Saturday, November 07, 2009

PAP Party Convention 2009

1 November 2009

The PAP Party Convention 2009 was held at the D'Marquee, Downtown East on a Sunday morning. The PAP Policy Forum and the Young PAP jointly organised the convention. For the first time ever, this year's convention is wired up to the internet - there is live commentaries, live photo uploads, twitter, facebook and videos viewable on the convention website @ http://convention09.pap.org.sg/.

The New Media team started setting up their gadgets as early as 7am (event starts at 9am). No matter which corner on earth you were, you would be able to find out what is happening live, with just internet access.

The theme for this year's convention is "Turning Challenges into Opportunities". Year 2009 marks the 50-year rule of Singapore by the People's Action Party. Comrade Ellen Lee, MP for Sembawang GRC, was the Master of the Ceremony.

Party Chairman Lim Boon Heng led the recital of the party pledge before delivering his opening remarks. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of the strong links between the PAP and the unions. Several NTUC brothers and sisters were also present in the convention.

Several party activists spoke on various issues revolving around the theme in English, Mandarin and Malay languages.

The Young PAP recruitment video was screened for the first time. Videos can be viewed at the Young PAP Youtube Channel.

Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong delivered his speech and the dialogue session began. Party activists can SMS their questions to the panel, which consisted of Sec-Gen Lee Hsien Loong, Assistant Sec-Gens Wong Kan Seng and Teo Chee Hean, PAP Policy Forum Chairman Satwant Singh, Women's Wing Chairperson Mrs Lim Hwee Hua and Young PAP Chairman Teo Ser Luck. All the dialogue questions and responses were also recorded on youtube.

I was quite excited when my SMS appeared on screen. Fellow comrades raised many critical questions. Some were even emotional when posing questions. Party activists volunteer their time and service to the residents during Meet-the-People sessions and they know the ground issues concerning the people.

As Sec-Gen pointed out, the party is able to be in government all this while, thanks to all the dedicated party activists serving at the individual branches. These are the people that garner support from Singaporeans and channel their feedback up to the government, ensuring that policies are for Singaporeans.

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