GE2025: 2 new PAP faces debut in Toa Payoh during walkabout with transport minister Chee Hong Tat

Two new faces were spotted walking the grounds at Toa Payoh on Apr. 13.

Kawal Pal Singh and Elysa Chen, both 41, joined Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat during a walkabout at Toa Payoh West Market and Food Centre.

The trio interacted with numerous residents and stall holders at the market.

Chee is one of four Members of Parliament (MP) in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, along with Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, Saktiandi Supaat and Chong Kee Hiong.

Speaking to the media, Chee said that he was happy to see younger people like Singh and Chen stepping forward to serve.

"I think they have passion to serve, heart in the right place, and they want to do something to give back to society," he added.

While Chee has expressed his hope to stay in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, he pointed out that the appointments are left up to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the PAP.

"I would very much hope to stay in Bishan-Toa Payoh. I've been serving here for the last 10 years, I've built up a relationship and a bond with our residents and community. And I certainly hope that I'll be given the chance to continue to serve them and their families here."

New faces at Toa Payoh

Singh, a lawyer at Tito Isaac & Co, previously volunteered at Sengkang with Lam Pin Min.

Speaking about his experience walking around to meet the residents in Toa Payoh, Singh said it has been "amazing" and that he is excited to see how else he can help move forward.

When asked what he brings to the table, Singh touched on his background. He had gone through the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), which is a different path from becoming a lawyer.

"I would say I bring hope, I bring perseverance. And using those values, I hope to serve wherever I can if given the opportunity."

In response to questions about this move from Sengkang to Bishan-Toa Payoh, Singh said he is happy to serve where required.

The other new face, Chen, is the executive director of social service agency CampusImpact.

Chen previously served as a PAP volunteer in Punggol.

Speaking of the interactions she had with the Toa Payoh residents, she noted the elderly residents' "vibrant spirit" and the issues that some residents have brought up to her, like the housing prices in Bishan as well as the requests for a wet market and hawker centre, which she hopes to help support if given the opportunity.

Top photos via Hannah Martens/Mothership