Minister of State Foo Cexiang emphasizes that constructive public discourse depends on first sharing foundational data and policy context with citizens. Over the past 18 months, he tested this collaborative model through local community pilots, including a participatory budgeting project in Spottiswoode Park. Two months into his political appointment, Foo continues to balance these grassroots efforts with extensive stakeholder consultations and official overseas missions.
Key points
Citizen participation yields better results when the public is provided with adequate bac…: Citizen participation yields better results when the public is provided with adequate background context beforehand.
Grassroots initiatives in Tanjong-Pagar-Tiong Bahru successfully brought residents and ag…: Grassroots initiatives in Tanjong-Pagar-Tiong Bahru successfully brought residents and agencies together over multiple weekends.
Political office requires balancing international diplomatic responsibilities with contin…: Political office requires balancing international diplomatic responsibilities with continuous domestic stakeholder and grassroots engagements.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Foo Cexiang says education must come first if Singaporeans are to join policy talks, so public feedback leads to more constructive outcomes.
- He has backed citizen engagement through pilots in Tiong Bahru and Spottiswoode Park, including recycling and participatory budgeting.
- As a new Minister of State, he spends much time on speeches, meetings and travel, while still doing grassroots work.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – Education is the first step to widening the space for Singaporeans to be part of policy discussions, said Minister of State for Manpower Foo Cexiang.
The first-term Tanjong Pagar GRC MP, who is now two months into political office, said he believes in citizen participation.
“But to give more space, you need to educate first. Because if you don’t share with people the basis and the context and the information, then of course you cannot expect something constructive to come out of it,” said Foo, 41.
Foo, who is also Minister of State for Energy, Trade and Industry, said his belief in involving more people in decisions stems from his undergraduate days studying…
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