Former Cabinet minister and NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng will contest the newly carved-out Jalan Kayu Single Member Constituency (SMC) in the upcoming General Election on May 3, the People’s Action Party (PAP) confirmed on Saturday (Apr 19).
This marks Mr Ng’s third time contesting in a general election, and his first time doing so in a single-seat ward.
Speaking at a press conference at the PAP’s Teck Ghee branch, Mr Ng said: “Some have asked me in my interactions – why return to politics after the last election? My answer is a simple one: because I never stopped caring.”
Since the last election, Mr Ng has remained active in public life, continuing as secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and being co-opted into the PAP’s central executive committee in late 2023.
In his time with NTUC, Mr Ng has an extensive track record championing workers’ interests and advancing workplace policies:
- Expansion of the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) – Mr Ng has driven the PWM’s growth, now covering around 135,000 lower-wage workers across key sectors. The model offers structured wage increases linked to skills upgrading and clear career pathways.
- Advocacy for Platform Workers – He has pushed for stronger protections for gig workers, including employer CPF contributions and workplace injury insurance, while enabling their formal representation within NTUC.
- Formation of Company Training Committees (CTCs) – Since 2019, more than 3,000 CTCs have been formed under Mr Ng’s leadership, helping over 7,000 workers earn additional wage increments averaging 5% beyond regular annual increases.
- #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations – Mr Ng led an ambitious engagement effort, connecting with over 40,000 workers to gather feedback on cost of living, job security, and retirement – insights that shaped NTUC’s evolving priorities.
- Support for Women and Families – A strong advocate for flexible work arrangements and enhanced parental leave, Mr Ng has played a leading role in promoting family-friendly workplace practices.
- NTUC Membership Growth – Under his tenure, NTUC membership grew to 1.27 million by end-2023, with the aim of reaching 1.5 million by 2030.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong praised Mr Ng’s dedication: “Chee Meng had the grit and a sense of responsibility to continue serving. He led the labour movement through the pandemic, saving jobs and helping workers upskill.”
The new Jalan Kayu SMC, with 29,565 voters, was carved out from Ang Mo Kio GRC. It includes Fernvale, Seletar Aerospace Park and the Jalan Kayu area. It will remain under the Ang Mo Kio Town Council.
Mr Ng said he has spent the past weeks walking the ground and connecting with residents. “Many have opened up about their hopes for their children, their concerns for their parents, and simply, their aspirations for a better life,” he said.
He is expected to face a contest, with Red Dot United’s Kala Manickam already active in the area. Other parties such as the People’s Alliance for Reform and People’s Power Party had earlier expressed interest, though PAR has since withdrawn.
If elected, Mr Ng said he will bring the same commitment to Jalan Kayu as he has shown throughout his career: “My public service has always been about people – real lives, real challenges.”
