SINGAPORE –

Labour chief Ng Chee Meng is gearing up for a possible run in the Jalan Kayu single seat during the upcoming elections, pending Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's decision to nominate him for the newly established constituency.

On the evening of March 28, Ng was seen actively engaging with residents in the Fernvale-Jalan Kayu area during a door-to-door visit at a Housing and Development Board block in Sengkang West, which falls under the Jalan Kayu Single Member Constituency (SMC).

“I've been walking around the community and am genuinely pleased to meet so many residents,” Ng expressed to reporters at Block 457A Sengkang West. “They have been candid in sharing their hopes and concerns, particularly regarding common municipal issues prevalent in large estates like ours.

With the latest electoral boundary adjustments, the new Jalan Kayu SMC will now accommodate 29,565 voters, incorporating segments from the Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC) that were previously managed by Ms. Ng Ling Ling and Mr. Gan Thiam Poh, who currently oversee the Jalan Kayu ward and Fernvale respectively.

Ng Chee Meng's political journey began in 2015 when he successfully entered politics as a member of a five-person People’s Action Party (PAP) team in the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC. By 2016, he ascended to the role of education minister for schools and was later designated as the second minister for transport. In 2018, he was elected as the secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), a role he has maintained alongside his ministerial duties in the Prime Minister's Office.

However, Ng faced a setback in the 2020 General Election as he led the PAP team in Sengkang GRC and ultimately lost to the opposition Workers’ Party. Despite this loss, he continues to serve as the NTUC secretary-general, advocating for labor rights and issues.

During his visit to the ground in Jalan Kayu and Fernvale, he conveyed his enthusiasm for listening to community feedback and exploring ways to enhance residents' lives. He remarked, "If I am given the chance to represent this constituency, I would be honored to serve the community and will work hard to earn their trust."

Ng acknowledged the commendable efforts of Ms. Ling Ling and Mr. Thiam Poh, who have left a positive impression on the residents. “Their contributions are widely recognized here, and if I do step into this role, I intend to leverage their insight and carry on the excellent work they’ve accomplished.”

As the election date draws near, the political landscape is shifting, raising questions and excitement about who will truly represent the vibrant community of Fernvale and Jalan Kayu – stay tuned!