Singapore, 16 April 2025 – Singapore’s ruling party, the People’s Action Party (PAP), today announced its new candidates for GE2025. Tampines GRC will be led by Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, who will also be joined by two new faces – former Chief of Army David Neo and NTU Assistant Professor Charlene Chen.
The five-member team includes Masagos, Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon, Baey Yam Keng, and new political entrants David Neo (47) and Charlene Chen (43). The announcement was made on Wednesday at a multi-purpose hall on Tampines Street 62, where there was an energetic and hopeful mood.
Desmond Choo shifts to new SMC
With this new line-up, former MP Desmond Choo will now lead the newly created Tampines Changkat SMC. His old Tampines North ward has been carved out to form a new single-member constituency, as part of a major redrawing due to population growth and housing development.
The second vacancy in Tampines GRC was created when MP Cheng Li Hui resigned from both Parliament and the PAP in July 2023 amid a personal controversy. This came as an emotional shock to the party, but Masagos said, “We have always worked as a team, and when one member leaves, the rest of the team is always there for the people, doing double duty.”
Masagos’ message – “Tampines is a model town”
Masagos said his team will focus on sustainable living and community building. “Anyone can build a town, but Tampines is a model town, which only a caring community can build,” he said. He also said that when a community shows inclusiveness, no one backs down.
He also recalled past challenges – such as DPM Heng Swee Keat’s stroke in 2016 – but it showed how everyone supported each other with team spirit.
David Neo – From Commando to Parliament
David Neo, who was previously Chief of Army, rose to the rank of Major-General in the Singapore Armed Forces. He was the first commando officer to reach this position. He led the Army 2040 transformation initiative – which included warfighting concepts, inter-service integration, and new technology adoption.
He also led the national response and large-scale exercises during COVID-19. He also contributed to humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza.
Talking about her background, Neo said, “My life was not easy. When I was five, my mother passed away. My uncle and aunty raised me. I didn’t have much, but they never made me feel shortchanged.”
This personal story highlights her grounded and humble character – a leader who has overcome adversity and risen.
Charlene Chen – From Psychology to Politics
Charlene Chen is an accomplished academician who studies marketing at NTU. She holds a PhD in marketing and a master’s in clinical psychology from Columbia University. She holds a first-class honours degree in psychology from NUS.
Before joining the Tampines GRC team, she volunteered at Meet-The-People Sessions at the Buona Vista PAP branch. She is now the second advisor for grassroots organisations in Tampines.
A mother of two young children, Charlene seeks to promote resilience and well-being in the new generation. She said, “People say that with my ‘baby face’ I cannot understand their problems. But leadership is not about appearance, but about empathy and understanding. The ability to listen and understand people’s lives is a must.”
Masagos’ statement on Calvin Cheng controversy
Masagos, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, also responded to former Nominated MP Calvin Cheng’s remarks against a pro-Palestinian activist group. He said, “There are disagreements in our community, but we never hurt each other.”
He said Cheng’s remarks – in which he told some people to ‘take a hike’ – were wrong. “Telling someone on any difference of opinion that they do not belong here – that is not acceptable,” Masagos said. “But we are ready to move forward, especially when key religious leaders have accepted his remorse.”
Tampines GRC’s future vision
Tampines GRC currently has 147,904 registered voters. The Electoral Boundaries Review Committee included these in constituencies that have seen high growth – mainly due to new housing and population shifts. This led to the creation of the Tampines Changkat SMC and some areas from Aljunied GRC being added.
Masagos also highlighted that his vision is not just limited to infrastructure. “Facilities are important, but more important is a strong, inclusive and sustainable community