Singaporean actor-producer Zheng Geping has been awarded the Public Service Medal for his volunteer contributions at the Woodlands Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC).
The 61-year-old, whose legal name is Edmund Tay Kok Peng, was among 7,210 recipients recognised in the 2025 National Day Awards list announced on Saturday (9 Aug) by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Zheng discovered his recognition just days before the announcement through Sembawang GRC MP Mariam Jaafar. The veteran Mediacorp star expressed surprise and gratitude when contacted by Shin Min Daily News about the honour.
Community Service Spanning Nearly 15 Years Despite Geographic Distance
Zheng began his volunteer journey approximately 15 years ago after a friend urged him to join the Woodlands CCC. The actor admitted his initial motivation was curiosity about the community volunteer group’s activities.
“I joined because of my curiosity about what the team does. I am not a resident of Woodlands,” Zheng told the Chinese daily.
Despite being part of Sembawang GRC rather than residing in Woodlands, Zheng committed to regular volunteer work. He discovered the experience was deeply meaningful and decided to dedicate himself to giving back to the community.
The actor’s volunteer responsibilities encompass distributing items to underprivileged families, performing at festive events, fundraising at charity events, and assisting during Meet-the-People sessions.
Zheng balances his entertainment career with community service, acknowledging that filming schedules and overseas work sometimes prevent volunteer participation. He arranges his professional commitments to make time for community activities whenever possible.
Family Involvement and Personal Fulfillment in Community Work
Zheng’s family actively participates in his volunteer efforts. His wife, 64-year-old actress Hong Huifang, joins community activities when not filming or promoting projects. Their children, 29-year-old actress Tay Ying and 25-year-old singer-actor Calvert Tay, also participate in fundraising events and community performances organised by his celebrity club.
Tay Ying married celebrity chef Wu Sihan (33) in June.
The actor finds the most gratifying aspect of volunteering is witnessing residents’ happiness, particularly elderly nursing home residents during outings. He values knowing that people his team has helped still remember their contributions.
On 25 Jul, Zheng joined about 10 other Singapore celebrities in a charity golf event benefiting Child at Street 11, a non-profit child development centre.
Zheng shared his gratitude on Instagram on 11 Aug, writing that the recognition belongs not only to him but also to his fellow Woodlands CCC volunteers, Woodlands residents, and MP Mariam Jaafar. He credited their trust, love and support as inspiration for continued service.
The actor has spent over 36 years with Mediacorp, appearing in numerous Channel 8 productions including The Return of the Condor Heroes and Like Father, Like Daughter.
Despite his extensive entertainment career, Zheng told reporters he believes he has only made small contributions to the community.
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