PAP to field Xie Yao Quan in new Jurong Central SMC ahead of General Election

SINGAPORE: The People’s Action Party (PAP) to field Xie Yao Quan as its candidate for the newly created Jurong Central Single Member Constituency (SMC) in the upcoming General Election. The declaration was made on 14 April 2025 during a party press event unveiling candidates for both Jurong Central SMC and the newly formed Jurong East-Bukit Batok Group Representation Constituency (GRC). Jurong Central SMC, comprising 29,620 registered voters, is one of six new SMCs established after the most recent review of electoral boundaries. This reconfiguration was conducted by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC), which cited the need to balance MP-to-voter ratios amidst population growth in areas such as Tengah and Bukit Batok West. Xie currently serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Jurong Central division within the larger Jurong GRC. He has held this role since making his electoral debut in the 2020 General Election. In addition, he has served as chairman of the Jurong-Clementi Town Council for the past five years. Addressing the press and supporters, Xie reflected on his work in the area, saying, “In these five years, I’ve walked the ground, listened deeply to residents and put my heart into all that I’ve done to serve residents.” He also noted his prior connection with Jurong East, parts of which are now included in the new Jurong Central SMC, stating he had served as a community volunteer there between 2015 and 2020. “So this is, in a way, a homecoming for me,” he remarked. Jurong Central SMC was delineated from parts of Jurong GRC and Yuhua SMC. The changes coincide with broader adjustments including the formation of the Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, which absorbed Bukit Batok SMC and sections of Hong Kah North and Yuhua SMCs. Xie is anticipated to face a challenger from opposition party Red Dot United, which has declared its intent to contest the seat. On 23 March, RDU introduced Emily Woo as its team lead for the newly formed Jurong Central SMC. A long-time resident, Woo highlighted concerns over the cost of living and job insecurity, vowing to help seniors secure employment while supporting younger Singaporeans. No formal nomination has yet been submitted, but the potential contest is expected to attract attention.

Footage emerges of Xie at community event with former PAP candidate Ivan Lim

Ahead of PAP’s official announcement, a video was circulated online showing Xie attending a dinner event with residents in the area. The footage was shared by a netizen to The Online Citizen (TOC). Notably, Xie was accompanied by Ivan Lim, a former PAP candidate, who was seen wearing a blue shirt in the video. Lim was initially slated to run in Jurong GRC during the 2020 General Election. However, he withdrew his candidacy shortly after public scrutiny and negative feedback emerged online regarding his character. His withdrawal was announced just days before Nomination Day on 30 June 2020. Lim, who was at the time General Manager at Keppel Offshore & Marine, had previously received commendation from Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. Heng had described Lim’s academic journey as “very unusual” and praised his achievements when Lim was introduced as a candidate on 26 June 2020.