As Singapore anticipates the next General Election (GE2025), Tampines Changkat Single Member Constituency (SMC) is poised to be an area of electoral interest. The People’s Action Party (PAP) will field labour unionist Desmond Choo in the newly created Tampines Changkat single-seat ward. Mr. Choo continues to engage with residents, emphasizing his ongoing work within the community. Other political parties may also contest the SMC, leading to an election that will draw attention within the political landscape.
Desmond Choo, 46, a former MP of Tampines GRC, has overseen the Tampines Changkat division since his election in 2015. He also serves as the Mayor of the North East District.
Desmond Choo: Labour Advocacy and Community Engagement
As an Assistant Secretary-General in the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Mr. Choo has advocated for several key initiatives, including:
- Child Development Co-Savings
- The Platform Workers Bill
- Support for younger workers in a mature economy (NTUC Youth Taskforce)
- The Private Security Industry Bill
- Closing the gender pay gap
- The EveryWorkerMatters Conversations
These efforts reflect his focus on addressing the needs of workers across various sectors.
In his community engagement, Mr. Choo stated, “For more than a decade, I’ve had the honour of serving our Changkat residents, not just as a member of parliament, but as their advocate and friend.” He made these comments at an event held at a multi-purpose hall in Tampines Street 62.
“Changkat to me has always been more than a constituency. It is our home, a place where we have built a caring, resilient community,” he added.
Mr. Choo assured residents that Tampines Changkat SMC will maintain “deep ties” with Tampines GRC, and will continue to collaborate and share resources.
“I believe that my service to Tampines Changkat is about trust, and trust is earned door by door, day by day,” he said, adding that he plans to push for better childcare leave for working families and fairer wages.
Mr. Choo’s electoral history includes a debut in Hougang SMC in 2011, where he was defeated by the Workers’ Party’s Yaw Shin Leong. He ran again in the 2012 by-election following Mr. Yaw’s expulsion, but was again unsuccessful.
Potential Candidates in Tampines Changkat SMC
The upcoming election in Tampines Changkat SMC will focus on the candidates and their platforms for the residents.
- People’s Action Party (PAP):
- Desmond Choo: The incumbent Member of Parliament.
- Other political parties have expressed interest in contesting the seat, but official candidate announcements are pending.
