Eight new NMPs to be appointed, business leader Mark Lee Kean Phi to serve second term
The nine NMPs have demonstrated "distinguished contributions to society and in their respective fields", says Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng.
A general view of the Parliament House in Singapore on Jun 2, 2016. (File photo: Reuters/Edgar Su)
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SINGAPORE: Eight fresh faces are set to be appointed as new Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs), with CEO of apparel company Sing Lun Holdings Mark Lee Kean Phi to return for a second term.
The nine names were released by the Office of the Clerk of Parliament on Friday (Jan 2).
They will be appointed by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Jan 8, and take their oaths at the next sitting of Parliament this month.
The nine individuals are:
- Mr Azhar Othman, executive chairman of Enercon Asia
- Associate Professor Goh Toh Chuan Kenneth, President of Singapore Aquatics
- Dr Haresh Singaraju, family physician at National University Polyclinics
- Associate Professor Terence Ho Wai Luen, academic/university administrator
- Ms Kuah Boon Theng SC, managing director of Legal Clinic LLC
- Mr Mark Lee Kean Phi, CEO of Sing Lun Holdings
- Dr Neo Kok Beng, Founder and CEO of NEO Aeronautics Pte Ltd
- Professor Kenneth Poon Kin Loong, professor at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University
- Mr Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari, general secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees
The Special Select Committee had invited the general public and functional groups to submit names for its consideration on Oct 8. Submissions closed on Nov 6.
A total of 57 proposal forms were received, and the committee considered all eligible candidates in its assessment of suitable candidates for appointment as NMPs, said the Office of the Clerk of Parliament in a press release.
Mr Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of Parliament and the chairman of the committee, said they received applications from a "strong pool" of candidates.
“Having to determine the maximum of nine NMPs to nominate is challenging and we deliberated very carefully on all the candidates. We are satisfied that these nine nominees meet the constitutional requirements, demonstrated by their distinguished contributions to society and in their respective fields.
"We are confident they will strengthen and add value to parliamentary debates through their varied backgrounds and experiences, diverse perspectives, and commitment to serving Singapore and Singaporeans."
Leader of the House and member of the committee Indranee Rajah welcomed the new cohort to the 15th Parliament.
“They have made notable contributions in work, community and society, and excelled in their respective fields. I am confident that their diverse expertise and experience will enrich the discussions in Parliament as we chart Singapore’s path forward in an uncertain and disrupted world.
“It was a challenging task to select from the pool of many highly qualified candidates who applied. We wish to thank and express our appreciation to all applicants for the NMP position and are greatly encouraged by their interest to serve,” she added.
Up to nine NMPs, who are meant to offer alternative voices in the House, can be appointed to parliament by the president for a term of two-and-a-half years on the recommendation of the Special Select Committee of Parliament.
The other members of the committee are Mr Chan Chun Sing, Mr Desmond Lee, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Dr Janil Puthucheary, Ms Sim Ann and Mr Louis Chua.
Under the Constitution, a person can qualify to be an NMP if they are a Singapore citizen aged 21 or above, their name appears on the current register of electors, has been a resident in Singapore for a period of not less than 10 years and is a resident on the date of their nomination for the role.
They should also be able to take an active part in the proceedings of parliament, and are able to speak and write at least one of the country's official languages.
The nominated person should also not have been disqualified from being an MP under the Constitution.
NMP NOMINEES EXPRESS GRATITUDE, LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) said it was proud of Mr Tiwari’s nomination, and noted that his appointment by the president would make him the 15th labour movement representative since 1992 to be appointed as an NMP.
“It is a privilege for me to speak for our workers in parliament,” Mr Tiwari said in response to his nomination.
“Over the years, I have seen the challenges faced by our officers in the public sector – balancing service, family and continuous change. I want to focus on helping workers stay employable and valued at every stage of their careers, especially our older workers and professionals, managers and executives.”
Mr Azhar, executive chairman of Enercon Asia and the CEO and founder of GAED Holdings, said that he was “truly honoured” to be selected.
He said in response to CNA queries that he "will contribute the best I can especially in the field of clean energy, sustainability, and local and international business concern and growth".
In addition to being deputy president of the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI), and chairman of the SME Centre@SMCCI, Mr Azhar is also a member of the advisory council on Community Relations in Defence, the East Asia Business Council and the Saudi-Singapore Business Council. He was awarded SMCCI Male Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022.
Assoc Prof Ho expressed gratitude for "this opportunity to serve" and said he was "keenly aware" of the responsibility entrusted to him.
“I see my role as raising constructive policy suggestions, highlighting issues affecting Singaporeans that need attention, and also providing independent views on proposed legislation,” he told CNA.
He added that he hopes to focus on issues relating to inclusive development, namely opportunities for Singapore firms and workers amid disruption, and strengthening social support and assurance for Singaporeans.
Assoc Prof Ho is the deputy executive director and associate professor (practice) at the Institute for Adult Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences. He is also an adjunct associate professor (practice) at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and a board member of the Civil Service College.
He has authored books on public policy and governance in Singapore and was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2023.
Mr Lee, who will be returning for his second term as NMP, said 2026 will be an "uneven year" for businesses, presenting a "real test" of adaptability.
“My focus as an NMP is simple - helping businesses stay competitive by building deeper tech, AI and robotics capabilities, ensuring regulatory agility, upskilling our workforce meaningfully, and helping firms open new markets, so we protect good jobs for Singaporeans while staying competitive globally,” said the CEO of Sing Lun Holdings and managing director of Vac-Tech Engineering.
Mr Lee served as an NMP of the 14th parliament from July 2023 to April 2025.
He is the vice-chairman, honorary treasurer and executive committee member of the Singapore Business Federation; council member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and chairman of the advisory board of the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Dr Haresh, who is head of Queenstown Polyclinic and chair of the Patient and Family Advocacy Committee at the National University Polyclinics (NUP), said he looked forward to the role.
"I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Time to continue doing good for our people, and discuss some tough matters in parliament,” he told CNA.
He is a member of the executive committee of the Chapter of Family Medicine Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore, and was previously co-chair of the NUP Workplace Health Promotion Committee. He is a fellow of the College of Family Physicians Singapore.
Founder and CEO of NEO Aeronautics Dr Neo said the nomination was a "great honour".
"I will treat this rare privilege seriously to contribute my expertise and experience to the debates in parliament. I will focus on three main themes: economic vibrancy, national resilience and gracious society,” he said.
Dr Neo is also an adjunct professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology. He holds a Doctorate in Innovation, is a fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Singapore and the Royal Aeronautical Society, as well as an honorary fellow of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations.
He was appointed associate faculty (science, technology and globalisation) at Harvard Kennedy School and UNDP visiting professor of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. He was awarded the SkillsFuture Fellowship in 2023.
President of the Singapore Aquatics Assoc Prof Goh said he was “deeply honoured” by the appointment and grateful for the trust of the special select committee and his nominators.
“I recognise that this is a privilege, and I approach the role with a strong sense of responsibility to contribute thoughtfully to parliamentary debate,” said the associate professor of strategy and entrepreneurship (education) at the Singapore Management University.
The former national swimmer said his background as a business academic, educator, and in sport leadership and governance has shaped how he thinks about policy.
Assoc Prof Goh is a board member of the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025 and a recipient of the Singapore Sports Council Scholarship and the Lee Kuan Yew Postgraduate Scholarship.
“As an NMP, I hope to contribute on issues relating to education and skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation, and the development of sustainable ecosystems for talent, particularly in sport and the arts. I am especially interested in how policies can support long-term capability building, widen access to opportunity, and balance performance with wellbeing,” he added.
On top of being senior counsel and the managing director of Legal Clinic LLC, Ms Kuah serves on the board of the Singapore Institute of Legal Education.
She is also a director on the board of Assisi Hospice, the president of the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents, honorary legal advisor to the Singapore Medical Association and the chairperson of the Safe Sport Disciplinary Panel.
Ms Kuah was awarded the Public Service Star in 2021 and the Public Service Medal (Silver) in 2008.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Prof Poon is the inaugural Lien Foundation Chair professor at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University where he serves concurrently as dean, research, as well as centre director of the Centre for Research in Child Development.
He received the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 2024.
