SINGAPORE: On 21 April 2025, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, anchor minister for Sembawang GRC, introduced the People’s Action Party (PAP) slate for the upcoming General Election via a video posted on his social media platforms.
The one-minute video marks the first candidate unveiling by the PAP conducted entirely online, replacing the traditional press conference approach.
The video featured Ong alongside incumbent MPs Mariam Jaafar and Vikram Nair, as well as new faces Ng Shi Xuan and Gabriel Lam.
The video ended with a group photo of all five candidates dressed in white, accompanied by the caption: “5 individuals, 1 team. A Sembawang for Everyone.”
Although the video did not explicitly state that the individuals were candidates, a PAP spokesperson confirmed to state media CNA that the five would form the party’s prospective team for Sembawang GRC.
New faces with community experience
Ng, 35, is the director of Powermark Battery & Hardware and has spent the past decade volunteering in MacPherson SMC, focusing on youth-related concerns.
Lam, 42, serves as chief operating officer of Shalom International Movers and has been active in Chong Pang as a volunteer. He has also supported community rehabilitation efforts in Sembawang in recent years.
Ong has publicly introduced both men at community events since late March.
Speaking at one such event, he described them as “very special,” praising their entrepreneurial backgrounds and dedication to both business and social service.
The PAP team in Sembawang GRC secured 67.29 per cent of the vote during the 2020 General Election, defeating the National Solidarity Party (NSP).
That slate included Ong, Vikram Nair, Mariam Jaafar, Lim Wee Kiak, and Poh Li San.
Since the election, Poh has been overseeing the Sembawang West ward, which was carved out into its own Single Member Constituency (SMC) following a March 2025 report by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee.
Sembawang GRC is now expected to have 133,919 voters in the upcoming polls.
Potential three-way race
The NSP has reiterated its intention to contest in Sembawang GRC once again.
Its party chief Spencer Ng confirmed on 20 April that he would lead the five-member slate, accompanied by private-hire driver and swimming coach Raiyian Chia.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has also declared its intention to stand in the GRC, setting the stage for a potential three-cornered contest.
Despite facing strong online criticism and calls to support more prominent opposition parties, NSP has chosen to press forward in Sembawang and Tampines GRCs.
However, Spencer Ng stated that NSP will not contest in several other constituencies—including Sembawang West SMC, Tampines Changkat SMC, Jalan Besar, Marine Parade-Braddell Heights, and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.
Ng cited the need for “responsible engagement” and a desire to support broader opposition unity as reasons for the decision.
Ong affirms need for early candidate announcements
Earlier this month, Ong stated that it was a “form of respect” to introduce candidates early to residents, even if finalising line-ups takes time.
He noted that this approach helps residents become familiar with their potential representatives, promoting transparency and accountability.
The post GE2025: PAP unveils Sembawang GRC team via social media video ahead of expected three-cornered contest appeared first on The Online Citizen.
