who attended Pink Dot for the fourth time, said she used to feel scared and would only walk outside of Hong Lim Park, but has gained the courage to show up in recent years. 'I know a lot of people who exist very separately from issues that are happening in the queer community,' she said. 'Showing up just helps people remember that there is a community here.' Mr Benjamin Lee, who has been with his male partner for 25 years, said he feels that Singaporeans are more accepting towards the gay community compared to more than two decades ago. 'We had to be more prudent 25 years ago, but we're more open now,' the 53-year-old said. Accompanied by her husband and five-year-old son, 35-year-old Ms Gladys said they attended the rally on Saturday to spend 'family time' together. 'I always believed in freedom to love and to show support towards friends and family. These are the lessons I want to teach my son.' However, others said that more acceptance of the LGBTQ community is needed. Ms Diana said Singapore is a lot more tolerant, which is a "good step forward". "(But) I think Singapore is still conservative. It still takes time for the older generation to get used to us," she said. Ms Diana added: "The inertia, the resistance, is a normal state of mind. But if you close yourself up from the onset, the only person who loses out is you." For Ms Cally Cheung and Ms Ching Sia, two women who are raising a daughter together, having her at Pink Dot with them gives them hope for a future where their family will be legally accepted. 'Someone recently asked me, 'What is the hope for the future?' She is the hope. Just looking at her and thinking about how we are raising her, she is the hope for us,' Ms Cheung said. 'It's a privilege to be able to raise a child and to be able to have a family. And we don't take that privilege lightly,' Ms Sia added. A big part of this year's rally is also aimed at sending a message to Singaporeans of the future, 'to let them know that we are thinking about them, that we are fighting for a future where they can feel more free and more equal and more included than our own community today', said Pink Dot spokesperson Clement Tan. This message was showcased in the form of a time capsule at Hong Lim Park, where almost 70 objects ranging from jewellery to clothing items were placed inside and sealed until 2050. The night ended with attendees holding up pink lights as they enjoyed a performance on stage. 'Pink Dot here exists today because we can prove that what was impossible is possible. In 25 years' time, who knows what may change," said Mr Tan.
Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: PAP's Alex Yeo wins three-way fight for Potong Pasir
The PAP's Potong Pasir candidate Alex Yeo (centre) celebrating with supporters at Yio Chu Kang Stadium on May 3. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – Mr Alex Yeo of the PAP has won a three-cornered fight for Potong Pasir SMC, fending off Singapore People's Party (SPP) treasurer Williiamson Lee and People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) secretary-general Lim Tean. Mr Yeo received 19,185 votes or 69.18 per cent – an improvement of about 9 percentage points for the ruling party compared with the 2020 General Election, where it garnered 60.67 per cent of the vote. Of the remaining votes, 6,230 , or 22.47 per cent went to Mr Lee, while Mr Lim had 2,316 votes, or 8.35 per cent. Mr Yeo, 46, replaces PAP stalwart Sitoh Yih Pin, who has stepped down after serving three terms in the single-seat constituency since 2011. This is Mr Yeo's second election - he was part of the PAP slate for Aljunied GRC at the 2020 polls. The lawyer, who is married with two children, served as branch chair of the Paya Lebar ward in Aljunied GRC, which has been held by the WP since 2011. In his sole rally this election, Mr Yeo noted that no one can fill the shoes of leaders like Mr Sitoh and former opposition MP Chiam See Tong. He added that he knew he had a lot of work to do to earn the trust of the residents. Mr Chiam held Potong Pasir for 27 years before leaving to contest a GRC in 2011. Mr Sitoh won the seat that year by a razor-thin margin of 114 votes. He went on to defend his seat successfully against the SPP at the 2015 polls, winning 66.39 per cent of the vote, and again at the 2020 polls, garnering 60.67 per cent. In the 2020 General Election, the constituency had just 18,551 voters. Today, the number has surged to 30,971 – a 67 per cent jump– according to data released by the Elections Department. About 61.5 per cent of its residents are aged 45 and below, compared with about 54.3 per cent in 2020 – according to The Straits Times' analysis using Department of Statistics data dated June 2024 – marking a demographic shift in a constituency once known for its greying population. The transformation is largely driven by new Housing Board developments in the Bidadari estate, which has brought in young families. Owing to the population spike, a portion of Potong Pasir was carved out and absorbed into the new five-member Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC for this election. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Trust in Potong Pasir has to be earned, says PAP's Alex Yeo
PAP candidate for Potong Pasir Alex Yeo (centre) taking a photo with supporters after the party's rally at St Andrew's Junior College on May 1. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO GE2025: Trust in Potong Pasir has to be earned, says PAP's Alex Yeo Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Trust cannot be inherited or demanded in Potong Pasir, it has to be earned, said PAP's Alex Yeo in a rally at St. Andrew's Junior College on May 1. Mr Yeo is one of three candidates battling for the single seat in the constituency on May 3. The others are Singapore People's Party's (SPP) Mr Williiamson Lee and People's Alliance for Reform's (PAR) Mr Lim Tean. In his sole rally this election, Mr Yeo noted that no one can fill the shoes of leaders like PAP's former MP Sitoh Yih Pin and ex-opposition MP Chiam See Tong. Mr Chiam held the seat for 27 years before losing in 2011 to Mr Sitoh, who went on to serve two more terms. 'His (Mr Sitoh) shoes, like that of Mr Chiam See Tong and others before them carry the journeys that they have walked, the relationships built and trust earned with Potong Pasir residents are theirs and theirs alone,' Mr Yeo, 46, said. 'Political party aside, Potong Pasir residents want (their) representative to build that relationship and trust with (them). I know that I have a lot of work to do to earn your trust and to get to know you and you, me.' Over the past nine days of campaigning, Mr Yeo said that he and his team have managed to visit about 82 per cent of the households in Potong Pasir. Following this, at the rally he laid out 'a top 10 list of improvements for Bidadari and Woodleigh'. These include more directional signs in the estate, more sports recreation options, and better pest control. His top priority, he added, is to 'do something about the boring playgrounds' for children. He added that he intends to hold dialogue sessions with different areas to understand the 'unique needs and aspirations' of the residents. Seniors are also on the agenda, as Mr Yeo said he will take care of older residents by offering them affordable preventive healthcare services at their doorsteps, which was a programme he implemented in Paya Lebar, where he was formerly its branch chairman. If elected into Parliament, Mr Yeo said he will listen and engage with residents who want to share their concerns and views. 'I will not shy away from dealing with difficult and sometimes hard discussions, in a constructive, safe space. I will always try to find workable solutions to your concerns,' he added. In a rally on April 26, PAR secretary-general Mr Lim had pledged to push for free education, school meals and healthcare for Singaporean children if elected. He said this could improve the country's total fertility rate by encouraging Singaporeans to have more children, which would make Singapore less reliant on foreigners. Mr Yeo said on May 1: 'If the response to your residents' concerns about the rising cost of living is to simply highlight the problem and then demand free education, free school meals and free healthcare, then I think, it not only oversimplifies the problem and is also not going to result in any real solutions.' Long-time volunteer Mr Chua Kian Meng, 67, also took to the stage at the rally. He had supported Mr Sitoh in every campaign since 2006 and he is now lending his support to Mr Yeo. Vouching for Mr Yeo's character, Mr Chua told the crowd at St. Andrew's Junior College that he has known the former since 2014, when Mr Yeo started volunteering in Potong Pasir. '(Mr Yeo) is not someone parachuted in, he is no rookie,' said Mr Chua. 'He is a good man with a heart in the right place… He has good intentions and a genuine desire to want to do work for others.' While sharing that politics was never in his plans, Mr Yeo said decided to step up after his experience volunteering in the single member constituency. He added: 'I cannot promise that I can solve all your problems. I am certainly not so arrogant to think that I have all the answers. 'But if you give me and my team the chance, the opportunity to serve you, we will spare no effort to listen to you, engage you, work with you to find solutions and speak up for you.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
