Who is Melissa Tan, the new face spotted with PAP at Fengshan?

A new face has been spotted walking the grounds of Fengshan with the People's Action Party (PAP) on Nov. 17, giving out teddy bears as part of the party's 70th anniversary celebrations.

Identified as Chief Executive Officer of waste management firm Wah and Hua, Melissa Tan, 46, was seen giving out teddy bears to residents at the Bedok 85 Market alongside fellow East Coast GRC Members of Parliament (MP).

Tan was also seen at the Healthy Women, Healthier Families 2024 event held at Heartbeat @ Bedok on Nov. 10.

Her public appearances have sparked speculation about her potential candidacy for the next General Election.

When asked by The Straits Times if she is a potential candidate in the next general election, Tan predictably said she was unable to comment.

However, she did tell ST that she was a volunteer with the party for many years, and from time to time, she visits other areas to see how they conduct their activities.

East Coast GRC is currently helmed by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and includes Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Maliki Osman, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development & Information and National Development Tan Kiat How, and Jessica Tan.

Who is Melissa Tan?

Tan is familiar with environmental affairs.

Apart from helming Wah and Hua—which she took over in 2000 from her father—Tan currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS).

She is also a Board Member representing the Asia-Pacific region at the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).

Tan also holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from Curtin University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Leicester.

Tan has also volunteered with the party for 20 years, reported The Straits Times.

She was most active in Hong Kah North SMC helmed by PAP MP Amy Khor, however, and only started joining the Fengshan team earlier this month.

Chan shared with ST that the party had been sending members around various districts to "test the vibes on the ground".

Next general election to be held by Nov. 2025

The next general election must be held by Nov. 2025.

However, before an election can be called, the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) must first be convened.

Most recently on Nov. 8, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong shared that the EBRC has not yet been convened, and when the next election will be held has not been decided.

PM Wong shared that the party is preparing for the next general election and continues to look for new candidates to join.

"We have been very active in meeting people, identifying potential candidates and when the time comes, I hope to be able to unveil a good slate of candidates for Singaporeans," he added.

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Top image from Melissa Tan/LinkedIn