Striving for peace

Helping youths and the less fortunate has been her life’s work, but Member of Parliament Rachel Ong says that we can all contribute towards making our world a better, happier place.

For most of her adult life, Rachel Ong has dedicated herself to helping the less fortunate and people from disadvantaged groups who need guidance and support.

So, it’s not surprising to learn that she started a youth development initiative called Try be in her late 20s, and in 2007, a learning and consulting company called Rohei. Two years ago, she

was elected Member of Parliament (MP), representing the Telok Blangah ward of West Coast GRC. In 2021, she started the Telok Blangah Mentoring Club, for 10-to-17-yearolds in her ward.

Empathy and kindness are at the centre of everything that Rachel does. And the 50-yearold believes that we are all capable of making a positive difference in our community, and that you don’t need to serve in government or start a charity in order to change lives for the better, bring a smile to someone’s face or create a happier world.

FAMILY BONDS

Rachel grew up in what she says was a loving, caring and generous family. She has a sister, Trish, who is two years younger than her, and the two are very close.

"Trish moved to Canada in the '90s after getting married, as her husband was posted there for work. Their two children were born and raised in Canada, and they are still there.

We miss them, but we communicate and visit regularly. My niece just spent her six-week summer break with us in Singapore. I'm equally blessed to have an amazing brother-inlaw who's family-centred as well." Rachel, who is single, lived with her parents all her life until 2021, when she moved to her own place to be closer to her division. She still sees her parents often, though the trio catch up every Sunday over dinner.