Chia Yun Kai eyes East Coast GRC as registration remains pending ahead of Nomination Day

SINGAPORE: With Singapore's General Election approaching, a new political contender is preparing to enter the fray in East Coast GRC. Chia Yun Kai, a 32-year-old entrepreneur and founder of The Most Valuable Party (MVP), has expressed his intent to contest in the five-member constituency despite his party not yet being officially registered. In an interview with 8 World News on 19 April 2025, Chia confirmed that while MVP submitted its application to register with the authorities in March, approval has not yet been granted. Nevertheless, he remains determined to form a full slate of candidates ahead of Nomination Day on 23 April. As of 21 April, a check of the prospective candidates' list for GE2025 shows that Chia's name has not yet appeared.

Candidate recruitment ongoing as deadline looms

At present, MVP has confirmed two candidates, including Chia himself. However, two more are still being actively sought, with applications open until 22 April. Chia said he is in talks with several individuals, but no further names have been finalised. “We are committed to building a team that reflects our values and determination,” Chia said, adding that every candidate is expected to pay their own election deposit of S$13,500. “This ensures they are serious about serving, not just showing up,” he added. Chia also revealed that post-nomination campaign expenses will be funded through donations, with social media forming the backbone of their campaign strategy to keep costs low.

Background and motivations rooted in local experience

Chia holds a master’s degree in international business and strategic management from the University of Versailles. Prior to founding MVP and opening his own restaurant, he spent eight years working in accounting, consultancy, and risk management. He believes this background equips him with a pragmatic yet innovative view of policy and governance. Having lived in East Coast GRC for the past 20 years, Chia described a longstanding desire to enter politics, sparked in part by the surprise placement of then-Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in East Coast GRC during the 2020 election. “At the time, Heng was introduced at the last minute and didn’t clearly explain his plans to residents,” Chia told the press. “That made me think more seriously about standing for election and representing my community.”

Critique of government policies and fellow opposition parties

During the interview, Chia criticised recent government policies, particularly the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment’s March 2025 announcement of S$10 million in subsidies to upgrade public toilet hygiene standards. “These funds could be better allocated,” Chia asserted. “We need more effective, sustainable policies that directly improve lives.” He also took aim at Heng’s much-touted “East Coast Plan,” arguing that it has produced minimal progress over the last five years. Heng, in recent remarks, defended the initiative, claiming it had brought benefits in infrastructure and community programming, citing resident feedback. In a notable move, Chia extended his criticisms to fellow opposition parties. In a Facebook post dated 20 April, MVP described the leadership of the Workers’ Party (WP) as lacking. “They say they work for Singaporeans,” the post read, “but show little respect to aspiring politicians, choosing to ignore and disregard.” The post continued: “If MVP contests in East Coast GRC, MVP will win. If MVP doesn’t contest, PAP will win. We all can see how this kind of leadership is not what we want.”

Vision for inclusive, future-focused governance

Chia emphasised that MVP is not merely an opposition party, but a forward-looking political platform aimed at creating long-term value for Singaporeans. “We want to introduce inclusive and sustainable policies, designed for the next generation,” he said. He cited rising living costs, employment stability, and economic resilience as the key challenges facing Singapore today. To address these, MVP will release its policy manifesto on 23 April, coinciding with Nomination Day. “We want real solutions, not empty slogans,” Chia said. “We want decisive, well-planned action that benefits ordinary Singaporeans.”

Interactions with other candidates and grassroots efforts

On 19 April, Chia made an appearance at Bedok South Block 58 Food Centre, where he encountered Deputy Prime Minister Heng and People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate Goh Pei Ming. The meeting was cordial, with Goh reportedly wishing Chia luck. MVP is expected to continue its outreach efforts in the East Coast area, with door-to-door visits and informal town hall discussions planned over the coming week. Chia has been actively engaging residents and using social media platforms to spread awareness of MVP’s mission and attract like-minded individuals.

A personal commitment to political renewal

Married with no children, Chia said his family has accepted his decision to enter politics. “They’ve known about my plans for some time,” he said. “They’re supportive, or at least not opposed.” He also explained why he chose to form a party rather than run as an independent. “Independent candidates are often viewed as self-serving. I wanted to build something with collective strength,” he said. Despite facing online mockery, Chia said he remains undeterred. “Some think I’m joking, but I’m not,” he said. “I am serious about representing people and contributing to national progress.”

Outlook as Nomination Day nears

With just one day remaining before the close of applications for MVP candidates and two days until Nomination Day, all eyes are on whether Chia can complete his team in time. While the party remains unregistered at the time of writing, Chia maintains confidence in the process and is pushing ahead with preparations, including the finalisation of policy proposals. “We are different,” he said. “That difference is what will bring value to Parliament."

Chia expresses gratitude to supporters

On 21 April, Chia thanked supporters in a Facebook post on The Most Valuable Party’s (MVP) page, expressing appreciation for the messages and encouragement he received over the weekend. “Your words mean a lot to me,” he wrote. He acknowledged that some may question his credibility as a young political leader but affirmed that he has “never lacked courage or commitment” in his mission to improve lives. Urging the public to keep an open mind, he said, “Please give me a chance to show what I can offer. You might just see things differently once you do.” Chia also clarified that MVP’s aim is not to split the vote but to expand voter choice. “Democracy thrives when people have real choices,” he said. Describing his efforts as rooted in genuine concern for the country, Chia added, “Everything I’m doing comes from a place of sincere care for Singapore.” He invited the public to follow his next step, stating that he would be livestreaming his journey to the Nomination Centre at 10am the next day, or for as long as he was able to continue.