Seniors at Compassvale Crescent were greeted by a new Labubu plushie keychain dressed in white during a grocery distribution drive on 22 September by the People’s Action Party (PAP) Sengkang team. Sengkang West branch chairman Lam Pin Min shared photos of the event on Facebook, showing him and the doll in matching white shirts with the red-and-blue PAP logo. The doll, dubbed the team’s “latest and cutest volunteer,” even featured in a TikTok video posted on 23 September.
Background
Labubu is a plushie keychain sold by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, known for its blind “gacha” boxes containing various doll variations. The toy gained popularity after Blackpink’s Lisa was seen using it as a bag charm, leading to long queues outside Pop Mart stores. The PAP-themed Labubu doll’s appearance at the grocery drive added a whimsical touch to the event, highlighting the party’s community engagement efforts.
Social media buzz
Lam Pin Min’s Facebook post featuring the Labubu doll garnered attention, with photos showing the doll in a photoshoot and a group photo with the team. The TikTok video, where the doll was passed around by team members, added to the social media buzz. “Very demure, very cutesy,” Lam commented on the doll’s appearance in the video.
Community engagement
The grocery distribution drive at Compassvale Crescent is part of the PAP Sengkang team’s ongoing efforts to support senior citizens in the community. The introduction of the Labubu doll as a “volunteer” was a light-hearted addition to the event, aiming to bring smiles to the faces of the elderly residents. Lam Pin Min’s initiative reflects the party’s commitment to engaging with the community in creative and meaningful ways.
Popularity of Labubu
Labubu’s popularity surged after Blackpink’s Lisa was seen with the doll, causing an “immediate effect” with queues forming outside Pop Mart stores for days, according to Pop Mart International’s market director. The doll’s appearance at the PAP event is a testament to its widespread appeal and the influence of pop culture on community activities.
Future implications
The use of popular culture icons like Labubu in community events could become a trend, as organisations look for innovative ways to engage with the public. The PAP Sengkang team’s creative approach may inspire other groups to incorporate similar elements into their outreach efforts, enhancing community engagement and making events more memorable.
