Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat will lead the PAP team in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC for GE2025, succeeding long-serving Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who is retiring after nearly 24 years in politics. Mr Chee will be joined by incumbent MP Saktiandi Supaat and two new faces: Elysa Chen and Cai Yinzhou.
Dr Ng Eng Hen and Mr Chong Kee Hiong, who have served in the GRC since 2001 and 2015 respectively, will step down. Dr Ng called leadership renewal a core PAP value and said it was his time to make way for the next generation.
At a press briefing on April 18, Mr Chee expressed gratitude for the mentorship of Dr Ng and pledged to continue rejuvenating the estate and listening to residents’ feedback.
The PAP team will contest against the Singapore People’s Party, which secured 32.77% of the vote in 2020.
Ms Elysa Chen, 41, is a former journalist and GP lecturer who now runs non-profit CampusImpact and sits on the North West CDC’s Social Support Committee. Mr Cai Yinzhou, 35, is executive director at the Chinatown Heritage Centre and co-founded Citizen Adventures. A former eldercare professional, he hopes to advocate for caregivers and seniors.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Gan Siow Huang will defend Marymount SMC against PSP’s Jeffrey Khoo. Ms Gan cited her ground experience and efforts in building a Marymount identity since 2020, when she won the seat with 55.04% of the vote.
In Bishan-Toa Payoh, Mr Saktiandi will remain in Toa Payoh East, while Mr Chee takes over Toa Payoh West-Thomson. Ms Chen will serve Bishan East-Sin Ming, and Mr Cai will step into Toa Payoh Central.
Mr Chee highlighted the need for senior-friendly improvements and infrastructure for young families in the mature estate, reaffirming the team’s commitment to meet residents’ evolving needs.
