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SINGAPORE \u2013 Local actor-producer Zheng Geping received the Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat) from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Nov 16 after serving the Woodlands community for 15 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Zheng, 61, posted on social media on Nov 17 photos and videos of himself and his wife, local actress Hong Huifang, attending the National Awards Investiture ceremony.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the Public Service Medal \u2013 Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM) from our President, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam,\u201d he wrote. <\/p>\n
Zheng also expressed his gratitude to Sembawang GRC MP Mariam Jaafar for the nomination.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for your leadership, guidance and trust,\u201d he wrote. \u201cIt is a privilege to serve alongside you and our wonderful Woodlands CCC (Citizens\u2019 Consultative Committee) family. I truly appreciate every one of you for your encouragement and partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zheng and Hong, 64, have two children: actress Tay Ying, 29, and singer-actor Calvert Tay, 25. Tay Ying tied the knot with celebrity chef Wu Sihan, 33, in June.<\/p>\n
\u201cA heartfelt thank you to my family for your constant support, understanding, and for often stepping forward to volunteer as well,\u201d Zheng continued on social media. \u201cYour love and encouragement make this journey meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zheng, who received the award for 15 years of dedicated community service, told Chinese-language evening daily Shin Min Daily News in August that he joined the Woodlands community volunteer group at the urging of a friend. <\/p>\n
\u201cI joined out of curiosity, wanting to know what the volunteer group does, since I don\u2019t live in Woodlands,\u201d he said then.<\/p>\n
The actor added that he has contributed to\u00a0\u201cvarious activities\u201d, such as distributing supplies to underprivileged families, performing at festive events, raising funds and assisting at Meet-the-People Sessions.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Shin Min on Nov 17, he said: \u201cI served the community back then simply with a heart to do my best and give back to society. I never thought about any reward.<\/p>\n
\u201cReceiving the Public Service Medal is something I\u2019m very grateful for, and it feels like a form of recognition. Receiving the medal from the President felt like an honour.\u201d <\/p>\n
Zheng believes that artistes can leverage their influence to set an example and inspire the public to contribute to society and the nation.<\/p>\n
He told Shin Min: \u201cI\u2019ve never felt any pressure while volunteering. We should give back to society as we are public figures supported by the public.\u201d<\/p>\n