BRINGING PRIOR EXPERIENCE TO EAST COAST
In response to CNA’s question to Mr Dinesh and Mdm Hazlina on their familiarity with East Coast GRC, both said the reception by residents in East Coast had been warm. They also spoke to reporters about their priorities and reasons for wanting to serve residents there.
Mr Dinesh stepped down as CEO of AIC, which coordinates senior care services, on Mar 27.
“While I’m a newcomer, (East Coast) is not really a new place for me, because I’ve spent time on the ground, not just walking around and understanding what the residents' concerns are, but to also understand the senior landscape,” said Mr Dinesh, 50.
He added that he has visited active ageing centres in the East Coast area and understands the concerns of an ageing population in East Coast and in general.
“I hope to bring in new capabilities, new ideas, to help the residents in East Coast, particularly our seniors and more importantly, our caregivers as well,” said Mr Dinesh.
Mdm Hazlina, 50, is also the former chief executive of Make-A-Wish Singapore and the president of Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura (PPIS) or Singapore Muslim Women's Association from 2020 to 2024. She has also been helping out MP Tin Pei Ling in MacPherson SMC.
Apart from her work as a presenter and news editor at Mediacorp, Mdm Hazlina was formerly the US embassy's public affairs advisor in Singapore before moving to the social impact sector.
Mdm Hazlina highlighted her experience in a social service agency which has centres “(mostly) on the east side” and said that it had been “quite meaningful” to interact with residents more closely.
Mr Heng did not directly respond to a question on whether Mr Dinesh and Mdm Hazlina will be spotted at more walkabouts in the East Coast area, but said potential candidates walk around a few different areas.
He added that Mr Dinesh would be a “great addition” to the East Coast team, given his work with the pioneer generation at AIC.
As for Mdm Hazlina’s prior experience as a radio and TV presenter and news editor at Mediacorp, Mr Heng said this would help the team reach out “more effectively” to residents and businesses in the coming years, with looming disruptions to global supply chains and trade wars.
“The both of them have experiences that will be useful, not just to the East Coast, but to the whole of Singapore, whether it’s caring for seniors, caring for people with needs, or caring for children,” he added.
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