The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) will field Tony Tan Lay Thiam as its candidate for Kebun Baru Single Member Constituency (SMC) in the upcoming 14th General Election on 3 May, 2025.
This marks Tan’s first time contesting under the PSP banner, although he previously stood in the 2011 election as part of the National Solidarity Party (NSP).
The announcement was made on 17 April during a media event at Bishan North Shopping Centre, where party leaders met journalists to share details of their electoral plans.
Tan, 55, was earlier seen participating in outreach activities in Kebun Baru on 12 April, accompanied by his wife, PSP vice-chairperson Hazel Poa.
That same day, PSP confirmed its intention to contest five constituencies: Kebun Baru, Marymount, and Pioneer SMCs, along with West Coast–Jurong West and Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs).
With these constituencies, PSP is expected to field a total of 12 candidates in the General Election.
Kebun Baru SMC is not unfamiliar to PSP. In the 2020 General Election, the party’s candidate, Kumaran Pillai, contested the ward but was defeated by the People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate Henry Kwek, who secured 62.97 per cent of the vote.
Tan brings a diverse background to his candidacy. He studied Engineering at Cambridge University on a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) scholarship before returning to serve for nine years in the SAF.
During his military career, he served in multiple roles, including ground units, headquarters, and at the Ministry of Defence. He was recognised as the Top Student in several professional courses and was a distinguished graduate of the 1999 Singapore Command and Staff College.
Following his time in uniform, Tan transitioned to the education and gaming industries. Over the past 20 years, he has co-founded several successful businesses and is the co-author of multiple science guidebooks.
His ventures have received several accolades, including the Singapore Prestige Brand Award in 2007 and 2016, and the Bronze Award for Best Innovative Start-Up in 2016. His branding work was also recognised with the TBWA Branding Award in 2017.
Although he has not contested an election since 2011, Tan has remained politically active, volunteering with PSP since the 2020 General Election.
He has often shared how the SAF scholarship shaped his worldview, especially around meritocracy, opportunity, and public service.
He has also expressed concerns about economic inequality and the pressures faced by everyday Singaporeans.
Speaking previously, he said: “The high cost of living and economic uncertainty is going to weigh heavily on our society, stretching our social fabric.”
He added, “There will be Singaporeans who feel left behind. We, as a country, can do more for them.”
PSP’s broader strategy appears to be aimed at consolidating its presence in constituencies it previously contested, while reinforcing its positions on cost of living, housing, and social equity.
Singaporeans will cast their votes on 3 May 2025, in what will be the country’s 14th General Election since independence.
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