The new face of the National Solidarity Party (NSP) back in 2015, Kevryn Lim, then 26 years old, burst onto Singapore's political scene as the candidate the party is fielding after Nicole Seah's impressionable contest in 2011.

Lim 5 years after GE2015

Speaking to Mothership in a virtual interview, Lim, now 31, tells us that while she is not contesting in the 2020 General Election (GE), she is still very much involved in politics as a member of the NSP.

She added that although the party lost in the 2015 GE -- their Sembawang GRC team lost to the PAP team led by then-National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan by more than 44 percentage points -- they have not stopped walking the ground in the last five years.

A trawl through her public Facebook profile shows pictures taken of their walkabouts in the past years, such as here and here.

This coming GE2020, the NSP is contesting in both Sembawang and Tampines GRCs, running against the incumbent PAP teams led by Education Minister Ong Ye Kung and Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli respectively.

Lim, who was seen at a walkabout in Sembawang GRC last Saturday, June 27, volunteers with the party in her spare time on top of her full-time job as an assistant manager at Marina Bay Sands.

The NSP is fielding business consultant Spencer Ng, managing director of Knight Royal Management International Sebastian Teo, business consultant Yeo Tiong Boon, business development director at DCA management Yadzeth Hairis, and owner of car detailing studio Sathin Ravindran.

As the brand manager at AVRY Nighclub and f.Club Singapore previously, she lists deejaying as one of her skills as well.

Not contesting in GE2020, but not out of politics

Here's our interview with her, in full:

1. So... how’s life? What happened after the 2015 election and why are you not in politics anymore?

"I am currently focusing on my career and my family. My son is now in Primary 1 and I would like to make sure he’s not distracted by my political career and be able to focus in school. Back in 2015, he was just two years old.

However, I am still actively serving as a volunteer behind the scenes."

2. Have you been partying?

"I have been heading to parties to catch up with my friends and attend functions."

3. In 2015, you talked about inclusive policies to help single mothers if elected. Do you think the government’s policies for single parents have improved since then?

"It has definitely been improved since the last election. For example, single mothers are granted 16 weeks of maternity paid leave and they are now also eligible for the baby bonus grant. For these, on behalf of the single mothers, I would like to thank the government for making such changes to improve their lives.

However, I believe that more should and can be done. For example, the housing issue. These policies can be reviewed to aid single mums further and I understand that there was an over application for HDB by single mothers which I think should be further reviewed."

4. Can you still speak Spanish?

"Yes I can still speak basic and conversational Spanish. Hola!"

5. Looking back on your experience in GE2015, is there anything you think you could have done better?

"Yes of course. I think that I could improve my public speaking skills to convince more people that age is not a factor. Many thought that I was too young and not suitable for this.

However, ironically, now we need more young people who are more vocal to voice out more and remind the rest of the youth that they are an important part of the society we are in today and they should play a part in shaping their future."

6. Is GE2020 different from GE2015?

"With Covid-19, there are much more insecurities for Singaporean families this GE2020. I think that this will affect how voters will choose their next government.

Also due to many of the new regulations and restrictions for the campaign, this GE has become tougher but at the same time more exciting because I see more and more qualified and stronger calibre of candidates presenting themselves and speaking up to represent the unheard.

Also another major difference is that we are mainly doing online campaigns. This has definitely allowed us to reach out to more people nation-wide and gain more exposure.

However, there is a very high chance that a big chunk of group will be missing out as the majority of Singaporeans are not tech-savvy given our ageing population."

7. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition in Singapore?

"I’d say that the strength of the opposition is that they are more grounded and would know the needs of the Singaporeans better. They get the most unfiltered problems faced by Singaporeans.

However, the weakness is that too many Singaporeans are afraid of a change if the oppositions get voted in. Many fail to understand that change cannot be done overnight, but only progressively."

8. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of the PAP?

"They have been in parliament for the longest time and they have vast experience within. They have many elites too. However, many of them are out of touch with what is really happening on the ground.

You can have many doctors and scholars but if you are not able to connect with your residents, those certifications and qualifications will be of no use. It's like if a doctor doesn't know how to treat their patient, then what use are they of? I also mentioned this during my campaign in the last GE2015 that many of our MPs are also ministers, how can one hold two designations and still be able to serve the residents?

In times of policy making, will they be putting the country or their residents first?"

9. What do you say to people who thought your entry into politics wasn’t serious?

"I understand why they would think this way, however, I assure you that I am still committed to the future of Singapore especially towards the single parents community.

I am here to prove that I am serious in politics, that’s why I haven’t never left the scene and still actively walking the ground.

Like they say, only time can tell..."

10. Every GE, someone will be put under the spotlight. A while back, it was Ivan Lim. Any thoughts?

"Everyone has their life story and I think the internet was too quick to judge him.

I have not much comment on his incident and only want to wish him and his family well."

11. Do you think women candidates have a tougher time in politics? Why or why not?

"I believe it is not easy but I think that as long as women work hard and are dedicated to serve, they can also achieve greatness in the political arena.

Some great examples are Sylvia Lim and Lee Bee Wah."

12. Will you contest again in future elections? Why or why not?

"Yes, I definitely will contest again in future elections because I still believe in making a change for fellow Singaporeans.

I would still be championing for the single parents community. One example is subsidies for childhood education for kids for single parent families. It is tough for me to work while taking care of my child at the same time."

Top image adapted via Kevryn Lim's Facebook