SINGAPORE: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Tuesday (Apr 22) formally confirmed the People's Action Party (PAP) slate for Sembawang GRC, which includes two new candidates, Ng Shi Xuan and Gabriel Lam.

Mr Ong had first introduced Mr Ng, 36, and Mr Lam, 43, on Mar 29 during a community event at Bukit Canberra, although he stopped short of confirming if they would be fielded at the time.

On Monday, Mr Ong put up a video on social media on Monday featuring all five candidates. The other members of the Sembawang team are Mr Vikram Nair, who has served in the ward for three terms, and one-term MP Mariam Jaafar. 

Introducing Mr Ng and Mr Lam on Tuesday, Mr Ong said: "I hope they bring that dynamism, that resourcefulness, that enterprise, into this community and help residents get things done, because in Sembawang, a lot of things has to be done."

A manifesto from the PAP's Sembawang GRC team will be released on Wednesday with the slogan "Sembawang, For Everyone", said Mr Ong.

"Ten years ago, we said 'Sayang Sembawang', because this is really a special place. Whatever we do, don't be reckless and sayang (Malay for "love") the place. Five years later, our vision was 'Make Sembawang Special'. And I think if we fulfil all our plans, this will be a Sembawang for everyone."

Dr Lim Wee Kiak, a four-term MP, was absent from the event. Mr Ong said he could not confirm if Dr Lim will be retiring.

"He has been a dear friend, a dear comrade, both as well as a colleague, dear friend, because we are really personal friends.

"He has served four terms in this area, and I think is right for me during the Canberra Day to pay him a proper tribute. And I think it is also right of us to return him to his family and his private practice," said Mr Ong, referring to an event earlier this month where he hailed Dr Lim's contributions.

Dr Lim, an ophthalmologist, has been in politics since 2006 contesting in various GRCs. He entered politics as part of the Sembawang team, then moved to Nee Soon GRC in 2011.

His Canberra ward returned to Sembawang in 2015 and he has been in the GRC since then.

As for former Sembawang MP Poh Li San, she will be contesting in Sembawang West SMC, a new ward that was carved out following the redrawing of electoral boundaries.

Also spotted in the crowd on Tuesday's slate introduction for Sembawang GRC was former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Raj Joshua Thomas, who had earlier announced that he will not stand in the upcoming General Election. Mr Thomas was dressed in his party's colours, with a PAP symbol pinned to his white outfit. 

He was one of two NMPs who resigned before their parliamentary terms ended on Feb 14. The other person is Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, who has been formally introduced as a potential candidate for Nee Soon GRC. 

In the 2020 General Election, the PAP team won against a National Solidarity Party (NSP) team with a vote share of 67.29 per cent.

SDP, which had contested in Sembawang in the past but did not do so in the last two general elections, has unveiled a team led by party vice-chairman Bryan Lim to stand in the ward for the 2025 polls.

NSP has also declared it will send a team there, setting the scene for a three-cornered fight in the ward, which has 133,919 voters.

NG SHI XUAN

Mr Ng is the director of battery company Powermark Battery & Hardware and used to be a public servant.

He had previously volunteered in MacPherson SMC for 10 years, and was vice-chairman of the MacPherson Youth Network.

Pointing to his grassroots experience with MacPherson's MP during that time, Ms Tin Pei Ling, Mr Ng said he had a lot of autonomy while looking after youth engagement plans which has helped with his transition to the Sembawang GRC team.

As a young parent and business owner, Mr Ng said he would champion causes related to youths and local businesses if elected. 

"Today's children grow up with screens, fast food and less time outdoors. Youths (face) enormous stress with mental health taking a toll. We can't turn back the clock, but we can help them grow up healthy and happy," said Mr Ng. 

As a small business owner with 15 employees, Mr Ng said he was familiar with the struggles of "too much paperwork, too many rules" and believes that the government could take the lead in helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

"Our SMEs hire 70 per cent of our workforce. Cutting red tape and helping them to grow is one way to take care of our Singaporeans," said Mr Ng.

In response to CNA's question on how his experience as an SME boss sets him apart as a potential candidate, Mr Ng said he hopes to bring his experience from navigating opportunities in a small company that has to "punch above (its) weight".

"It's really quite tough to be a boss in a private sector, but what I will say is our names are on the line. Our skin is in the game, so we really take a very hands-on approach for every issue or anything that comes up."

GABRIEL LAM

Mr Lam is the chief operating officer of moving company Shalom International Movers.

While new to Sembawang GRC, he had previously volunteered in the Chong Pang ward of Nee Soon GRC and at a rehabilitation centre.

"If given the chance in parliament, I will be championing for families and second chances," said Mr Lam, who highlighted his experience mentoring ex-offenders.

He added that "second chances" need not only refer to those who have been incarcerated, but also those who have "made decisions in life leading to hardship".

Mr Lam has been a member of the Ministry of Home Affairs' board of visitors for the Community Rehabilitation Centre since 2021 and has supported Yellow Ribbon Singapore since 2011.

He is also a United Against Drugs ambassador with the Central Narcotics Bureau.

Responding to a question from the media, Mr Lam said his company takes in around five ex-offenders from the Yellow Ribbon Project a year.

"This is because we want to create a nurturing ecosystem for them, which I believe is very important to bring down the recidivism rate, which we have seen going down throughout the years," said Mr Lam, who added that the number of ex-offenders hired is "kept small" to ensure a supportive environment.

In response to a question from CNA on how his experience as an SME owner is transferable to a political career, Mr Lam said managing daily business operations involves "a bit of firefighting".

"I've been serving the grassroots for quite some years now, and we always use this agility, being able to adapt to new challenges, to also solve challenges on the ground. And I think that is something I hope to bring in to settle some of the challenges that our residents are facing here in Sembawang," said Mr Lam.