Baey Yam Keng
Baey Yam Keng (born 31 August 1970) is a Singaporean politician currently serving as the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment since 2022 and for Transport since 2018. A member of the People's Action Party (PAP), he has been a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Tampines North division of the Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC) since 2011.
Early Life and Education
Baey was born in Singapore to a Teochew family. He was among the first cohort of students at Westlake Primary School from 1977 to 1982. He continued his education at Catholic High School and Hwa Chong Junior College. Baey received a scholarship from the Economic Development Board to study biotechnology at Imperial College London, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours). He earned Master of Science (Distinction) in biochemical engineering at University College London.
Professional Career
Before turning to politics, Baey assumed numerous positions in both the public and private sectors. He worked with the Economic Development Board, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, and the National Arts Council. In the corporate sector, he was associated with CapitaLand and Hill+Knowlton Strategies.
Political Career
Baey made his political debut in the 2006 general election as part of the PAP team contesting in Tanjong Pagar GRC, which won by an uncontested walkover. He served as the MP for the Queenstown ward of Tanjong Pagar GRC. In the 2011 general election, he contested the Tampines GRC and has since been representing the Tampines North division. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth in 2015 and was promoted to Senior Parliamentary Secretary in 2018. In 2022, he assumed the role of Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment.
Community Engagement
Throughout his political career, Baey has been engaged in various community initiatives and has contributed to policy discussions in Parliament, particularly in areas related to culture, community, youth, transport, and environmental sustainability.
During the community project service involving elderly, Baey slammed a young man who vented anger at an 82-year-old volunteer over free haircut.
Personal Life
Baey is married to Lim Hai Yen, a playwright and director, and they have three children. He is the founding president and producer of a theatre group, The ETCeteras. In 2014, he took on a lead acting role in "Like Me. I Like," a play written and directed by his wife. In 2021, Baey was diagnosed with stage one nose cancer; by April 2022, he announced that his tumor was gone and his blood was clear of cancer-related virus DNA.
In 16 May 2024, Baey Yam Keng's youngest brother, Baey Yam Chuan, passed away at 50 due to brain haemorrhage.
References:
Baey Yam Keng-Parliament of Singapore
Asia One-MP Baey Yam Keng announces death of younger brother from brain haemorrhage at 50