GE2025: Chia Yun Kai among SDA slate for Pasir Ris–Changi GRC, faces PAP led by Indranee Rajah

SINGAPORE: Chia Yun Kai, the individual behind the one-man party The Most Valuable Party (MVP), will contest the newly formed Pasir Ris–Changi Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the upcoming general election, joining the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) led by Desmond Lim.

Initially, the 32-year-old entrepreneur had expressed interest in running in East Coast GRC under the MVP banner.

However, on 23 April, Nomination Day, Chia stood alongside SDA members, apparently deciding to team up with the opposition coalition led by long-time figure Desmond Lim to challenge the ruling party in Pasir Ris–Changi.

The SDA slate for the election will consist of Desmond Lim, Harminder Pal Singh, Abu Mohamed, and Chia Yun Kai.

Chia’s Background and Outreach

Chia holds a master’s degree in international business and strategic management from the University of Versailles.

Professionally, he has worked in accounting, consultancy, and risk management, and currently runs his own restaurant.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Chia has been active in grassroots engagement, using social media and walkabouts to connect with residents.

Before officially joining SDA, he continued MVP’s outreach in East Coast, though he told the media that his party's application for registration, submitted in March, has yet to be approved by the authorities.

On 19 April, he was seen at Bedok South Block 58 Food Centre, where he had a cordial exchange with Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and PAP candidate Goh Pei Ming.

Goh reportedly wished him well in his political journey.

‘Service Before Self’

In a campaign message, Chia said he was “deeply honoured” to run under the SDA banner.

He described the team as one dedicated to providing “clear, direct, and practical solutions” that prioritise Singaporeans.

“We are not just talking about things – we are ready to deliver with efficiency and effectiveness,” Chia said.

“What sets SDA apart is our values. We believe in service before self and in always putting Singaporeans first.”

He emphasised that SDA aims to address fundamental concerns such as cost of living, housing affordability, and job security through real, sustainable policies rather than populist promises.

“SDA is not your second choice. We are your best choice. Vote SDA, vote for a better life,” he added.

SDA Reaffirms Focus on Pasir Ris–Changi

SDA chairman Desmond Lim reaffirmed the party’s commitment to contesting Pasir Ris–Changi, even in the event of a three-cornered fight.

Speaking after a 20 April walkabout on Pulau Ubin—now part of the GRC—Lim stressed SDA’s enduring presence in the area.

“We are committed to our residents, and we have been very consistent after every election,” he said.

“We are present in that constituency—now Pasir Ris–Changi, then Pasir Ris–Punggol.”

SDA has contested the Pasir Ris–Punggol area since 2006 but has yet to win a seat.

In the 2020 General Election, the constituency saw a three-way contest between the People’s Action Party (PAP), SDA, and People’s Voice (PV).

PAP won with 64.16 per cent of the vote, SDA secured 23.67 per cent, and PV lost its election deposit.

Notably, SDA candidate Harminder Pal Singh was seen with his left leg amputated, though the cause and timing of the operation remain unknown.

In June 2020, Singh, also known as Pal Ji, fell ill during a walkabout in Pasir Ris and was hospitalised after experiencing chest discomfort. He later recovered at home, saying he did not want to burden medical staff amid the Covid-19 situation.

PAP Slate for Pasir Ris–Changi Unveiled

In the 2025 General Election, SDA will face a PAP team led by Indranee Rajah.

Joining her are Desmond Tan, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; Sharael Taha, former MP for Pasir Ris–Punggol; and Valerie Lee, who will be making her electoral debut.

Indranee, previously MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, described her move to Pasir Ris–Changi as “poignant yet exciting” during a PAP press briefing.

She expressed appreciation for her time in Tanjong Pagar and said she was ready for a new challenge.

If elected, she said her key priorities will be cost of living, family support, and infrastructure development.

“I am already involved in addressing cost of living issues at the national level… I would like to do more of this at the local level,” she noted.

Pasir Ris–Changi GRC was created following the March 2025 report by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee.

The new constituency merges parts of the now-dissolved Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC with sections of East Coast GRC, including Loyang and Flora estates, as well as Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong.

The constituency will serve 100,639 voters, including 12,871 residents from the East Coast wards now integrated into the redefined GRC.