A quick guide to Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Ng Kok Song, and Tan Kin Lian—experience, achievements, and what they stand for.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Age: 66
Experience:
Began as an economist at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in 1982 and rose to managing director by 2001.
Elected Member of Parliament (MP) in 2001.
Held key ministerial roles, including Education Minister (2003–2008), Finance Minister (2007–2015), Deputy Prime Minister (2011–2019), and Senior Minister (2019–2023).
Chairing international panels such as the G20 Eminent Persons Group on Global Financial Governance.
Member of boards like the World Economic Forum (WEF) and United Nations advisory bodies.
Achievements:
Over 40 years of public service, 22 of them in politics.
Led significant initiatives like dismantling primary school streaming, introducing the Workfare Income Supplement, and launching SkillsFuture.
Guided Singapore through the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.
Advocating For:
Civic discourse and respect for all.
Broadening meritocracy beyond academic achievements.
Balanced social activism and racial harmony.
Concerns:
His ties to the ruling party raise questions about his independence.
Perceived as a shoo-in candidate, with some calling his candidacy a strategic move by the government.
Ng Kok Song
Age: 75
Experience:
Former Chief Investment Officer at GIC.
Over 45 years in public service, including stints at the Ministry of Finance and MAS.
Founder of Avanda Investment Management and advisor to international firms.
Achievements:
Steered GIC through financial crises.
Awarded the Thomas L Hansberger Leadership in Global Investment Award in 2013.
Co-founded Avanda, doubling its assets to $10 billion since 2015.
Advocating For:
Financial literacy and mental health awareness for youth.
Independence and integrity in leadership.
Concerns:
Perceived ties to the establishment due to his GIC tenure.
Public scrutiny of his personal life, including his relationship with his fiancée, 30 years his junior.
Tan Kin Lian
Age: 75
Experience:
CEO of NTUC Income for 30 years, growing its assets significantly.
Member of the People’s Action Party (PAP) for three decades, with leadership roles in Marine Parade.
Ran for president in 2011.
Achievements:
Transformed NTUC Income into a financial giant.
Advocates for reduced cost of living and financial security.
Advocating For:
Dialogue with the government to influence policy.
Affordable housing, CPF reforms, and higher NS allowances.
Concerns:
Controversial social media posts and past remarks have drawn criticism.
Criticized for focusing on policymaking, which falls outside the presidential role.
