Roy Ngerng: Difference between revisions

After graduation, Ngerng worked with Autism Partnership for six months before joining the Health Promotion Board’s Communicable Diseases department, where he won an Employee of the Year award in 2011 for his innovative contributions. In 2012, he became a patient coordinator at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, advocating for HIV awareness and understanding.

However, his tenure at the hospital ended in June 2014 when he was dismissed for “conduct incompatible with the values and standards expected of employees.” Ngerng claimed the dismissal was politically motivated, as it followed his legal troubles involving the Prime Minister.

Raised in a working-class family, his father was a hawker selling ''chai tow kway'' (fried carrot cake), and his mother was a factory worker.  

During his university years, he was actively involved in community service, helping autistic children and those with mental health conditions.

Ngerng launched his sociopolitical blog, [https://thehearttruths.wordpress.com/ ''The Heart Truths'',] in 2012, gaining recognition for his critiques of Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) and calls for greater government accountability. His blog made him a prominent figure in Singapore's activist circles and the top Singapore newsmaker of 2014, according to Yahoo Singapore.

His activism led to controversy, particularly during a 2014 protest that disrupted a YMCA charity event, resulting in charges of public nuisance and organising an unauthorised demonstration. He was fined S$1,900 in 2015.

In May 2014, Ngerng published a blog post alleging mismanagement of CPF funds and comparing it to a misappropriation case involving City Harvest Church leaders. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong accused him of defamation, claiming the post implied criminal misappropriation. Ngerng apologised but refused to pay damages initially, leading to a lawsuit.

The case, the first in Singapore involving a purely online publication, was criticised by international press freedom groups, which argued it cast a chilling effect on free speech. Ngerng maintained his activism, despite expressing disappointment at the verdict.

{{Main|2014 Hong Lim Park protest incident}}

As a result of the incident, Ngerng, Han, and four others were charged with public nuisance and organising an unauthorised demonstration. In October 2015, Ngerng pleaded guilty to both charges, with his lawyer attributing the offences to ignorance of regulations. He was fined S$1,900.

In 2015, Ngerng joined the Reform Party and contested the Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC) during the general election.  

Ngerng's attempt to become a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) earlier in 2014 was also unsuccessful.

In 2016, Ngerng relocated to Taipei, Taiwan, citing the political climate in Singapore. He has since continued his advocacy and writing, contributing to publications and participating in discussions about democracy, governance, and LGBT rights.  

He also appeared in Al Jazeera’s 2018 documentary ''Singapore: The House That Lee Built'', which explored Singapore's political landscape.