The People’s Action Party has announced the following team representing the PAP to stand for election at Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC): 

• Baey Yam Keng 
• Charlene Chen 
• David Neo 
• Koh Poh Koon
• Masagos Zulkifli Bin Masagos Mohamad 

The team was introduced today at the multi-purpose hall at Blk 640 Tampines Street 62, where they shared their motivations to step forward and sought the mandate to represent Tampines residents.

About the team

Baey Yam Keng ​马炎庆​ , 54

Baey Yam Keng is Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, and Sustainability & the Environment. In the former role, he focuses on promoting active mobility and gracious commuting culture, while he has been working on issues pertaining to public hygiene, vector control and green citizenry in his latter portfolio. 

Yam Keng applies an innovative approach to community initiatives and programmes, and he seeks new ways to tap into the generosity and strength of the tight-knit community. His Tampines North Branch has collected almost 2,000 bags of rice from residents in a single morning and distributed them to those living in rental flats. He introduced My Kind of Fridge in 2017, which has been replicated and adapted in many parts of Singapore for the public to donate and rescue food. Another long-standing community initiative is the monthly free haircuts he has organised since 2014 – an offering that has now expanded to nail trimming for his residents. His unique approach to community ownership has also seen Tampines become one of the most visually distinct and artistic towns. 

 

Charlene Chen ​陈以君 , 42

Dr Charlene Chen is passionate about inspiring the younger generation to embrace environmental sustainability and tackle inequality.  She translates these into her role as a university professor. Her course focuses on sustainability, in which she guides students to see how their decisions can make a meaningful impact and how businesses can be a force for good.  

Her commitment goes beyond the classroom. As a grassroots leader, Charlene believes in enabling everyone to succeed in life. This motivates her to lead initiatives like a digital bootcamp for young children from low-income families, ensuring they have the digital skills needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world. One of her most rewarding experiences was organising a social event for young adults in the community, creating a space where they could voice their concerns, share their aspirations, and build meaningful connections in a digital world that often feels isolating.  

Charlene strongly believes in building a caring community where everyone supports and respects one another. Our nation’s progress is the result of years of careful planning and vision, and she is a firm believer in futureproofing—balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s challenges. This balance is the cornerstone of sustainability, a principle she holds dear.  

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it’s crucial to listen to diverse perspectives, seek common ground, and foster a social compact that addresses our evolving challenges. Charlene remains committed to actively listening to all Singaporeans, working collaboratively to find solutions, and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. 

 

Koh Poh Koon 许宝琨  , 53

Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, and for Manpower, works closely with Singaporeans to build a greener, more inclusive future where no one is left behind.  

In Tampines GRC, he champions community-driven sustainability—transforming everyday spaces into green innovations like Singapore’s first containerised fish farm in a HDB estate and a rooftop vegetable farm. 

To him, sustainability is as much about people as the planet, and he believes real difference can only be made through needs-driven programmes developed with a deep understanding of the community. He launched a therapeutic hydroponics farm for youths with special needs and their caregivers, creating a space for growth and healing. He also started the regular Tampines Cares Shopping sessions, supporting lower-income families with subsidised fresh food while reducing waste. 

A doctor by training, Poh Koon helped pilot HealthUp!@Tampines, which later evolved into a part of the national Healthier SG initiative. With heart and humility, he continues working alongside residents to shape Tampines into a town that’s both sustainable and deeply caring. 

 

David Neo  梁振伟  , 47

David Neo believes in the continual effort to build the fair and just society that is uniquely Singapore, so that young Singaporeans can continue to have a fair chance in their journey of life. 

David has spent almost 30 years of his public service career serving across social, security, and technology sectors in pursuit of this ideal. He was the first Commando officer to become Chief of Army, a role shaped by the deepest lesson he learnt in uniform: ‘true leadership means taking care of your people’. 

David was the founding Group Chief of the Silver Generation Office, dedicated to advocating for and taking care of seniors in the community. 

He finds time to contribute to causes he believes in. He has been volunteering in initiatives to build strong families for over 20 years, and serves on his alma mater’s advisory board for the betterment of students.  

David believes that while we cannot control what life throws at us, we have every ability to respond positively and make things great. And that when we walk in the journey of life together, we can make every day great.   

 

Masagos Zulkifli Bin Masagos Mohamad ​马善高​  , 62

Masagos Zulkifli is Minister for Social and Family Development. He implemented many of the Singapore Made for Families initiatives to support all families to be stable, self-reliant, and attain social mobility. To provide special support for 11,000 lower income families to attain these faster, he rolled out Comlink+, providing them with Family Coaches, Befrienders, and financial incentives.  

Elected as a Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC since 2006, Masagos and his team have set out to make Tampines an Eco-Town. These have been achieved through many initiatives, including making Tampines a Town in a Garden, and establishing it as a 20-minute Town – where residents can get around the town in 20 minutes by cycling, riding or walking. Because of its strong support for sustainable living, Tampines was chosen by Singapore Power to roll out in Tampines, Singapore’s first integrated District Cooling Network for buildings. 

Beyond improving town amenities, Masagos has also promoted volunteerism and helped foster a caring community in Tampines.