Eileen Chong Pei Shan

Eileen Chong Pei Shan: A Profile of Dedication and Vision for Singapore - Workers' Party Candidate for 2025

As Singapore gears up for the next General Election in 2025, a new cohort of individuals is stepping forward to represent their fellow citizens. Among them is Eileen Chong Pei Shan, a 33-year-old candidate for the Workers’ Party, bringing a diverse background in foreign affairs and social impact to the political landscape. This article delves into the experiences, motivations, and vision of Eileen Chong, drawing from publicly available information provided by the Workers’ Party.

A Foundation in Service and Global Understanding

Eileen Chong’s journey reflects a deep-seated commitment to service and a keen understanding of global dynamics. Awarded the prestigious Singapore Government Scholarship (Foreign Service) in 2011, she embarked on a path of academic excellence and international exposure. Her educational background is impressive, encompassing a B.A. in International Politics from Peking University, China (2015), and an M.A. in Global Affairs and Policy from Yonsei University, South Korea (2017). Prior to her university studies, she graduated from ACS (Independent) with an International Baccalaureate diploma in 2010 and attended Jurong Secondary School and Xingnan Primary School. This rigorous academic journey in both local and international institutions has equipped her with a broad understanding of political and social issues, coupled with cross-cultural communication skills.

Her commitment to service was further exemplified by her seven-year tenure at the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) from 2017 to 2024. During her time at MFA Headquarters, Eileen covered Singapore’s bilateral ties with significant regional partners, including China, Thailand, the Philippines, and Laos. This experience would have provided her with valuable insights into Singapore’s foreign policy objectives and the complexities of international relations. Subsequently, she was posted to the Singapore Embassy in Beijing, serving as First Secretary (Political) from 2020 to 2023, and concurrently as Deputy Head of the Political Section in her final year. This overseas posting would have offered her a firsthand perspective on the nuances of diplomacy and the intricacies of Singapore’s relationship with a major global power. Reflecting on her time at MFA, Eileen mentions enjoying working in her various teams and forming strong friendships, considering many colleagues as extended family.

A Pivot Towards Social Impact and Community Engagement

In June 2024, Eileen transitioned to the social impact sector, joining Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC). In her current role, she leads the early childhood development, education, and youth mental health and wellbeing portfolios. This career shift underscores her growing interest in addressing social issues and contributing directly to the well-being of communities. Eileen’s decision to move into philanthropy was influenced by her volunteer work with migrant worker-related non-profits during a break from the foreign service. Hearing the diverse experiences of individuals living and working in Singapore deepened her passion for ensuring that people's stories are heard and their experiences understood. This conviction cemented her decision to work "with people for people and through people" in the social impact space, finding daily inspiration in the strong sense of purpose among her colleagues.

Joining the Workers' Party: A Belief in a Stronger Democratic System

Eileen Chong’s decision to join the Workers’ Party as a volunteer in December 2024 marks a significant step in her journey of contributing to Singapore. Her involvement has been active, including participation in house visits in Bedok Reservoir and Kovan. Currently, she serves as a volunteer caseworker at Meet-the-People Sessions in Aljunied GRC, working alongside Member of Parliament Gerald Giam. This direct engagement with residents provides her with firsthand exposure to the concerns and challenges faced by Singaporeans at the grassroots level.

Her motivation for joining the Workers’ Party stems from a strong belief in the importance of building a stronger alternative voice in Parliament to foster a more resilient democratic system in Singapore. She finds resonance in the Party’s longstanding values of being “rational, responsible, and respectable”. Eileen's desire to contribute to nation-building in Singapore was also sparked by her work in her day job, where she engages with countries in the Southeast Asia region, prompting her to seek avenues to better understand and contribute to her own country. She believes that diversity in viewpoints strengthens governance in Singapore and that a rational and credible opposition plays a vital role in providing healthy scrutiny of policymaking and implementation, ultimately benefiting all Singaporeans.

A Vision for a Kinder and More Empathetic Singapore

Eileen’s vision for Singapore is rooted in the principles of kindness and empathy in political discourse. She believes that fostering such an environment can positively influence civil society and create safe spaces for open conversations that challenge biases and prejudices. For Eileen, these exchanges are crucial for building genuine understanding that goes beyond mere tolerance. She envisions a renewed social compact built from the ground up, where diverse viewpoints serve to strengthen rather than divide the nation.

Her philosophy is driven by a deep care for Singapore – not just its present state, but its potential future. Open conversations, respect, and empathy are the cornerstones of her vision for a stronger Singapore. She is committed to building a more inclusive Singapore where diverse voices unite, ensuring that every Singaporean feels heard and supported. This commitment is further demonstrated by her volunteer work at the HOME shelter for domestic workers in distress and her role as a mentor for a youth social challenge organized by ItsRainingRaincoats. These experiences highlight her dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and empowering the next generation.

Redefining Success and Valuing Community

Eileen Chong also offers a personal reflection on the meaning of success. For her, success at this juncture is about being able to contribute something bigger than herself. It involves allowing empathy and an open mind to guide her actions and decisions, rather than being solely driven by ambition. She candidly acknowledges that this perspective is the result of a journey, having previously felt the societal pressures of needing to accumulate credentials to appear competitive.

Growing up in the Dong West area from a young age, Eileen cherishes the close proximity to her extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins living nearby. She fondly recalls unplanned encounters in the neighborhood and simple joys like her grandfather’s surprise visits with seasonal fruits. The strong sense of community, where people knew and looked out for each other, is a cherished aspect of her upbringing. Her grandmother has lived in the area even before Eileen was born, and her mother also grew up there, underscoring deep roots in the community.

Eileen envisions the best version of Singapore as a place where there are multiple pathways to success and diverse definitions of what success entails. She also emphasizes the importance of a high level of trust – not just in systems, but among the population – and the collective effort to address and replenish trust where it is being depleted.

Taking the Step Up with the Workers' Party

Eileen Chong’s profile paints a picture of a dedicated individual with a strong sense of purpose. Her diverse experiences in foreign affairs, her transition to the social impact sector, and her commitment to community engagement provide a solid foundation for her foray into politics. Her belief in a stronger democratic system, coupled with her vision for a kinder and more inclusive Singapore, resonates with the core tenets of the Workers’ Party.

As she takes the step up as a candidate for the 2025 General Election, Eileen invites fellow Singaporeans to join in building a brighter future. Whether through volunteering time, energy, or resources, she believes that collective support can make a significant difference. Her journey, from a scholar dedicated to understanding international relations to a social impact leader focused on local communities and now a political candidate, reflects a deep and evolving commitment to serving Singapore and its people. Eileen Chong Pei Shan represents a new generation of leaders who are passionate about fostering a more resilient, empathetic, and inclusive Singapore for all.

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