PSP's Lawrence Pek to tap corporate experience to speak up for residents

Having spent almost three years advocating for manufacturing enterprises of all sizes in Singapore, PSP new face Lawrence Pek now wants to apply his skills to engaging with the Government to draw attention to what Chua Chu Kang GRC residents need.

- Tay Hong Yi Correspondent and Osmond Chia

This includes being their voice for municipal issues - such as pushing for more transport links to Tengah, one of the constituency's newest estates — and national concerns about the cost of living and jobs.

Mr Pek, 55, is a political newcomer who was introduced by party chairman Tan Cheng Bock as part of the PSP's line-up for Chua Chu Kang GRC on April 19.

Mr Pek is the only first-time candidate to be announced by the PSP in this election thus far.

He was secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) from 2020 to 2023, and has more than two decades of work experience in the technology sector in Dubai, China and India.

Speaking to The Sunday Times after the PSP's Chua Chu Kang GRC slate was revealed on April 19, Mr Pek said his previous role in the federation was mainly to represent members, understand the issues they face, and then communicate them to the Government.

"I bring that skill set, that knowledge, I understand what it takes to be able to do that," he said. "You have to be patient in listening, and also very patient in describing the situation back to the Government. And you would always try to do your best for those you represent, and try to give them the outcome, if possible, that they want."

He also believes his past work experience has shaped his views on Singapore's policies, and how they can be improved.

In 2008, Mr Pek set up a manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China, where he learnt about the minimum wage law for all staff members, regardless of their roles and performance.

"It protects the local workforce against very difficult and demanding, and sometimes unscrupulous, employers," he said.