As Singapore’s election looms, Andrew Ong reflects on the path to empathy, equality, and reintegration for ex-offenders
As the 2025 General Election approaches, Singapore finds itself at a crossroads, with important conversations about the nation’s future at the forefront. Among those pushing for change is Andrew Ong, a former gang member who, after a turbulent past marked by crime and incarceration, has dedicated his life to helping others in similar situations rebuild theirs.
Having spent years caught in a cycle of crime, gang involvement, and prison, Ong’s life took a transformative turn after his release in 2000. Instead of returning to old habits, he embarked on a journey of change. Today, he leads Break The Cycle (BTC), an initiative that uses cycling as a means to help ex-offenders reclaim their sense of purpose, discipline, and belonging.
“I know the stigma we face as ex-offenders,” Ong says. “But I also know the power of support, understanding, and the second chances that can change everything.”
Looking ahead to 2030, Ong is hopeful about the future of Singapore. He envisions a country where ex-offenders are not defined by their past but are given the opportunity to thrive. His key message is the need for fairer hiring practices, which he believes would drastically improve the lives of many ex-offenders struggling to find meaningful employment.
“The current requirement to declare criminal records on job applications is a huge barrier,” he explains. “It’s more than just finding a job; it’s about securing a career and rebuilding a life. We need employers to focus on a person’s skills and potential, not just their past.”
While Singapore is making progress—such as the recent passing of the Workplace Fairness Bill, which tackles discrimination based on various personal factors—Ong believes there’s still work to be done to ensure that ex-offenders are given a fair shot in the job market.
“Right now, the moment you declare your criminal record, it feels like you’ve been condemned. The chances of securing a job evaporate,” Ong says. “It’s not about removing the declaration altogether but taking a more nuanced approach, especially in industries where past mistakes might not matter as much.”
Beyond employment, Ong highlights the critical challenge of societal attitudes, which he feels are becoming more judgmental, particularly in the age of social media. He points to the case of SimonBoy, an ex-offender who recently became the target of harsh online criticism after a personal tragedy.
“We need to stop judging people based on fragments of their lives that we see online. It’s about understanding the full story,” Ong asserts. “For many of us, we’re not just trying to rebuild our lives; we’re also fighting against the stigma that follows us everywhere.”
Ong is also passionate about the need for greater empathy in society. He believes Singapore, while progressing economically, must prioritise social cohesion and inclusivity. As the world around us becomes more divided, Singapore must remain a beacon of compassion.
“What’s really important is empathy,” Ong reflects. “We need to recognise that not everyone has the same starting point in life. We must appreciate that the opportunities we’ve had may not be available to everyone. True success, as a society, means giving everyone—regardless of their past—a fair chance.”
Ong also stresses that, while keeping ex-offenders out of prison is important, reintegration goes beyond just avoiding reoffending. He argues that real transformation occurs when ex-offenders are given opportunities to truly rebuild their lives—through meaningful careers and continuous support.
“Providing jobs for ex-offenders is a great start, but we need to ask: what’s next? What’s the path forward?” he says. “If we truly want to reduce recidivism, we need to focus on helping them build careers, not just filling labour shortages with temporary work.”
Reflecting on Singapore’s fast pace of progress, Ong also calls for a moment of pause—a time to slow down and understand the emotional and psychological needs of those attempting to reintegrate. “Rebuilding a life takes time. It’s not just about work; it’s about healing,” he explains.
Ong’s own transformation from an ex-offender to a role model and advocate for second chances exemplifies what he hopes to see more of in Singapore: a nation that champions the power of empathy, inclusion, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to change.
By 2030, Ong hopes Singapore will be known not just for its economic prosperity but for its commitment to inclusivity, where people are not judged by their past but are embraced for who they are today and what they can contribute to society.
