The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) announced six of its candidates who will be participating in the upcoming General Election through an online press conference held on Thursday (18 June).
Introducing the first slate of candidates to the press, PSP Secretary General Tan Cheng Bock noted that these candidates from different races are selected from all walks of life, with some of them not taking the usual academic route but nevertheless managed to create success in their lives.
The six candidates are Francis Yuen,70; Gigene Wong, 54; Hazel Poa, 50; Sri Nallakaruppan, 56; Bradley Bowyer, 53 and Muhammad Taufik Bin Supan, 40.
Francis Yuen Kin Pheng is a National University of Singapore (NUS) graduate with a BBA and MBA. He has also served for 18 years in the Republic of Singapore Air Force, having received a Commendation Gold Medal from the Singapore Armed Forces for outstanding service.
Mr Yuen believes that Singapore need a “new social compact”, adding that a single-party government and a political system that is monopolised by one party will not serve Singapore’s future. He believes it is time to have strong alternative voice in the Parliament.
Mr Yuen is focused on championing such causes as the increasing cost of living through policy examination in order to stamp rising costs driven by levies, rentals, low productivity, and the profit orientation of government organisations. He also looking to tackle the lack of transparency and accountability in governance.
Another cause Mr Yuen champions is the restructuring of Singapore’s “fragile economic structure” by reducing the overreliance on vulnerable industries and over dependence on low-wage migrant workers and PMETs (professionals, managers, executives, and technicians) and look for industries that can drive growth.
Next is Ms Gigene Wong who has held various senior management roles in China MNCs over the last two decades, including as former CEO of Gulf oil China and CFO of Foshan Electrical & Lighting Co.
Ms Wong comes from humble beginnings, growing up in a poor family. Her collective experiences have helped her developed important skills to build up an impressive career. Ms Wong looks to PSP founder Dr Tan Cheng Bock as a role model, inspiring her to give up her illustrious corporate career and serve Singapore. Her motto: “Leave no countryman behind.”
Another candidate, Ms Hazel Poa, is the founder of an award winning education business with five education centres and private school. Her company also employs 20 Singaporeans, many whom have been with her for over a decade. Having graduated from Cambridge University, Ms Poa has previously served the public in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service Division, which she eventually left to start her own business.
Has experienced hardships and business failures, meaning she is able to empathise with those who are experiencing similar challenges. Believes that diversity breeds creativity and innovation which leads to progress and is hoping to see this embracing of diversity especially in education system and the political landscape.
Next is Mr Sri Nallakaruppan who is a founding member of PSP and the party treasurer. Mr Nalla, as he’s commonly known, is a chartered accountant with the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and is a graduate of the NUS. He is currently working as an investment specialist in the capital markets and has over 25 years of experience in the field. Before this, Mr Nalla was the Regional Senior Accountant with the Schlumberger Group and an Auditor with Ernst & Young.
Also running in the next election for PSP is Mr Bradley Bowyer who has over 30 years of experience in media and has worked for both multinationals and startups as well as running his own business for 12 years. Mr Bowyer decided to get involved in politics after the 2011 elections when he felt it would be best to create change from the inside out, and is driven by the phrase “Evolution rather than revolution.” He has since been an vocal political activist.
Last but not least is Muhammad Taufik Bin Supan, an IT professional who wants to champion for under privileged and less fortunate Singaporeans in order to help them better cope with daily hardships.
“I am here to serve the people and not just the economy as I believe in people first. Value our people, grow our people, and care for our people,” says Mr Taufik, emphasising that necessities from education to housing, healthcare, and public transportation should be affordable for all Singaporeans.
PSP is planning to contest in 7 SMCs and 8 GRCs
In March, PSP assistant secretary-general Mr Leong Mun Wai said that the party is has identified 44 candidates with another 13 in reserve, contesting in 15 constituencies.
Mr Leong was quoted by the Straits Times saying, “We intend to field a sizeable contingent, but of course, the final outcome will depend on discussions with all the other parties. We are mindful that we are the newest party, so we seek the cooperation of all the other parties to come to an amicable arrangement.”
PSP’s planned 15 constituencies are:
- Jurong GRC
- West Coast GRC
- Chua Chu Kang GRC
- Tanjong Pagar GRC
- Jalan Besar GRC
- Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
- Nee Soon GRC
- Sembawang GRC
- Hong Kah North SMC
- Yuhua SMC
- Pioneer SMC
- Radin Mas SMC
- Kebun Baru SMC
- Marymount SMC
- Yio Chu Kang SMC