Chief Change Officer Episode #190: Pei Ling Tin – A Life-Altering Election for Singapore's Youngest Elected Parliamentarian (Part One)

Release Date: February 20, 2025

Introduction

In episode #190 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan delves into the inspiring journey of Pei Ling Tin, Singapore's youngest elected parliamentarian. This episode, titled "A Life-Altering Election for Singapore's Youngest Elected Parliamentarian - Part One," explores Pei Ling's transition from psychology to politics, the challenges she faced during her early political career, and the resilience that propelled her forward.

Background and Early Career

Vince Chan sets the stage by sharing his personal connection with Pei Ling, highlighting their time together at Chicago Booth where they formed the legacy class before the campus moved to Hong Kong. With over 15 years in the business world and a Yale MBA, Vince admires Pei Ling's embodiment of change and resilience.

Notable Quote:

"Pei Ling is someone who embodies the core essence of change... a powerful reminder of what it means to own the change, to face the pain and to emerge more resilient on the other side."
— Vince Chan [00:12]

Transition from Psychology to Politics

Pei Ling Tin opens up about her initial aspiration to become a clinical psychologist, fueled by her passion for mental health. Her path took an unexpected turn in 2013 when her father's mild heart attack forced her to take over the family coffee business, thereby derailing her clinical psychology plans. This period of personal upheaval compelled her to reassess her career direction.

Notable Quote:

"For mental health, I could continue to pursue this course within the community as a volunteer and still create a hopefully positive impact on others... by raising awareness, by availing channels."
— Pei Ling Tin [03:57]

Entering Business Consulting

Faced with the necessity to pivot her career, Pei Ling chose business consulting for its dynamic nature and the continuous challenges it presented. She successfully joined Ernst and Young Advisory, where she honed essential skills in project management and framework thinking. This role not only provided her with valuable professional experience but also prepared her for future leadership positions.

Notable Quote:

"Business consulting... forces you to pick up things and learn different concepts along the way. That is exhilarating because it helps you to gain breadth. It always kept me on my toes."
— Pei Ling Tin [06:10]

The Leap into Politics

Pei Ling recounts her transition into politics during the 2011 general election, a pivotal and tumultuous period in her life. As the youngest candidate from the ruling party, she faced significant challenges, including ageism, gender biases, and intense public scrutiny both offline and on social media.

Notable Quote:

"It was again the darkest period in my life... there were a lot of doubts and criticisms and it was really very challenging, very, very trying just even to go through the campaigning period, even after the election itself, it was life changing."
— Pei Ling Tin [07:26]

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

Despite the overwhelming criticism and personal attacks, Pei Ling emphasizes the importance of resilience and continuous engagement with her constituents. She chose to quit her job at Ernst and Young to devote herself fully to her role as a Member of Parliament (MP), fostering strong bonds within her community through consistent and sincere actions.

Notable Quote:

"There is no shortcut to addressing these concerns... constant engagement, listening, understanding, working alongside them, trying to help them over time, building up trust... showing my sincerity and my work through real actions."
— Pei Ling Tin [14:00]

Coping with Public Scrutiny and Mental Health

Pei Ling discusses the toll that public scrutiny and political pressures took on her mental health. She shares heartfelt moments of vulnerability, such as crying at the end of particularly stressful days, and the strategies she employed to maintain her mental well-being. Her experience underscores the significant emotional challenges faced by young female politicians in a traditionally male-dominated arena.

Notable Quote:

"Every day I'll go home and cry at the end of the day. The next morning I have to like okay, I have to focus again."
— Pei Ling Tin [14:03]

Addressing Ageism and Gender Bias

Pei Ling highlights the dual biases of ageism and genderism she confronted as a young female MP. She explains how she tackled skepticism about her capabilities by demonstrating her commitment and effectiveness through diligent work and genuine interactions with her constituents.

Notable Quote:

"The big challenge that I faced was age... I was young, I'm new, and a lot of people will be thinking, who are you? Do you really understand my problems? Are you able to solve it even if you do understand?"
— Pei Ling Tin [12:09]

Personal Growth and Reflections

Reflecting on her journey, Pei Ling expresses gratitude for the hardships that shaped her into a more resilient and effective leader. She believes her story can inspire others facing their own battles, emphasizing that growth often stems from overcoming adversity.

Notable Quote:

"Coming out of that period, it did accelerate my personal growth and even emotionally, psychologically, I would say that today I'm probably a lot more resilient."
— Pei Ling Tin [17:27]

Conclusion and Looking Forward

As the episode concludes, Vince Chan and Pei Ling Tin affirm the transformative power of embracing change and resilience. They discuss the importance of actions over words in public life and the enduring impact of consistent, heartfelt engagement with the community.

Notable Quote:

"Actions speak louder than words... Time would give you the benefit of doubt. Eventually you grow and people see it."
— Vince Chan [19:28]

Final Thoughts

Episode #190 of Chief Change Officer offers a profound exploration of Pei Ling Tin's early political career, highlighting the personal sacrifices, societal challenges, and unwavering dedication required to effect meaningful change. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and the importance of authentic leadership in overcoming obstacles and fostering community trust.

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