He Ting Ru: Difference between revisions
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== Legal career == | == Legal career == | ||
He began her legal career with the international law firm Clifford Chance, working in London and Frankfurt as a solicitor specializing in capital markets and derivatives. After returning to Singapore, she took on a senior legal and communications role in a listed multinational company, overseeing operations across Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa.<ref name=":0" /> | He Ting Ru began her legal career with the international law firm Clifford Chance, working in London and Frankfurt as a solicitor specializing in capital markets and derivatives. After returning to Singapore, she took on a senior legal and communications role in a listed multinational company, overseeing operations across Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
== Political career == | == Political career == | ||
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Latest revision as of 15:41, 30 June 2025
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He Ting Ru (Chinese: 何廷儒; born 16 June 1983) is a Singaporean lawyer, politician, and Member of Parliament (MP) from the opposition Workers' Party (WP). She currently represents the Buangkok division of Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the Parliament of Singapore. A trained lawyer with experience in international law and corporate governance, He is also the Treasurer of the WP and Chair of the Sengkang Town Council.[1][2]
For the full list of positions, refer to PARL Link.
Early Life and Education
He Ting Ru attended CHIJ Saint Nicholas Girls' School and Raffles Junior College. She later pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Cambridge, where she read Natural Sciences. After completing her degree, she trained in law and was called to the Bar in England and Wales.[1]
Legal career
He Ting Ru began her legal career with the international law firm Clifford Chance, working in London and Frankfurt as a solicitor specializing in capital markets and derivatives. After returning to Singapore, she took on a senior legal and communications role in a listed multinational company, overseeing operations across Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa.[1]
Political career
He Ting Ru began volunteering with the Workers' Party in 2011, participating in Meet-the-People Sessions, grassroots activities, and parliamentary research. She also served as the Secretary of the Workers' Party Youth Wing from 2013 to 2015.
When asked why she decided to return to her home county after working overseas for several years, she replied: "Singapore is where my family is. This is where my roots are."
Her decision to join the WP was based on the argument that everyone has to play his or her part to make Singapore a country Singaporeans want, stressing the need for a balanced democracy.
In the 2015 General Election, she contested as part of the WP team for Marine Parade GRC, which garnered 35.9% of the votes but lost to the People's Action Party (PAP) team led by former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
During the 2020 General Election, He Ting Ru led the WP team contesting in the newly formed Sengkang GRC. The team achieved a historic victory, winning the GRC with 52.13% of the vote, marking only the second time an opposition party secured a GRC since the scheme's introduction in 1988.
Parliamentary Advocacy
He Ting Ru has spoken extensively on a wide range of national issues, often taking positions aligned with transparency, inclusiveness, and long-term sustainability.
Justice Reform
Advocated for the creation of a publicly funded Public Defender’s Office and compensation for wrongful convictions. The proposals were in response to high-profile cases such as the Parti Liyani case, which raised concerns about access to justice and legal inequality in Singapore.[2]
Workplace Fairness
Voiced strong support for comprehensive labour protections. Criticised the Workplace Fairness Bill for excluding sexual orientation and gender identity from its anti-discrimination clauses, arguing that this oversight could worsen workplace discrimination and discourage affected individuals from coming forward.[3]
Gender Equality
Co-moved a 2021 private member’s motion on gender equality, calling for a society-wide effort toward more inclusive and fair outcomes for all genders. Emphasised that gender equality should not be viewed solely as a “women’s issue” but one that affects all segments of society.[4]
Climate and Transparency
Proposed that companies exceeding their allowed quota of international carbon credits be required to publicly disclose such usage. Argued that transparency in climate policy would bolster public trust and corporate accountability. The proposal, however, was not adopted due to government concerns over business confidentiality.[5]
Urban Heat and Social Metrics
Delivered an adjournment motion in 2024 advocating for stronger urban heat resilience policies in response to Singapore’s rising temperatures. Also introduced the idea of a "social outcome dashboard," which would supplement GDP by tracking factors such as mental health, inequality, and intergenerational mobility as national progress indicators.[5]
Cost-of-Living and Economic Sustainability
Raised concerns regarding the rising cost of living. Questioned the sustainability of the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme and suggested the government should articulate a clear exit strategy for such subsidies.[4] Additionally, highlighted the trend of Singaporeans seeking more affordable dental care in Johor Bahru, pointing to potential gaps in local healthcare affordability.[4]
Controversies
377A Repeal Abstention
During the parliamentary proceedings in November 2022, He Ting Ru voted in favor of the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill to repeal Section 377A, which decriminalized consensual sex between men.[6] However, she abstained from the vote on the Constitution Amendment Bill that introduced Article 156—shielding the legal definition of heterosexual marriage from judicial scrutiny.[7]
Critics expressed mixed responses: some viewed the abstention as a missed chance to reinforce judicial oversight, while others saw it as a balancing act between legal reform and preserving legislative authority. Her parliamentary speech cited the importance of respect, empathy, and upholding the judiciary as ultimate constitutional arbiter.[8]
Workplace Fairness Bill Pushback
Her push for including LGBT protections in the Workplace Fairness Bill triggered public debate. While progressive groups welcomed her advocacy, conservative factions criticized it as unnecessary or even divisive. Discussions on social media, especially Reddit, reflected both support and discomfort regarding these proposed legal changes.[3][9]
Raeesah Khan Fallout
After Raeesah Khan resigned from her parliamentary post in 2021 due to a scandal involving false statements made in Parliament, part of her constituency responsibilities were assumed by He Ting Ru. This event intensified scrutiny of WP’s internal governance, with some speculating about factionalism within the party leadership. Nevertheless, a professional public posture was maintained while continuing duties as MP and Town Council Chair.[10]
Personal life
He Ting Ru is married to fellow WP member Terence Tan, and they have three sons. Outside politics, she practices aikido and enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, baking, and studying psychology and coaching.[5]
Notable Anecdotes
As a child in 1989, He presented a bouquet of flowers to Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Singapore, a widely circulated moment that resurfaced in media years later during her political rise.[2]
Social Media Pages
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_Ting_Ru
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://www.wp.sg/mp/he-ting-ru#meet-the-people-sessions
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2024/12/02/he-ting-ru-stresses-need-for-robust-opposition-and-competition-to-avoid-groupthink-in-singapores-politics/
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2024/11/12/he-ting-ru-questions-moh-on-dental-tourism-to-johor-bahru-as-singaporeans-seek-affordable-options/
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/02/26/he-ting-ru-advocates-for-a-strength-based-socially-oriented-budget/
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/mps-377a-marriage-gay-sex-constitution-religion-3111901
- ↑ https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/day-2-section-377a-debate-which-mps-support-repeal-and-what-they-say-2058936
- ↑ https://theindependent.sg/he-ting-ru-supports-377a-repeal-i-dont-believe-we-should-have-a-law-thats-plainly-obviously-discriminatory/
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/singapore/comments/1kc1vjc/enough_of_the_mudslinging_lgbtq_concerns_are/
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/no-election-sengkang-grc-raeesah-khan-workers-party-2353026
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