SINGAPORE: Red Dot United (RDU) has unveiled Madam Emily Woo, a music teacher, as its potential candidate for Jurong Central Single Member Constituency (SMC).

If fielded on Nomination Day on Apr 23, the 59-year-old will likely go up against People’s Action Party’s (PAP) Xie Yao Quan. 

Mr Xie, 40, formerly served as the MP for the Jurong Central division of the present Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC), before parliament was dissolved on Tuesday.  

During a news conference presenting RDU's potential candidates to the media on Wednesday (Apr 16), Mdm Woo said she is looking forward to going up against Mr Xie in the upcoming polls.

"Mr Xie wanted a competitor, I am that competitor," she said. "I look forward to an interesting, amicable contest."  

She added that if elected, she will ensure that the "littering problem" at the SMC is resolved.

She also said that she wants Singaporeans to feel like they are "number one in their own country", and will strive for "a fairer and Singaporeans-first society". 

Mdm Woo, a resident of Jurong Central, has a Bachelor in Music from the Catholic Institute University in Paris.

She has over 30 years of teaching experience in the school systems in both Singapore and France, having taught at primary and secondary levels, including at The French School, said the party in a statement.

She now teaches piano to both children and adults at a music school.

Mdm Woo is also an author of two books for music students, and a judge at music competitions.

She was first spotted by CNA last month at a walkabout at Yuhua Market and Hawker Centre, and was introduced as a “team lead” for Jurong Central SMC.  

“Emily believes education should be a leveller, not a privilege, and that policies must ensure economic security and dignity for all Singaporeans,” said RDU in its statement on Wednesday.

“She champions smaller class sizes to bridge educational gaps and calls for fair employment opportunities for seniors, ensuring those willing and able to work are not left behind.”

The Jurong Central ward, which has 29,620 voters, is one of six new SMCs following the latest review of Singapore’s electoral boundaries. 

Jurong Central SMC was carved out of Jurong GRC and Yuhua SMC as part of a wider reconfiguration aimed at maintaining a consistent MP-to-voter ratio. At the same time, Bukit Batok SMC as well as sections of Jurong GRC, Hong Kah North SMC and Yuhua SMC were merged to form the new Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC.

The Electoral Boundaries Review Committee said the reconfiguration was necessary due to population growth in areas like Bukit Batok West and Tengah.

Singapore will head to the polls on May 3.