All images by author.

This is the third piece in a series on failure—the f-word that terrifies many Singaporeans.



It’s not every day that I get to make an MP cry at a coffee shop in his GRC.

After I broach the topic of his late father’s significance in his life, Louis Ng chokes up. His eyes well, and he blinks furiously. The next thing I know, tears are rolling down his face, and his voice cracks. He pauses his meal for a few deep breaths, then he rubs his hands across his face. (Unfortunately, neither of us have a tissue to spare.)

“If I say more …” he trails off, before he can launch into a full-on bawling session. “I think I share with you the eulogy better.”

It’s okay, I reassure him, I think it’s fine to be vulnerable.

He smiles wryly, “Next question.”

Louis’s human, unfiltered display of emotion initially catches me off guard. It is unlike politicians in Singapore, most of whom seem to follow a playbook bent on curating the most polished public persona. As many journalists can attest, even a politician’s moments of authenticity have a tendency to seem rehearsed.

But Louis is known for being different. Last year, CNA ran a documentary calling him a “maverick politician”. Growing up, his dream was to be like Dian Fossey, the American primatologist and conservationist. But because Dian had been murdered, his mom “freaked out” at his ambition.

Since entering politics, the animal welfare activist and founder of ACRES has always preferred a hands-on approach. Four years ago, for instance, he took on the jobs of a healthcare worker, cleaner, and Grab driver to better understand the needs of the average Singaporean he serves.

So say what you will about MPs in general, but no one can say this one doesn’t try. Unlike the hawker centre and wet market walkabouts that are routine for many politicians in the lead-up to each General Election, however, his efforts don’t come off as off-putting or insincere. After all, the spirit of trying was ingrained in him by his late father from young. The man played a critical role in shaping Louis into the activist and politician he is today.

“My dad always told me to try. Whatever it is in life, you always try, and you try your best. If you fail, then you fail. He went to the extent where he didn’t stop me from smoking. He’d say if I wanted to smoke, then smoke, but go and use my own money. He placed a lot of trust in me,” he shares.

Three days later, Louis sends me the Facebook link to his eulogy for his dad, and I remember a line he repeated at least thrice during our interview: “A promise is a promise.”