NG GIVES BACK – NOT JUST TO FOOTBALL

The day before getting his PR status, Cardiff City star volunteers at active ageing centre

- David Lee

Unknown to many, Cardiff City right-back Perry Ng was volunteering at the Thye Hua Kwan Active Ageing Centre at Bukit Merah View on March 20.

The 28-year-old, who travelled from England to Singapore to train with the Lions during this international break, had also sought out an opportunity to engage in community work, something that he does in England as well.

Through Football Association of Singapore (FAS) general secretary Chew Chun-Liang’s coordination, he put in a shift at the centre.

He participated in morning exercise, packed and distributed food to folks in the neighbourhood, and then played bowling on a video console and danced with the seniors — without any media fanfare.

Three days later, he was at the Kallang Football Hub to mingle with the Junior National Development Centre and Singapore Youth League players.

It is clear that community work is something dear to the 28-year-old, who collected his Singapore permanent residency blue identity card on March 21.

He told The Straits Times: “We have got community work in English football too; it’s optional but I always put myself forward.

“Some of the younger people and elderly are less fortunate, so it’s important for those who are able to give back to society, and it was nice to help out here in Singapore too.”