Ms Goh Hanyan, a former director at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), was seen at a Meet-the-People Session in Nee Soon Central on April 7, sparking speculation that she may be fielded as a PAP candidate in the upcoming general election.
Minister for Law and Home Affairs K. Shanmugam, who was present, praised Ms Goh’s credentials, calling her “very experienced on the ground” and a potential “very good MP”.
Ms Goh, 39, served 16 years in the civil service, including nearly a decade at the Economic Development Board (EDB), where she led the agency’s Washington office. Her portfolio has spanned economic development, job creation, and digital policy across the Prime Minister’s Office and MDDI, where she most recently worked on Smart Nation and AI strategy.
“I’ve been volunteering with different grassroots organisations, and more recently in Nee Soon,” said Ms Goh. “I’m looking forward to more opportunities to serve.”
Also present at the session were Mr Jackson Lam, former chairman of PAP’s Hougang branch, and former MP Lee Bee Wah, who served Nee Soon South for three terms before retiring in 2020. Mr Shanmugam said Ms Lee was there in a mentoring role.
Another possible new face for Nee Soon is Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, a psychiatrist and former Nominated MP, who has been spotted at recent PAP events, including a walkabout at Yishun Park Hawker Centre on April 3.
As for Minister of State Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, who currently helms Nee Soon Central, Mr Shanmugam hinted that he may not stay in Nee Soon, citing recent sightings of him at Marine Parade-Braddell Heights.
“Things are not finalised,” Mr Shanmugam said. “But my sense is that it is unlikely that Prof Faishal will be here.”
