SINGAPORE – The excitement is palpable as the race heats up in Punggol GRC! Just a day after nominations, both the People’s Action Party (PAP) and the Workers' Party (WP) are hitting the ground running, engaging with residents and gearing up for an intense electoral battle.

On April 24, outside Punggol MRT station, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, along with his PAP team, crossed paths with WP leader Harpreet Singh. The two men exchanged friendly handshakes—a moment that captures the spirited rivalry between these political titans.

DPM Gan, 66, known for his role as the Minister for Trade and Industry, is making waves in the newly created four-member constituency, having been appointed as the anchor minister just a day prior. Meanwhile, Harpreet Singh, 59, also an unexpected contender, was initially anticipated to vie for a spot in the East Coast GRC.

After nominations were confirmed, both parties swiftly launched their campaign efforts. Commuters en route to work and school didn’t miss the chance to engage with the candidates, many stopping for selfies and voicing their concerns.

The PAP team, featuring notable figures such as Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary, 52, and Minister of State Sun Xueling, 45, distributed flyers outlining their ambitious five-year plan for the constituency. On the flip side, the WP’s lineup—composed of professionals like Alexis Dang, 39, and senior legal counsel Siti Alia Abdul Rahim Mattar, 43—offered pamphlets detailing their electoral manifesto.

Both candidates, however, sidestepped media interviews, opting instead to share their visions on social media. DPM Gan stressed his commitment to earning the trust of the Punggol residents, promising to quickly familiarize himself with the community's needs. Conversely, Mr. Singh expressed his dedication to hard work and representation in Parliament for the residents of Punggol.

The new Punggol GRC encompasses reforms from previous electoral boundaries, shaping a constituency where an impressive 120,000 voters reside. Interestingly, recent statistics reveal that millennials and Gen Z voters significantly dominate this demographic, comprising over half of the electorate and leading other age groups by more than 10 points.

As the campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on Punggol GRC—who will capture the hearts and votes of this vibrant community?