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Online Citizen
5 days ago
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Workers' Party co-opts four members, including two MPs, into Central Executive Committee
SINGAPORE: The Workers' Party (WP) has announced the co-option of four members into its Central Executive Committee (CEC), following a meeting held on 17 June 2025. The new additions include two elected Members of Parliament and two Non-Constituency MPs. Those co-opted are Abdul Muhaimin Bin Abdul Malik, the Deputy Organising Secretary; Andre Low, Deputy Head of the Media Team; Eileen Chong, Youth Wing President; and Kenneth Tiong, Deputy Treasurer. Abdul Muhaimin currently serves as a Member of Parliament for Sengkang GRC, while Kenneth Tiong was elected in Aljunied GRC. Both were elected during the general election held on 3 May 2025. Andre Low and Eileen Chong serve as NCMPs in the 15th Parliament of Singapore. In the same announcement, the WP confirmed that Jamus Lim, who previously led the Youth Wing, will be handing over leadership to Eileen Chong. Lim will continue to serve in the CEC as Deputy Head of Policy Research. He remains an elected MP for Sengkang GRC. The party expressed appreciation for Lim's contributions to the development of its Youth Wing during his tenure. There are no other changes to the CEC appointments at this time. Secretary General Pritam Singh and Chair Sylvia Lim continue to lead the party. Both Singh and Lim were re-elected at the Cadre Members' Conference held on 30 June 2024. The WP said in its statement that it is confident the new CEC members will contribute actively to the party's mission of serving Singaporeans. The new WP's CEC lineup are: Secretary General: Pritam Singh Chair: Sylvia Lim Vice Chair: Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap Treasurer: He Ting Ru Deputy Treasurers: Nathaniel Koh, Kenneth Tiong Organising Secretary: Dennis Tan Lip Fong Deputy Organising Secretaries: Ang Boon Yaw, Foo Seck Guan, Tan Kong Soon, Fadli Fawzi, Abdul Muhaimin Bin Abdul Malik Head, Media Team: Louis Chua Deputy Heads, Media Team: Lee Li Lian, Andre Low Head, Policy Research: Gerald Giam Deputy Head, Policy Research: Dr Jamus Lim Youth Wing President: Eileen Chong Committee Member: Low Thia Khiang
AsiaOne
5 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
WP's Andre Low, Eileen Chong among 4 newbies co-opted into CEC, Singapore News
The Workers' Party (WP) has co-opted four rookie MPs into its central executive committee (CEC), the party said in a statement on Wednesday (June 18). Sengkang GRC's new face Abdul Muhaimin Bin Abdul Malik becomes deputy organising secretary, while Aljunied GRC's Kenneth Tiong is deputy treasurer. Non-constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Andre Low is now the deputy head of the party's media team. Eileen Chong, who was earlier chosen as an NCMP, will lead the party's youth wing as president, taking over from Dr Jamus Lim who was leading the youth wing since 2024. "We wish to extend our appreciation to Dr Jamus Lim for his contributions to the development of our youth wing," the party said. WP will continue to be led by secretary-general Pritam Singh and chairperson Sylvia Lim, who had been elected at the party's Cadre Members' Conference on June 30, 2024. The party added: "The WP is confident that our new CEC members will play a vital role, as we continue to serve Singaporeans and working for Singapore." Low had lost in a close battle against Ng Chee Meng in Jalan Kayu SMC, but received the highest percentage of votes (48.53 per cent) among the unelected opposition candidates. Chong had contested Tampines GRC alongside incumbent MP Faisal Manap, Michael Thng, Ong Lue Ping and Jimmy Tan in a four-way fight, losing to a People's Action Party (PAP) team led by Masagos Zulkifli. Chong's team received the second highest percentage of votes (47.37 per cent) among the unelected opposition candidates and determined among themselves that Chong would be declared elected as NCMP. [[nid:718190]] khooyihang@
Business Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Times
WP co-opts 4 rookie MPs into CEC, NCMP Eileen Chong to head youth wing
[SINGAPORE] The Workers' Party has co-opted two of its rookie MPs and its two new Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs) into its central executive committee – its highest decision-making body. Sengkang GRC newcomer Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik has been appointed deputy organising secretary, while Aljunied GRC rookie Kenneth Tiong has been appointed deputy treasurer, the party said in a statement on Jun 18. NCMP Eileen Chong will be the new president of the party's youth wing, while fellow NCMP Andre Low is now the deputy head of its media team, it added. Chong will take the post from Sengkang MP Jamus Lim. In its statement, the WP expressed its appreciation to Dr Lim for his contributions to the youth wing's development. These appointments followed a CEC meeting on Jun 17, the statement added. There are no other changes in appointments to the other CEC members, who will continue to be led by secretary-general Pritam Singh and chair Sylvia Lim, it said. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up They were elected at the Cadre Members' Conference of the Party almost a year ago, on Jun 30, 2024. It added: 'The Workers' Party is confident that our new CEC members will play a vital role, as we continue to serve Singaporeans and working for Singapore.' All four are political newcomers who stood for election for the first time under the WP banner at the 2025 General Election on May 3. They are four of five rookie MPs who will form part of the largest WP contingent of 12 in Parliament when it reopens on Sep 5. The party's fifth first-time MP Aljunied representative Fadli Fawzi was already on the CEC as deputy organising secretary. THE STRAITS TIMES
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
WP co-opts 4 rookie MPs into CEC, NCMP Eileen Chong to head youth wing
WP members (clockwise from top left) Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik, Kenneth Tiong, Eileen Chong and Andre Low have been co-opted into its central executive committee. PHOTOS: WORKERS' PARTY SINGAPORE - The Workers' Party has co-opted two of its rookie MPs and its two new Non-Constituency MPs (NCMP) into its Central Executive Committee - its highest decision-making body. Sengkang GRC newcomer Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik has been appointed deputy organising secretary, while Aljunied GRC rookie Kenneth Tiong has been appointed deputy treasurer, the party said in a statement on June 18. NCMP Ms Eileen Chong will be the new president of the party's youth wing, while her fellow NCMP Mr Andre Low is now the deputy head of its media team, it added. Ms Chong will take the post from Sengkang MP Jamus Lim. In its statement, the WP expressed its appreciation to Dr Lim for his contributions to the youth wing's development. These appointments followed a CEC meeting on June 17, the statement added. There are no other changes in appointments to the other CEC members, who will continue to be led by secretary general Pritam Singh and chair Sylvia Lim, it said. They were elected at the Cadre Members' Conference of the Party almost a year ago on June 30, 2024. It added: 'The Workers' Party is confident that our new CEC members will play a vital role, as we continue to serve Singaporeans and working for Singapore.' All four are political newcomers who stood for election for the first time under the WP banner at the 2025 general election on May 3. They are four of five rookie MPs will who form part of the largest-ever WP contingent of 12 in Parliament when it reopens on Sept 5. The party's fifth first-time MP Aljunied representative Fadli Fawzi was already on the CEC as deputy organising secretary. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
The rearming of Europe: India must tap opportunities for exports and joint research
Prime minister Narendra Modi's visit this week to Cyprus and Croatia, members of the European Union (EU), was preceded by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to France, EU and Belgium last week and to the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany earlier in May. Bilateral relations are rapidly evolving, anchored in the India-EU strategic partnership. In February, during the visit of Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and the EU College of Commissioners to India, the two sides had welcomed growing defence cooperation, including joint exercises and collaboration between the Indian Navy and EU maritime security entities. The two sides had also committed to exploring a security and defence partnership. In this context, one must closely examine the opportunities for deepening the partnership provided by the Joint White Paper (WP) on European Defence — Readiness 2030, issued by the European Commission in March. The new policy approach outlined by the WP has undoubtedly been occasioned by the protracted war in Ukraine and recent stresses in the transatlantic partnership with the US. The main thrust of the WP is to support member states in achieving full defence readiness by 2030. The target is to mobilise additional defence expenditure of up to 1.5 per cent of the GDP. Based on projections of gradual progression, defence investment could reach at least €800 billion over the next four years. The scope of the WP points to opportunities for Indian defence industries to acquire or establish start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. Both Europe and India have recently been tested for their defence preparedness. In the short term, the emphasis in Europe is on replenishing stocks of ammunition, weapons, and military equipment. This may provide an opening for India to export ammunition to Europe. The Indian defence sector has received a boost in the aftermath of military tensions with China and, more recently, with Pakistan. India's defence exports have surged to a record high of approximately Rs 23,622 crore (US$2.76 billion) in the financial year 2024–25. A foundation has been laid for a higher quantum of exports in the future. In the wake of the high-level visits this year, India should endeavour to explore sales of Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGs), the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher, air defence missiles, and radars that meet NATO standards. The focus in the WP on critical and foundational technologies — such as artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnologies, and hypersonic technologies — and their classification as dual-use with both economic and military implications offers India a chance to collaborate with EU member states. The strong undercurrent of commitment in the WP to enhancing Ukraine's defence and security capacities is noteworthy. The new policy is oriented toward sharing the EU's military mobility corridors, space assets, and services with Ukraine. The key, therefore, lies in Indian companies being part of the landscape in the EU, and perhaps in Ukraine as well, at an early stage in the process of internal integration and harmonisation of the regulatory framework. India should explore opportunities for acquisitions and joint research in defence technologies. As such, the EU has welcomed India's interest in joining projects under its Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and in engaging in negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA). India should closely study the evolving EU model of defence preparedness and adopt best practices to refine its own roadmap toward atmanirbharta in aerial mobility — particularly the development of domestic civil transport aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul hubs. The EU's defence omnibus package offers India a chance to collaborate with the EU on cross-certification of defence products and mutual recognition of certification, creating the basis for a future market for India's military and dual-use products. The changes in the EU may also provide job opportunities for Indian skilled professionals to work in the defence industrial complex across the EU. It is vital for India to engage each of the EU members on migration and mobility issues in the context of the ongoing FTA negotiations. The EU's harmonisation of rules and procedures for defence procurement could lead to some changes in export regulations. Major European producers of defence equipment could find their capacities committed to national needs or to the ReArm Europe Plan. India would have to examine the impact, if any, on its supply chains originating in Europe. India could explore the possibility of joining the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), drawing from its experience in initiatives such as the INDUS-X with the US — though this may require some special arrangements, since entities participating in EUDIS projects are generally required to be located in the EU or Norway with local legal identity and control. Further, with the emphasis on infrastructure in the WP, Indian engineering, procurement, and construction companies should explore the potential for securing contracts for the expansion of EU multimodal corridors, including ports and terminals. The emergence of the EU defence union will mark a scaling up of all existing European defence and security structures. The rapid rearmament of Europe is seen as a bulwark against Russia, reasserting Europe's strategic autonomy in securing itself as well as Ukraine, and strengthening the EU's defence contributions to the still valid transatlantic partnership. As an aspiring global power and strategically autonomous pole, India should invest strongly in the partnership with the EU. The writer is the director general of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses
