WP GE2025 candidate Kenneth Foo, 49, wins NSman of the Year award

Workers' Party (WP) leader Kenneth Foo, 49, was named NSman of the Year on Jul. 1.

According to a Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) press release, 20 NSmen received awards during the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day celebrations in recognition of their "sterling contributions".

In addition, 12 active units and 18 NS units were honoured for their "outstanding achievements".

Foo, who contested in the 2025 General Election, received the award from Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing.

Thanked his wife

In a LinkedIn post, the lieutenant colonel thanked his wife for her unwavering support over the years.

"Sometimes, I even dragged you along to army events and ended that you are left alone as I go around engaging fellow friends," Foo wrote.

Photos shared by well-wishers showed Foo's wife standing beside him as he accepted the award from Chan.

WP chief Pritam Singh also congratulated Foo in a Facebook post, saying he had been recognised for his "excellent national service performance and contributions".

"Thank you for serving as a role model for so many of us, and anyone in uniform. Well done and congratulations! Majulah Singapura!"

Previously contested in GE2025

Foo currently serves as the WP's deputy organising secretary. He contested Tampines Changkat SMC in the 2025 General Election, where he lost to the People's Action Party's Desmond Choo after securing 43.83 per cent of the valid votes.

He joined the WP in 2006 and was previously part of the party's East Coast GRC team in the 2020 General Election.

In a candidate introduction video released on May 1, 2025, the party said Foo serves under the Reservist on Voluntary Extended Reserve Service (ROVERS) scheme, through which Singaporeans voluntarily extend their National Service beyond mandatory obligations.

He is also a recipient of the Singapore Armed Forces Long Service and Good Conduct (20 Years) Medal.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Foo is the head of governance and risk at the Singapore Cancer Society, where he has worked for the past 11 years.