Bernard Lai and Douglas Chen

Journey With The Nation

Douglas Chen:

Growing up, my life revolved around HDB blocks. I peered out my window to a beautiful view of Bishan Park, listening to stories from my parents and grandparents on how they used to grow up in Kampongs playing with bred kampong chicken compared to how I grew up playing in the playground in the neighborhood.

In my early years of my childhood, I had fond memories studying at Townsville Primary School, Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School & Singapore Polytechnic. The following 2 years were spent serving and protecting the nation. Finally, I concluded my education in Nanyang Technological University.

Singapore and the world have transformed quickly over the past few years. We now live in a time where climate change, mental health issues, gender/religious equality, etc are major topics. As a millennial, we have faced different challenges compared to our parents & grandparents.

I hope to see a future Singapore where we are carbon neutral and free of pollutants. To experience a clean and green world where rising sea levels are no longer a threat is equally important to the current generation as to the future generation ahead of us.

Most importantly, I wish to see that Singapore remains politically stable many years down the road. To have a government that continues to serve citizens such that Singapore continues to thrive in an ever-changing world.