Red Dot United (RDU) Secretary-General Ravi Philemon has publicly endorsed Emily Woo as the party’s leading figure for Jurong Central Single Member Constituency (SMC), praising her longstanding ties to the area and active community engagement.
In a Facebook post published on 24 March 2025, Philemon recounted his experience at a grassroots event in Jurong Central last December, drawing a clear comparison between Woo and incumbent People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament Xie Yao Quan.
According to Philemon, he attended a “Coffee Talk” session organised by the Jurong Central Zone E Residents’ Network on 10 December 2023. Although not officially invited, he said he was encouraged to attend by local residents.
Residents voice cost-of-living concerns at grassroots event
During the event, he noted that Xie, the area’s grassroots adviser, arrived late and chose not to give a speech, opting instead for informal mingling.
Philemon recounted that some residents had hoped for a discussion on pressing issues, such as rising costs of living.
A resident reportedly commented on high breakfast costs, noting, “Nowadays go out for breakfast, must spend at least S$5 or S$6 per person.”
However, Philemon said the event lacked the necessary structure to address such concerns meaningfully.
He contrasted this experience with his work alongside Woo, describing her as a leader “rooted” in the Jurong Central community. “She’s not parachuted in,” Philemon wrote.
“She shops where her neighbours shop, eats where they eat, and hears the same kopitiam chatter.”
Emily Woo potential face-off with PAP’s Xie Yao Quan in new Jurong Central SMC
Woo, 59, a former school teacher and Jurong Central resident, was introduced as RDU’s team lead for the constituency during a walkabout on 23 March.
The event marked RDU’s first outreach activity in the newly created SMC, which was carved out from Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee on 11 March.
Jurong Central SMC now has an electorate of 29,620 and comprises residents from both Jurong GRC and Yuhua SMC.
During the walkabout, Woo engaged with residents at Yuhua Market and Hawker Centre, addressing concerns such as employment challenges for older Singaporeans and the increasing cost of living.
“I understand firsthand how difficult it is to get jobs on a regular basis,” she told media.
“Many from the Merdeka, Pioneer, and Majulah generations face challenges securing employment.”
She also noted that RDU aims to provide better support for older workers while addressing broader issues of job security for younger Singaporeans.
Philemon’s post highlighted Woo’s commitment to consistent, on-the-ground work.
“She arrives early—not because it looks good, but because she doesn’t believe in keeping residents waiting,” he said.
“Emily doesn’t need stage lights or a microphone… What she brings is genuine respect.”
While Woo has not confirmed her candidacy for GE2025, her designation as RDU’s team lead signals the party’s intent to contest the constituency.
Philemon acknowledged this publicly during the walkabout. “It’s too early to say.
But it’s plain for everyone to see that Emily is here,” he said.
“We’ll send our best candidate to contest in this constituency.”
Philemon also voiced disappointment over the redrawing of electoral boundaries, which resulted in the dissolution of Jurong GRC, where RDU had previously contested in 2020.
In GE2020, RDU contested Jurong GRC with Philemon leading the team, securing 25.38% of the vote against the PAP, which garnered 74.62%.
The PAP team at the time included Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Tan Wu Meng, Rahayu Mahzam, Shawn Huang, and Xie Yao Quan.
Xie, 40, now oversees the Jurong Central division and has expressed interest in standing for election in the SMC, although he stated that his candidacy is subject to party leadership’s decision.
“I think it is going to be good for residents to have a chance to exercise their democratic right,” Xie said, responding to media queries on 23 March.
Philemon’s post, while not overtly political in tone, underscores RDU’s broader messaging in Jurong Central—positioning Woo as a community-first leader with strong local grounding, in contrast to what he suggested was a less engaged approach by the incumbent.
RDU continues to prepare for GE2025 by building its presence in multiple constituencies, including Jalan Kayu SMC, where Kala Manickam has been introduced as groundwork leader.
With political attention turning toward new and redrawn constituencies, the battle for Jurong Central SMC is expected to be closely watched as both RDU and PAP prepare for the upcoming election.
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