A 32-year-old entrepreneur who founded the new political party “The Most Valuable Party” (MVP) in March this year plans to contest the upcoming general election in the East Coast Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
However, with only days left until Nomination Day, his team remains incomplete. It still needs two more members to form the required five-person slate.
Entrepreneur Introduces New Party at Food Centre
Chia Yun Kai, the founder of MVP, dressed casually in a T-shirt and bermuda shorts, made an appearance at Bedok South Block 58 Food Centre on Saturday (19 Apr 2025) to introduce his new party to residents.
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Coincidentally, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, the incumbent MP for East Coast GRC, was visiting constituents alongside People’s Action Party (PAP) new face, Goh Pei Ming, at the same location.
The three men exchanged brief words, with Goh finally telling Chia: “We wish you all the best.”
Goh is a former chief of staff of the Singapore Armed Forces.
In an interview, Chia mentioned that he’s working hard to build his team and will keep applications for potential candidates open until Tuesday (22 Apr 2025).
Regarding campaign funding, Chia stressed that candidates must bear their election deposits. “If they believe in this party, they must be willing to take responsibility for their commitments. If they can’t even put up the election deposit, then they shouldn’t join this team,” he said.
Nomination Day for this general election is set for Wednesday (23 Apr 2025), with the election deposit remaining at $13,500, unchanged from the previous election.
Chia holds a master’s degree in International Business and Strategic Management from the University of Versailles in France.
Before opening his restaurant, he worked for eight years in accounting, consulting, and risk management firms. He claims his experience brings a different political perspective and can offer more innovative solutions.
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Dissatisfied with Public Toilet Hygiene Subsidy Policy
Chia openly expressed dissatisfaction towards certain government policies, such as the two public toilet hygiene upgrade subsidies totaling $10 million.
“I think these funds could be used for more meaningful purposes,” he said.
In March this year, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment announced subsidies of $5 million each for the renovation and deep cleaning of coffee shop toilets.
Chia also stated that DPM Heng’s “East Coast Plan” promised much but delivered little. “I’ve lived in the East Coast for 20 years, and in the past five years, I haven’t seen many improvements, just more community activities,” he remarked.
He stressed that his motivation for entering politics is to serve all Singaporeans regardless of age. “I don’t just represent young people or seniors, but every Singaporean.”
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The “East Coast Plan” originated from DPM Heng’s verbal slip on Nomination Day during the 2020 general election.
Over the past five years, the East Coast GRC team has launched various initiatives under this plan, including care for seniors and low-income families, provision of daily necessities and groceries, and development of green community spaces, aiming to create a vibrant, caring, and green home for residents.
DPM Heng recently said at a constituency event that the East Coast Plan has achieved positive results and received good feedback from residents.
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