Workers’ Party (WP) chairwoman Sylvia Lim and former national footballer Quah Kim Song tied the knot on 4 January 2025, marking a significant milestone in their 12-year relationship.
The ceremony, held at the Church of St Mary of the Angels in Bukit Batok, was attended by 40 family members.
Lim, 59, and Quah, 72, opted for a private affair without political or footballing guests.
Lim described the event as a meaningful way to “kick-start the new year with this new chapter” in their lives. For Lim, the location held personal significance, as she had been a choir member at the church.
The couple first announced their plans to marry in October 2024, when Sylvia Lim confirmed the news in response to a query from CNA.
At the time, she shared that the ceremony would take place in January 2025 and be attended by family members. Quah later affirmed the plans in an interview, expressing their joy at embarking on this next chapter. The announcement came as a pleasant surprise to many, drawing attention to their long-standing relationship, which began in 2013.
Despite differing accounts of whether it was Simon and Garfunkel’s El Condor Pasa or Keith Locke and The Quests’ Don’t Play That Song, their shared passion for music and sports has been a cornerstone of their relationship.
A day of emotions
Known for his composure during high-pressure football matches, Quah admitted to being nervous on his wedding day. “Even the priest remarked that I looked nervous, and I was,” he told The Straits Times.
He credited Lim’s calm presence and her leading of the Responsorial Psalm for steadying him.
Later that evening, Lim posted a black-and-white photograph of the couple on social media.
Captioned with the traditional vow, “For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health,” the Instagram post received over 5,000 likes and hundreds of congratulatory messages by the following morning.
Reflections on their journey
Quah, a widower whose first wife, Shirley Wang, passed away in 2007, has two children and five grandchildren who have supported his relationship with Lim.
He had previously spoken about the importance of companionship in later years, saying, “Loneliness can be very frightening. It’s precious to have someone to share your life with.”
Lim, who has been WP chair since 2003 and an MP for Aljunied GRC since 2011, praised Quah’s grounded nature and his life perspective, saying he helps her focus on what truly matters. Quah, in turn, admires Lim’s courage and dedication to standing up for her beliefs.
Looking forward
The couple has not confirmed honeymoon plans, with Lim’s political responsibilities taking precedence as Singapore prepares for a general election due by November 2025. Quah expressed his commitment to supporting Lim in all her endeavours, saying, “I hope we will live happily to a ripe old age together.”
Their marriage brings together two of Singapore’s prominent figures from distinct spheres—sports and politics. Despite their public profiles, the couple has maintained a low-key personal life, avoiding discussions about politics in their relationship.
This union reflects a harmonious blend of shared values, personal growth, and mutual respect, offering a glimpse into a partnership rooted in love and understanding.
