'While I may look young, I've walked several paths': PAP Tampines candidate Charlene Chen says leadership isn't about looks

With her diminutive frame and baby face, Charlene Chen looks much younger than she is.

"Now I know what some of you may be thinking, because some of you in Tampines have said it to me before," she said.

"How is this ah mui (little sister in Hokkien) going to help me fix my lift breakdowns and my ageing estate? How is this little girl going to help represent my voice in Parliament?"

Speaking at the candidate introduction session for Tampines on Apr. 16, Chen acknowledged that "it's sometimes important to look old, to look wise".

"But while I may look young, I've walked several paths," she said.

Mother, psychologist, academic

Chen is a mother of two, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University, and a psychologist by training.

"I study people, how they make decisions, what shapes their behaviours, and how we can build a stronger, more caring community for the future."

She added that her baby face can be a boon rather than a bane, as it allows her to connect with younger people.

As part of the People's Action Party's (PAP) candidate line-up for Tampines GRC, Chen will stand with fellow new face David Neo, anchor minister Masagos Zulkifli, and former Tampines MPs Baey Yam Keng and Koh Poh Koon.

She was earlier appointed a member of the Tampines Town Council and has been serving at Tampines East since June 2024.

More than looks

Chen rounded off her introductory speech by stressing that "at the heart of it, leadership isn't about how old you look".

"It's about understanding people's lives. It's about bringing energy, empathy, and ideas to make things better for everyone," she said.

"So yes, I may look young, but I've spent my life studying people, serving the community, and raising my family here in Singapore."

Right at the end, the baby-faced candidate quipped:

"And just so we're clear, I am 43 this year.

And I'm ready to serve."

Top image by Ilyda Chua