MR ANG MONG SENG has always been a man on a mission. It's something he's never shied away from, not even when he was a fresh face in Parliament in 1997, newly elected as MP for Bukit Gombak SMC.

At the time, highlighting the diffi culty his elderly residents had in getting up to their fl ats, he sked for lifts to be installed on all four storeys of Blocks 232, 234 and 237 of Bukit Batok Avenue 5, to make it more convenient for these residents to get around. It didn't take long. By the time the $7.9 million Interim Upgrading Programme (IUP) was completed, the three blocks had been connected with covered walkways, as well as other amenities like a children's playground, fi tness corner and barbeque pits. In addition, Mr Ang also asked the Ministry of National Development to extend the IUP to highrise HDB fl ats islandwide, especially for more mature estates like Bukit Gombak. As a result, other estates in Bukit Gombak are now currently under the IUP.In 2001, Bukit gombak became part of Hong Kah GRC, where Mr Ang now serves alongside fellow MPs Dr Amy Khor, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, Mr Alvin Yeo and Mr Zaqy B Mohamad. Although it resulted in a change in the residents' profi le in his constituency, the 58-year-old, who is also Chief Operating Offi cer of a property management company, took on the challenge and has continued to thrive on it.

WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS AN MP NOW?

Strengthening the bonds in the community. I want to create a kampong spirit among the residents, so everyone has a good and wide network of friends to tap on. So my grassroots leaders and I plan to have more events to bring everyone together. One popular event is the morning walk, which is attended by about 600 residents. We also hold two golf friendlies every year, each drawing about 100 golfers.

HOW DIFFERENT IS SERVING RESIDENTS IN HONG KAH GRC TODAY FROM BUKIT

GOMBAK SMC BACK IN 1997? HOW HAS IT INFLUENCED YOU?

When I started out, 65 per cent of residents in Bukit Gombak stayed in HDB flats. Now, 65 per cent of them stay in private housing, with the figure likely to increase as more property developments in the vicinity are completed. So their needs are very

different.

As condominium dwellers have their own facilities, it is important to make them feel a sense of belonging to the constituency. So we organise various activities to reach out to them, such as talks and exhibitions by various agencies, which helps us gather feedback and understand their needs. So far, I think we have been relatively successful. Last year, we organized the first-ever dinner gathering for condo residents, and about 600 turned up.

HOW DO YOU TRY TO CONTINUE MEETING THE NEEDS OF YOUR OTHER RESIDENTS?

For those who need fi nancial assistance, we try to refer them to assistance schemes such as ComCare. About two-thirds of the cases we receive every week are people who are concerned

about fi nding a job or getting fi nancial aid. Sometimes, we give out goodie bags with essentials such as canned food, sugar and supermarket vouchers to these residents.

For the elderly, we organise activities such as block parties, breakfasts and birthday celebrations. If the senior citizens stay at home all day, they may become lonely. So we want to provide them with a strong support network.

DO YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY RECRUITING NEW BLOOD FOR GRASSROOTS WORK?

Yes! The constituency is so big, and whenever I do house-visiting, I always invite people to join. Out of 20 I speak to, only one may eventually join us. So these days, I also ask members to invite their children to volunteer. We should recruit more young volunteers as I enjoy tapping on the their ideas and interests. What I do is highlight key objectives and provide advice, if needed. In fact, one successful telematch we organised happened to be a younger member's idea.

YOU FIRST BECAME INVOLVED IN GRASSROOTS WORK IN 1976. WHAT'S KEPT YOU GOING?

I enjoy helping others. It gives me a great sense of self-satisfaction to know that I can help them overcome problems and make a difference in their lives.

HOW DO YOU PERSONALLY ACHIEVE A GOOD BALANCE BETWEEN YOUR WORK AND HOME LIFE?

My wife used to volunteer with grassroots organisations, so she understands why I enjoy being involved. Our daughter, who is 30 years old, is still staying with us. If we can, we go travelling together. Sometimes, my wife comes along for my business trips, so we can spend time together.

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR ACTIVITIES HELP BRING FAMILIES CLOSER TOGETHER?

Events are held within the neighbourhood, so residents can attend with their family members. We have had activities that emphasise family ties, such as one telematch we organised that featured parents, children and grandparents. We also offer tours such as one-day trips to Johor Bahru, which are popular among families.

AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY, WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE TO RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY INCREASING PROPERTY PRICES?

I think it's important to buy or rent within your budget. When my wife and I fi rst got married, we could afford only a three-room fl at, and upgraded gradually. Now, however, younger couples want to buy a bigger flat straightaway, which may lead to problems.