PM Wong on the 32 new PAP candidates fielded in GE2025

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced all 32 new candidates that the People's Action Party (PAP) will be fielding in GE2025.

The announcement was made by PM Wong at the unveiling of the PAP's manifesto on Apr. 17.

According to PM Wong, it is the largest slate of new faces to be fielded in recent history.

The candidates hail from diverse backgrounds including the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), public service, private sector, academia, unions and NGOs.

Here's what PM Wong had to say about them:

1. Cai Yinzhou

Cai Yinzhou is a young social entrepreneur.

He was also a legislative assistant for Nee Soon GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Louis Ng.

"He will learn from Louis to advocate for social causes," said PM Wong.

2. Charlene Chen

Charlene Chen is a Nanyang Technological University (NTU) professor who is passionate about working with young people.

"We put her in Tampines earlier, and she has already started making an impact there. So, well done!" said PM Wong.

3. Elysa Chen

Elysa Chen has many years of experience in the social service sector and is passionate about uplifting children and young people.

"She will speak up for these causes," said PM Wong.

4. Choo Pei Ling

Choo Pei Ling is a neuroscientist and professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).

Choo is also a dedicated community volunteer.

"I'm sure she will represent well the many young families in Tengah and Choa Chu Kang, where we are fielding her," said PM Wong.

5. Dinesh Vasu Dash

Dinesh Vasu Dash is the man who implemented Singapore's national vaccination campaign during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"He did an excellent job of it, and I'm sure he will do an equally good job for our residents," PM Wong said.

6. Foo Cexiang

Foo Cexiang used to be a civil servant and is now working at PSA.

"He has a can-do spirit and a passion to serve, and I have no doubt he will do well on the ground," said PM Wong.

7. Gho Sze Kee

Gho Sze Kee is a dedicated party activist of 13 years, and also spoke at the PAP Convention in 2021.

"Many of us were impressed by her fighting spirit, and I have no doubt she will make a good MP," said PM Wong.

8. Goh Hanyan

Goh Hanyan is a former civil servant.

Her father is a veteran grassroots leader and her mother is a teacher.

PM Wong said the "spirit of service runs deep in her family" and Goh is proudly carrying it forward today.

9. Goh Pei Ming

Goh Pei Ming was a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officer and also a dedicated grassroots leader.

17 years ago, former East Coast GRC Lee Yi Shyan met Goh at a house visit, and invited

him to serve, to which Goh said yes.

"Last year, we invited him for tea. I’m glad he said “yes” again, and is now ready to serve in a new way," said PM Wong.

10. Hamid Razak

Hamid Razak is an orthopaedic surgeon, but importantly "a doctor with a heart", said PM Wong.

Hamid has been volunteering in Jurong for 17 years.

"I'm sure he will make a good MP for West Coast-Jurong," added PM Wong.

11. Hazlina Abdul Halim

Hazlina Abdul Halim is known for her time as a newscaster.

Hazlina also has a range of experiences, including journalism, communications, and time in various social service agencies.

"She works well with people and will be passionate about uplifting vulnerable groups," said PM Wong.

12. David Hoe

David Hoe, director of philanthropy at registered charity Majurity Trust, had a difficult time growing up.

But he persevered and, with the support of teachers and friends, eventually found his calling.

"He's been paying it forward ever since, and he will do more in Jurong East-Bukit Batok," said PM Wong.

13. Gabriel Lam

Gabriel Lam is known as the “mover of things” as he runs a moving business.

"He's a firm believer in giving people second chances and he supports ex-offenders to help them find new purpose. I'm sure he will speak up for them," said PM Wong.

14. Jackson Lam

Jackson Lam started volunteering in Chong Pang grassroots activities and has a heart for seniors and underprivileged young people.

"He is someone who will spend time on the ground building strong local networks, and he will be a plus in whichever team he is fielded," PM Wong said.

15. Jasmin Lau

Jasmin Lau, a former civil servant, previously represented Singapore in netball.

"Sports has shaped her belief about the importance of teamwork and I am confident she will add to our team," said PM Wong.

16. Cassandra Lee

Cassandra Lee is a lawyer and long-time volunteer in Yuhua with Yuhua MP Grace Fu.

She is being fielded in West Coast-Jurong West GRC.

"I know Grace is disappointed to lose her, but she will still be in the neighbourhood...serving in West Coast-Jurong West," said PM Wong.

17. Lee Hui Ying

Lee Hui Ying started volunteering in Nee Soon when she was 19.

"She is good with people and gets along well with residents, and she will help the team build strong community bonds," said PM Wong.

18. Valerie Lee

Valerie Lee is a young mother who cares deeply about sustainability and the environment.

"She will advance green initiatives and speak up for families," PM Wong said.

19. Shawn Loh

Shawn Loh, former Ministry of Finance (MOF) director, previously worked with PM Wong on two Budgets.

"I know he has a good heart and he will make a positive difference," PM Wong said.

20. David Neo

David Neo, former Chief of Army, worked closely with PM Wong during Covid-19.

He was one of the commanders in charge when SAF stepped in to help with the outbreak in the migrant worker dormitories.

"He was steady. He got things done. I saw him up close in action and I know he will put his heart and soul in getting the mission achieved, no matter how difficult the task," said PM Wong.

"And he will do that for his residents too."

21. Ng Shi Xuan

Ng Shi Xuan is a business leader and youth volunteer.

Ng met PM Wong at a People's Association (PA) youth event.

They share three things in common — both attended the same secondary school, junior college (JC) and took choir as a CCA in JC.

"He's a good person. He's spending time in Sembawang with Gabriel (Lam), and getting to know residents there," said PM Wong.

22. Diana Pang

Diana Pang has been a community leader for over 20 years.

Pang has trained Pioneer Generation Ambassadors in East Coast and also solemnised more than 350 marriages.

"I'm sure she will build strong community networks wherever she goes," said PM Wong.

23. Jeffrey Siow

Jeffrey Siow is a former permanent secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

This is not his first election, as he ran for the Students’ Council in JC with the slogan “Vote like Siow, For Jeff Siow”.

"He got elected then, and I hope residents in Choa Chu Kang will strongly support him this time!" said PM Wong.

24. Syed Harun Alhabsyi

Syed Harun Alhabsyi is a psychiatrist and advocate for mental health.

Through his role as president of investment company LBKM, Syed Harun has helped provide financial support for young Malay-Muslims.

"He has done well in his career, and wants to give back...I'm sure he will now be able to serve in a different way," said PM Wong.

25. Adrian Ang

Adrian Ang served as Toa Payoh-Thomson branch secretary for more than 10 years.

"He's a good steady person with ground experience. When we asked him if he was prepared to go to Aljunied, he said yes without hesitation," said PM Wong.

26. Elmie Nekmat

Elmie Nekmat is a professor of communications and new media at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

He has also been Sengkang Central branch chair for the past four years.

"He's putting what he teaches to good use on his social media platforms, forging close

bonds with residents," said PM Wong.

27. Faisal Abdul Aziz

Faisal Abdul Aziz is a dental surgeon and has been a community volunteer since his school days.

"He's served in Kaki Bukit for 10 years, so the volunteers and residents know him well," said PM Wong.

28. Bernadette Giam

Bernadette Giam has been speaking up for small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) and issues regarding women.

"I'm sure she will be an equally strong advocate for working parents and the youth in Sengkang, where she has been active[ly] serving since we fielded her," PM Wong said.

29. Theodora Lai

Theodora Lai has been active with PAP for many years and previously worked with PM Wong as part of the PAP Policy Forum (PPF).

She also built a network — the Young Women’s Leadership Connection (YWLC) — to connect and empower fellow young female leaders.

"She has been actively walking the ground in Sengkang, even through the arrival of her second child. I am sure she will continue to speak up for issues like caregivers and families and represent well the residents of Singapore," said PM Wong.

30. Marshall Lim

Marshall Lim is a criminal lawyer "with a heart for the underdog", said PM Wong.

Lim has done pro bono legal work, and previously served in the Public Defenders Office.

"I hope the people of Hougang will give him the chance to represent them," PM Wong added.

31. Daniel Liu

Daniel Liu has made an impact on social media with "his witty remarks and comparisons with Ed Sheeran", quipped PM Wong.

PM Wong added that Liu wants to create more opportunities so that every Singaporean can achieve their own version of success, no matter their starting point.

32. Jagathishwaran Rajo

Jagathishwaran Rajo — also known as Jaga — is a dedicated party activist, serving first in Holland-Bukit Timah and later Aljunied.

He is also a long-time trade unionist in NTUC who advocates for freelancers and self-employed persons.

"I am sure he will speak up for his residents too," noted PM Wong.

Closing remarks

In closing, PM Wong said he is proud of all the new PAP candidates.

"They represent a wide range of life experiences and backgrounds. They are here to serve and to find good solutions for their residents and for Singapore."

Top image by Mothership