Who is MVP, the 1-man party intending to contest East Coast GRC in GE2025?

You may have heard whispers of a new party that plans to contest East Coast GRC.

The Most Valuable Party (MVP) turned up in March 2025. It began sharing social media posts about its recruitment drive, looking for "interested politicians" to join its team.

So who is behind the MVP, and what prompted a new party to enter Singapore's political field?

Intention

MVP is led by 32-year-old entrepreneur Chia Yun Kai.

Speaking to Mothership, Chia said that he knew as early as 2020 that he wanted to run.

That was when the People's Action Party (PAP) fielded Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in East Coast GRC.

Chia said that DPM Heng's "last-minute" entry into the East Coast team made him realise that "he was incapable of even announcing the plans he had for us".

As an East Coast resident who has lived in the area for the past 20 years, Chia also felt that "little improvement" was made beyond the "generic improvements and more community events."

The entrepreneur added that his intention was further fuelled by numerous incidents, including the recent incident between Progress Singapore Party's Leong Mun Wai and Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng and the resignations of Workers' Party (WP) Nicole Seah and Leon Perera.

He also criticised the WP leader, Pritam Singh, as being "not 'strong' enough to lead the team in East Coast GRC".

When asked how he came up with his party name, Chia explained that "MVP" is simply a universal abbreviation for "Most Valuable", and as it is a political party, "MVP" fits.

"Not just the opposition"

Chia claimed that the MVP will challenge "outdated systems" and "champion policies" that prioritise Singaporeans.

"We are not just the opposition, we are the architects of a better tomorrow. MVP will provide 'Singaporeans first' solutions that ensure inclusivity, sustainability and a prosperous future for generations to come."

He added that the party will tackle rising costs, job security, and economic resilience, which he deems the biggest challenges of the time, through policies that place "Singaporeans at the heart of every decision".

"No more band-aid solutions or empty promises—just clear, effective action to improve lives and create lasting opportunities."

On Apr. 14, Chia shared that he has shortlisted and confirmed two other candidates but is still looking for two more to complete his team.

He also added that he would contest East Coast GRC "whether or not the party is approved", as the party has not been registered as a political party.

"As per Elections Departement (ELD) website, we can continue to contest as 'independent candidates standing as a group'."

When asked how he intends to raise funds to run his campaign, as it could be costly, Chia said that MVP will showcase "a slew of innovative campaigning ideas."

"While in the past it may take huge resources to run a campaign, with the current technology and social media presence, we believe we can pull this off," he noted.

Why GRC over SMC?

Chia shared his preference to run as a party candidate over an independent candidate, as an independent candidate "always has the 'negative connotation' of being self-serving and egoistic."

In addition, having lived in the East Coast GRC area for 20 years, he feels an affinity for it.

"I think I want to speak to the residents of East Coast, 'my own town'. I always jokingly say, if they do carve out a Bedok SMC, I might actually run for an SMC."

MVP doesn't have concrete policy proposals or even a manifesto at this moment. But Chia is undeterred, urging naysayers to review the party's policy proposals when they are released.

"It's precisely because we are so different that you will find us bringing the most value in Parliament.

I hope that at the end of the day, citizens will read more than just our name and realise we are dead serious about running in this GE2025."

Top photo courtesy of Chia Yun Kai & MVP/Facebook