GE2025: Josephine Teo continues to helm PAP’s Jalan Besar GRC slate
The upcoming election is taking place during SG60, a nationwide effort to celebrate the next chapter of Singapore’s growth after 60 years of independence in 2025
[SINGAPORE] Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo will continue to helm the PAP team in Jalan Besar GRC to contest the 2025 General Election.
The four-member team will include political newcomer Shawn Loh, 38, former director of security and resilience programmes at the Ministry of Finance.
The upcoming election is taking place during SG60, a nationwide effort to celebrate the next chapter of Singapore’s growth after 60 years of independence in 2025.
But recent developments, including fears of a trade war following sweeping US tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties, show very clearly a change.
“The changes are profound… but it does impact the way we think about prioritising programmes for the residents in the area,” said Teo, adding that the team has a track record and a five-year master plan for Jalan Besar.
Introducing the PAP slate at a press conference on Apr 16, Teo said Loh has valuable experience in both the public and private sectors.
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“I believe that he will be an excellent fit with the team here, and he comes with many years of experience, not just in the public sector, I think it is also his private sector experience that I value in particular,” she said.
Loh is currently the deputy group managing director of Commonwealth Capital Group, a Singapore-based investment company that focuses on the food and beverage industry.
In his previous public service roles, Loh was vice-president of Singapore businesses and of industry manpower development at the Economic Development Board from 2021 to 2023 before joining the Finance Ministry as its director of security and resilience programmes.
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Teo made her political debut in the 2006 General Election when she contested Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC as part of a five-member People’s Action Party team.
With the uncontested walkover, she became the MP representing the Toa Payoh East ward of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
In 2020, Teo moved to contest Jalan Besar GRC, one of the oldest constituencies in Singapore, to help with the party’s renewal.
Along with Denise Phua, Dr Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah and Heng Chee How, she contested against the People’s Voice and won about 65 per cent of the vote.
Teo then became the MP overseeing the Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng ward of Jalan Besar GRC.
The Apr 16 event held at Whampoa Park saw Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How, 63, stepping down after serving as a Jalan Besar MP for 24 years.
Teo thanked Heng, who has been the MP in charge of the Whampoa ward of Jalan Besar GRC since 2001.
He also served as mayor of the Central District between 2001 and 2006.
“It’s very difficult to find someone who is like Chee How, and I looked very hard. So when Shawn became available, I grabbed the opportunity,” said Teo, adding that Loh had “very big shoes” to fill.
Heng has handed the Whampoa baton to Loh.
Speaking to media, Heng said that as he steps down, his wish is for his successor to continue the work and also have the heart and drive to serve the people.
“And I want to say that in Shawn, I think we have found the person,” he said. THE STRAITS TIMES
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