GE2025
PAP's Desmond Choo on standing in Tampines Changkat SMC
"There were setbacks in the earlier years when I did not create an outcome, but that has been a source of motivation," he said.
April 16, 2025, 01:39 PM
Despite being carved out into an SMC, Tampines Changkat is not on its own, said Desmond Choo.
Choo, the People's Action Party's (PAP) candidate for the new SMC, pointed out the "deep ties" between Tampines Changkat and the larger Tampines GRC.
Both constituencies will continue to collaborate and share resources, he said in a candidate introduction session on Apr. 16.
The 46-year-old added that he hopes to provide the SMC with "dedicated local attention", built on the strength of the wider Tampines family.
Losing to WP
Choo also spoke about his feelings about standing alone in what's expected to be a hotly-contested constituency.
While it is not known yet who Choo will be facing in GE2025, a few opposition parties have indicated interest in contesting in Tampines.
As many as three opposition parties — the Workers' Party, the National Solidarity Party, and the People's Power Party — have been spotted walking the ground in Tampines.
Choo previously went head-to-head with the former on two occasions as the PAP's candidate for Hougang SMC, in the 2011 General Election and the 2012 by-election.
But he lost both times.
On his losses, Choo acknowledged the "ups and downs" he'd faced: "There were setbacks in the earlier years when I did not create an outcome, but that has been a source of motivation."
"Learning how to serve better, how to guide my people better, and also how to be a better person myself. I've got these lessons learnt, these experiences, to serving my residents in Changkat over the last 10 years."
At the same time, he does not take residents' support for granted, he said.
"Even though my team and myself have worked hard for the last 10 years, there's a lot more to do. Because we are never done building a nation.
And I do look forward to the next chapter, if I'm successfully elected."
"Always part of our team"
Tampines GRC anchor minister Masagos Zulkifli reiterated that the two constituencies would still work together, despite being separated.
"Desmond will always be part of our team," he said.
"Let me assure residents that [Tampines Changkat SMC], is very much part of our Tampines town, and part of our plans."
He added that "no one will be left behind" in Tampines.
"That's what we promised our residents," he said.
Top image by Ilyda Chua
