PAP youngest candidate has tech savvy edge

Tin Pei Ling, 27

Occupation: Senior associate at professional-services firm Ernst & Young.

Spotted in: MacPherson SMC

Background: She has volunteered at the Ulu Pandan ward in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC since she was 21. The NUS psychology graduate is married to civil servant Ng How Yue, 40, who is the principal private secretary to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

On her husband's impact on her political aspirations: "I'm pretty independent-minded and started (serving in the community) before I knew him. My desire to serve was (formed) way before. It was really through the influence of my father, who was a grassroots leader."

Zainal Supari, 46

Occupation: Director (Special Duty) of NTUC's Industrial Relations Department. Spotted in: Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC

Background: The National University of Singapore graduate was the principal of Mayflower Primary School before being appointed as a superintendent in the Education Ministry last year. He serves the Joint-Madrasah Education Resource Panel as an adviser.

On boosting Singapore's low fertility rate: "I feel that if we do want to encourage young families to have more children, we should really look into providing better support for working mothers."

Gan Thiam Poh, 48

Occupation: Senior vice-president of DBS Bank's Institutional Banking Group Spotted in: Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC

Background: The NUS graduate has 15 years of grassroots experience in Potong Pasir. Growing up, he held many temporary jobs, including selling fried popiah door-to-door to pay for his textbooks and even school fees.

On winning over Potong Pasir: "You've got to take every election seriously. You've got to try your best and take your opponent seriously. I don't want to jump to conclusions on whether I have a better chance or not. If I am asked to contest there, I will try my best."

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