by Yen Feng
(From left) PAP introduced three more candidates: Mr Edwin Tong,
Mr Vikram Nair and Mr Ang Hin Kee. -- PHOTOS: PAP
THREE more candidates were introduced by the People's Action
Party (PAP) on Wednesday, bringing the total number of PAP new
faces so far to 12 in the coming general election.
Of the three, two are lawyers: Mr Edwin Tong, 42, and Mr Vikram
Nair, 33. The third is Mr Ang Hin Kee, 46, who is the chief
executive of the National Trade Union Congress' Employment &
Employability Institute (e2i).
The candidates were introduced at the party's HQ by Education
Minister Ng Eng Hen, who is also the party's Organising Secretary
(Special Duties).
In his opening remarks, Dr Ng said that with more residents and
rising expectations of economic progress, it was 'critical to bring
in new able candidates who can continue strong, capable
Government'.
The search for these candidates were extensive, and carried out
for more than four years, Dr Ng said.
More than 260 individuals were considered. After many meetings,
assessments and feedback from other activists and MPs, the
selection was narrowed down to more than 20 people.
Thousands of man-hours were spent on this task by senior members
of the party, Dr Ng said. 'For every cup of tea candidates drank,
we drank 10 more to find the best brew,' he added.
Dr Ng said such exhaustive efforts were necessary in order to
offer citizens 'the best possible team to preserve what we have and
take us forward into the future'.
In their introductory remarks, all three candidates spoke of the
need to meet the concerns of Singaporeans from all walks of
life.
Said Mr Ang: 'I want to see individuals with different needs and
abilities being given more options and different pathways to have a
better life.'
Two lawyers and E2i chief
The three new PAP candidates introduced to the media on
Wednesday are:
Edwin Tong Chun Fai
'We have a responsibility to preserve the core values on which
Singapore's success has been built, and ensure that every
Singaporean shares in that success.'
Age: 42
Occupation: Partner at Allen & Gledhill
Marital status: Married with three children
Highest educational qualification: Honours in law at National
University of Singapore
Languages spoken: English, Chinese
Likely to be fielded in: Moulmein-Kallang GRC.
Vikram Nair
'I enjoy the company of grassroots leaders and volunteers. We
have diverse backgrounds and each of us helps in the community in
our own little way.'
Age: 33
Occupation: Lawyer at Norton Rose, specialising in international
arbitration
Marital status: Not married
Highest educational qualification: Law at Trinity College,
University of Cambridge
Languages spoken: English, Tamil, Malayalam
Likely to be fielded in: Sembawang GRC.
Ang Hin Kee
'At the end of the day, I want to see individuals with different
needs and abilities being given more options and different pathways
to have a better life.'
Age: 46
Occupation: Chief executive of Employment and Employability
Institute (e2i).
Marital status: Married for over 12 years
Highest educational qualification: Bachelor of arts (honours),
National University of Singapore
Languages spoken: English, Chinese
Likely to be fielded in: Ang Mo Kio GRC
My mom laughed when he saw the 27 year old gal.
My mom said that girl should do more grassroot activites and be
a MP after 40.
My mom said she will never vote for such a girl.
