The People’s Action Party has announced the following team representing the PAP to stand for election at Jalan Besar Group Representation Constituency (GRC):
- Denise Phua
- Josephine Teo
- Shawn Loh
- Dr Wan Rizal
The team was introduced today at Whampoa Park, where they shared their motivations to step forward and sought the mandate to represent Jalan Besar residents.
About the team
Denise Phua 潘丽萍 , 66
As MP and Mayor of Central Singapore, Denise Phua has spearheaded numerous community initiatives focused on inclusivity, youth empowerment, lifelong learning, and uplifting vulnerable individuals.
A passionate advocate, she consistently raises her voice in Parliament and community platforms, championing causes that benefit her residents and Singapore at large. Many initiatives extend beyond her GRC and Central District, such as The Purple Symphony Orchestra—Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra—and the Purple Parade, which rallies thousands in support of inclusion.
Denise’s personal experience as a parent of a special needs child deepens her understanding of communities at risk and challenges of caregivers.
Josephine Teo 杨莉明 , 56
Josephine Teo has been an MP for Jalan Besar GRC since 2020, and has also served in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC (2006-2020).
She is concurrently Minister for Digital Development and Information, and Second Minister for Home Affairs. She also oversees Smart Nation and Cybersecurity matters.
Josephine was previously the Assistant Secretary-General of the NTUC and championed improved conditions and training for workers.
She is passionate about supporting families and women, and has led initiatives like #ActionForHer.
For Jalan Besar town, she has implemented numerous estate upgrading projects, and strengthened programmes which provide social support and uplift communities.
Shawn Loh 罗守恩 , 37
Shawn Loh is in his 30s and is a father of four children, all aged below 12. His family has given him a strong sense of purpose and a healthy sense of humour!
Shawn’s life mission is to make a positive difference wherever he goes. He has contributed as a civil servant in areas that he is passionate about: education, CPF, economic development, and finance. He was most recently the director of our national SG60 Budget and oversaw the development of schemes including CDC vouchers, to provide strong support to address cost of living anxieties.
He spent some years in the private sector during Covid-19 at Commonwealth Capital Group, a local home-grown enterprise employing more than 1,000 workers, and has returned as Deputy Group Managing Director to lead the company in its next phase of growth. He knows how important businesses are in creating good jobs for all, especially against the backdrop of a far more uncertain global economic environment.
With these experiences, he is ready to serve as an MP.
He also lives close to Whampoa and hopes to regularly go for runs from his flat through the estate!
Wan Rizal 文礼佳 , 46
Dr Wan Rizal cares deeply about strengthening mental health support, drawing on research and advice by mental health professionals to fight for better policies in Parliament and organising activities to strengthen awareness of mental health issues in his constituency and the Malay community.
Another of his passion is building sustainable towns, which is something he manifests through greener practices and sustainability programmes in Jalan Besar GRC.
Believing that education should bring out the best in every student, he advocates for multiple pathways to success for students in polytechnics and ITEs.
