SINGAPORE – Excitement is brewing as former Chief of Staff of the Singapore Armed Forces, Goh Pei Ming, and former Director of the Ministry of Transport, Foo Cexiang, were seen on April 6 engaging with residents in the newly formed Punggol Group Representation Constituency (GRC). Their presence has sparked intense speculation about their potential candidacy in the upcoming General Election 2025.

Both Goh and Foo were seen alongside key figures from the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, including Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Senior Ministers of State Janil Puthucheary and Desmond Tan, during an event organized by DBS Bank. The atmosphere was electric as they interacted with local residents, showcasing their community involvement.

Goh, not one to shy away from grassroots engagement, expressed his enthusiasm for the Punggol community: “I've been learning from Dr. Janil about the grassroots efforts here. It's vibrant, and I truly enjoy it.” His schedule is packed; he mentioned plans to join other MPs in meeting residents over the coming week, further solidifying his commitment to community engagement.

Foo, who recently joined the Punggol grassroots organization, stated, “We’ve had fantastic conversations with residents. Their feedback is encouraging, and I’m thrilled to be part of this community.” The duo's active participation comes on the heels of a recent Facebook post where they shared pictures with grassroots volunteers—an indication that they are keenly positioning themselves within local politics.

While both Goh and Foo remained tight-lipped about their candidacy, Dr. Janil provided a glimpse into the electoral strategy for Punggol GRC, emphasizing the importance of experience for new candidates. “We are working under the assumption that we will continue as a team, but there’s still a seat to fill,” he shared, hinting at the competitive nature of the upcoming elections.

The newly minted Punggol GRC was created following changes to electoral boundaries announced earlier this year. As a result, competitive dynamics are expected, with the People’s Action Party (PAP) hoping to hold its ground against potential challenges by the Workers’ Party.

Moreover, Goh and Foo’s political journey is underscored by their extensive backgrounds: Goh recently retired from the SAF where he held significant roles, such as inspector-general and chief sustainability officer. Meanwhile, Foo had a notable tenure overseeing policies on private and future mobility at the Transport Ministry, particularly in electric vehicles, before his exit this month.

In lighter news, another face to watch is Valerie Lee, Sembcorp’s head of corporate affairs, who has also been seen engaging with Punggol residents. Her involvement in community volunteering has raised eyebrows about her potential candidacy as well, with Lee herself teasing, “Anything can happen from now until Nomination Day.”

As the political landscape heats up ahead of GE2025, all eyes will be on Punggol GRC—a battleground that seems poised for fierce competition. With experienced figures stepping into the fray, residents can expect a robust election season ahead. Stay tuned for more updates!