GE2020: PAP unveils former aide-de-camp to President Nathan in election line-up
SINGAPORE – The People’s Action Party (PAP) introduced three more new candidates on Thursday (25 June) morning, including the first female full-time aide-de-camp to the Singapore president.
Poh Li San, 44, formerly served as aide-de-camp to the late President S R Nathan in 2006. She is currently vice-president, Terminal 5 Planning, for Changi Airport Group.
The other two candidates introduced at the session are: Derrick Goh Soon Hee, 51, DBS Bank’s managing director and head of group audit; and Raymond Lye Hoong Yip, 54, managing partner of Union Law.
PAP said that it will be unveiling 26 new candidates for this GE, with their ages ranging between 30 and 56. It has already unveiled 19 candidates on Wednesday and Thursday.
“The candidates have a very wide range of experiences, not only in dealing with stakeholders from various sectors, but also in working with agencies to resolve issues,” Fu said during the online session.
“They come from very diverse backgrounds, but there is a strong sense of mission to Singapore, as well as a deep sense of passion to improve the system for Singapore, in all of them.”
Poh Li San, 44
Poh graduated from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a double degree, and began her military career as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
She flew the Super Puma helicopter in 125 Squadron at Sembawang Airbase, and was part of the Singapore Armed Forces’ humanitarian and relief mission to Aceh following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
In 2006, Poh became the first female officer to be selected as full-time aide-de-camp to President S R Nathan. She was responsible for planning and organising state-level visits, meetings, ceremonies, and events for the late president.
In 2010, she left RSAF to join Changi Airport Group. She is currently responsible for the planning of specialised airport engineering systems for the upcoming Terminal 5.
Since 2018, Poh has been active in volunteering in grassroots activities at Sembawang group representation constituency (GRC). She started various community initiatives for women, as well as monthly distribution of rescued vegetables and fruits to rental flat residents.
“I believe women should have greater access to more opportunities and leadership roles at the workplace,” she said. “It is important to start nurturing our younger generation of women to set their ambitions high and far, and chase their passion so that they can excel in what they do and contribute to our society in many ways.”
Derrick Goh Soon Hee, 51
Coming from a humble family which lived in a three-room flat in MacPherson, Goh is keen to see Singapore create more opportunities for greater social mobility, especially for those from less-privileged backgrounds. “No one in Singapore should be at a disadvantage in this digital age,” he said.
With 27 years of experience in the finance and banking industry, the 51-year-old helped set up automated teller machines for the aurally and visually handicapped, as well as introduced specialised banking centres in heartlands and near foreign workers’ dormitories, during his leadership stint with POSB Bank. He also held management roles in American Express and DBS Bank.
Goh, who is married with three children, has been volunteering as a District Councillor with the Southwest Community Development Council since 2013, and with Yishun grassroots organisations since 2017.
Raymond Lye Hoong Yip, 54
Lye served as a magistrate and deputy registrar of the State Courts, before joining the private law practice. He founded his own law firm Union Law in 2014, and is now the managing partner of the firm.
The father of three has been has been volunteering with clans, societies, associations, boards and committees in industries such as healthcare, law, education and the media. He has also been an active community leader for close to 30 years.
In 2017, he received the Grand Award for Community Service for his 25 years of service as a volunteer. He was also conferred the Public Service Star (BBM) and Public Service Medal (PBM) in 2008 and 1998 respectively.
“I see it as a duty and calling to keep the Singapore Story going in an inclusive and united manner,” he said.
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