Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has described the economic challenges posed by recent United States tariff moves as a "tidal wave of change," warning Singaporeans not to underestimate the situation. Speaking at a People's Action Party rally at Yusof Ishak Secondary School on April 26, 2025, Mr Gan questioned critics who claimed the government’s response was excessive.
Mr Gan, who also serves as Minister for Trade and Industry, explained that the ongoing global uncertainties could have lasting implications for Singapore’s role as a trading hub. He addressed concerns that the ruling party was creating unnecessary fear, countering that this situation is fundamentally different from past crises.
He pointed out that Singaporeans are already feeling the impact, with multinational companies reassessing their investments and supply chains being reconfigured. This has led to a slowdown in business investments and hiring activities. While acknowledging the anxiety over job security, Mr Gan reassured Singaporeans that there is comprehensive government support in place, such as the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme and career conversion programmes.
Mr Gan emphasised that while it may not be possible to save every job, the government remains committed to protecting every worker. He said that the People’s Action Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, is ready to do more if necessary to help Singaporeans weather the storm.
Despite the ongoing general election campaign, Mr Gan stated that governing responsibilities continue. As chair of the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, he confirmed that trade discussions with American counterparts are ongoing, made possible by the trust established through long-standing bilateral ties. Though he refrained from sharing details due to confidentiality, he noted that there are efforts to ensure Singapore’s critical exports reach the US.
Mr Gan, an incumbent MP from Chua Chu Kang GRC, was moved to lead the PAP team in Punggol in a last-minute decision announced on Nomination Day, April 23. The PAP team for Punggol includes Ms Yeo Wan Ling, Ms Sun Xueling, and Dr Janil Puthucheary. They face a Workers' Party team comprising senior counsel Harpreet Singh, advertising technology director Alexis Dang, legal counsel Alia Mattar, and corporate affairs manager Jackson Au.
At the rally, Mr Gan described Punggol as a "wow town," noting its rapid transformation into a model heartland community with strong family ties and innovative urban planning. Over the past three days, he said he had met many residents and listened to their aspirations, observing that while much progress has been made, there remains room for further development.
Responding to residents' requests for more covered linkways, Mr Gan said he would discuss funding possibilities with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is also the Finance Minister.
Dr Janil, who previously served as an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol, highlighted the team's focus on delivering realistic, meaningful improvements rather than making grand promises. Ms Sun, who has overseen Punggol West since 2015, shared how she initiated a container library in the early days to provide children with access to books and has since championed educational infrastructure, with plans for a new primary school, secondary school, and junior college in Punggol.
Ms Yeo, seeking her second term, stressed her advocacy for platform workers in Parliament, championing issues like fair compensation, injury protection, and CPF contributions, directly linking her policy work to real-life concerns faced by residents.
Mr Gan concluded by assuring residents that with the team's combined experience and commitment, they are ready to work with the community to ensure Punggol continues to thrive.
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