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Pioneer SMC: Patrick Tay vs Stephanie Tan

 




Pioneer SMC is set for a closely watched rematch in GE2025, as PAP’s Patrick Tay goes up against PSP’s Stephanie Tan in a straight contest confirmed on Nomination Day (Apr 23).

Mr Tay, 53, is a seasoned labour unionist and the assistant secretary-general of NTUC. He has been the MP for Pioneer since 2020, when he won the seat with 62% of the vote in a three-way contest. Then, he faced PSP’s Lim Cher Hong and independent candidate Cheang Peng Wah. This year, he faces a direct one-on-one challenge from the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) once again.

His new opponent is Stephanie Tan, a 37-year-old former lawyer and first-time election candidate. She holds a law degree from the National University of Singapore, was called to the bar in 2011, and has worked across both public and private sectors—including as an assistant director at the Ministry of Law. Now a full-time mother of two, Tan is entering politics to bring a fresh perspective to the Pioneer constituency.

Addressing residents in his post-nomination speech, Mr Tay thanked voters for their trust over the past five years and highlighted his efforts to enhance the living environment in Pioneer. “Together and with your support and vote, [we can] make Pioneer a better place for all of us to live and play,” he said.

Ms Tan, on the other hand, told supporters that she’s looking forward to a respectful and issue-based campaign. “I am a full-time mother of two and a former lawyer. Please give me the chance to serve you with the same dedication that I have for my family,” she said, positioning herself as a relatable figure who understands the pressures families face in Singapore today.

Pioneer SMC has 25,166 registered voters, and is one of just nine constituencies unchanged by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee’s 2025 update. It remains geographically surrounded by the newly named West Coast-Jurong West GRC, which PSP is also contesting—making the broader west of Singapore a significant battleground this election.

This year’s straight fight may offer a clearer verdict from voters on the performance of the incumbent and the appeal of PSP’s newer generation of candidates. In 2020, PSP’s Lim Cher Hong polled 35.22% of the vote—showing significant support even in a three-cornered race. With no independent candidate in 2025, all eyes will be on how the vote swings in this direct PAP-PSP faceoff.

Mr Tay’s deep union background and strong grassroots presence contrast with Ms Tan’s fresh voice and emphasis on family, legal experience, and public service. For voters in Pioneer, the decision may come down to whether to stick with a familiar MP or take a chance on a new face promising bold change and more opposition representation in Parliament.

With just under two weeks to go, both candidates are expected to ramp up outreach in this industrial-residential heartland as Singaporeans head to the polls on May 3.


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