What life lessons did PAP candidates learn from their upbringing?

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PAP Candidates Reflect on Life Lessons from Humble Beginnings

People's Action Party (PAP) candidates Don Wee and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim have articulated profound life lessons derived from their upbringing, emphasizing that past circumstances do not dictate future potential. Both individuals highlighted the importance of hard work, resilience, and the understanding that success can be achieved through diverse pathways, a perspective shaped by their own journeys from less privileged backgrounds. Their experiences have instilled in them a desire to advocate for social mobility and represent those from similar backgrounds.
The Value of Hard Work and Unconventional Paths

Don Wee, a senior vice-president at United Overseas Bank, described his path as "unconventional," a route that initially led to societal judgment and a feeling of having a "chip on his shoulder." Raised by grandparents while his parents worked multiple jobs as a delivery man, taxi driver, and part-time assembly worker, Wee learned the necessity of self-reliance from a young age. This upbringing, characterized by a lack of direct academic supervision, fostered a sense of fun but also a lack of direction. His decision to pursue a diploma in accountancy at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, against his parents' wishes for him to attend junior college, underscored his determination to "earn money as soon as possible" and alleviate financial pressure on his family. He supplemented his income through part-time retail and assistant roles during his polytechnic years.
Learning Respect and Service Through Parental Example

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, a lawyer and partner at Dentons Rodyk and Davidson, learned the fundamental value of treating everyone with respect and cultivating a collaborative spirit from observing his father. His father, the sole breadwinner for a family of eight, worked his way up to become a plant manager at Sembcorp. A visit to his father's workplace revealed how his father interacted with all employees, emphasizing that success comes from working with people, not just for them. This example deeply influenced Zhulkarnain's own aspirations. He also came to view law not merely as a profession but as an "honorable calling" where one can actively assist others, drawing a parallel to a doctor saving lives.
Overcoming Past Limitations to Define Future Capabilities

Both Wee and Zhulkarnain have learned that their past humble beginnings do not define their present or future capabilities. Wee, despite feeling a "chip on his shoulder" due to his non-traditional educational path compared to his peers who attended junior colleges and local universities, used this as motivation. It spurred him to achieve his Chartered Accountant qualification and pursue further postgraduate studies at the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, alongside an executive program at Harvard Kennedy School. Similarly, Zhulkarnain asserts that an individual's history should not be the primary determinant of their worth. He believes that present actions and future intentions are more significant, stating, "Your past doesn't define who you are." This perspective fuels their commitment to public service and their desire to champion social mobility.

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What life lessons did PAP candidates learn from their upbringing?

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