Former Chief of Army David Neo and Nanyang Technological University academic Dr Charlene Chen will join the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) five-member team contesting Tampines GRC in the upcoming general election.
Their candidacies were confirmed by anchor minister Masagos Zulkifli on April 16, who will lead the team alongside incumbents Dr Koh Poh Koon and Mr Baey Yam Keng.
Mr Desmond Choo, who previously oversaw Tampines Changkat ward, will now contest the newly carved-out Tampines Changkat SMC.
Mr Neo, 47, stepped down as army chief in March 2024. A Major-General, he previously headed the Silver Generation Office and Pioneer Generation Office, focusing on senior outreach. At the press conference, he said he aims to build a caring community in Tampines and asked residents for their support.
Dr Chen, 43, is a social psychologist and assistant professor of marketing at NTU. She began grassroots work in Tampines East in 2024, and previously volunteered in Buona Vista. Thanking residents for their support, she said she looks forward to continuing to listen and serve.
Their addition fills two spots left vacant by the departure of Ms Cheng Li Hui, who resigned in 2023, and Mr Choo’s move to the single seat.
Tampines GRC is expected to see a multi-cornered fight. The National Solidarity Party and People’s Power Party have expressed interest in contesting, while the Workers’ Party has maintained a presence in the area.
Mr Masagos said the team had prepared for a tough contest from the start. “Our focus remains on delivering on promises and serving residents,” he said.
In GE2020, PAP secured 66.41 per cent of the vote in Tampines GRC against NSP.
As for Mr Choo, he reaffirmed his ties with Tampines, saying he will continue to collaborate across constituencies: “Our deep ties remain, to collaborate and share resources.”
