Around 30 new faces, including more women and private sector leaders, expected to join the party’s slate

The People’s Action Party (PAP) is preparing to introduce one of its youngest groups of candidates since 2011, with a greater representation of women and professionals from the private sector.

An analysis by The Straits Times has identified approximately 30 individuals likely to be fielded in the next general election. Among them are senior civil servants, business leaders, and long-serving grassroots volunteers. This follows the party’s long-standing approach of renewing a quarter to a third of its slate each election cycle.

With Parliament set to expand to 97 elected members, PAP is expected to introduce between 24 and 32 fresh faces.

Leadership Priorities and Gender Representation
The composition of the new candidates aligns with the vision of PAP’s secretary-general, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who has emphasised leadership renewal since assuming party leadership in 2024.

One key shift is an increase in female candidates. Based on current projections, about 40 per cent of the new entrants could be women—up from 37 per cent in GE2020 and significantly higher than previous elections. PM Wong has actively advocated for greater female representation, citing the importance of diversity in Parliament.

Several prominent figures have been seen engaging with PAP MPs at public events, including Hazlina Abdul Halim, former CEO of Make-A-Wish Singapore, lawyer Gho Sze Kee, and business development director Diana Pang. Additionally, senior public servants Jasmin Lau and Goh Hanyan are expected to leave their roles in April, potentially joining the party’s ranks.

Balancing Public and Private Sector Talent
The party continues to draw from both public and private sectors, maintaining a balance seen in past elections. Around half of the potential candidates come from the private sector, reflecting PAP’s efforts to recruit professionals beyond government and military backgrounds.

However, PM Wong has acknowledged challenges in attracting private sector leaders, particularly those in senior corporate positions.

“For someone at a high level in a multinational corporation or a major local firm, stepping into politics requires significant personal and career sacrifices,” he noted on March 26.

A Younger Line-Up for Long-Term Leadership
The potential new slate averages 40 years old, slightly younger than in previous elections. Historically, younger candidates have been seen as long-term contributors to PAP’s leadership pipeline, with key figures like Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Education Minister Chan Chun Sing rising swiftly after entering politics in 2011.

Observers suggest that several of the new candidates—such as Jeffrey Siow, a former senior public servant; Shawn Loh, a finance expert involved in recent Budgets; and Jasmin Lau, a health policy leader—may be groomed for future ministerial positions.

With Singapore’s median age now at 43.4 years, PAP’s decision to field younger candidates could signal an effort to engage millennials and Gen Z voters more effectively.

“This suggests a strategic push to connect with younger demographics, who are an increasingly important electoral base,” said Associate Professor Eugene Tan.

As the election nears, the evolving candidate list reflects PAP’s broader strategy of renewal, diversity, and long-term succession planning.