Trade unionist and Director of NTUC’s Youth Development, Natasha Choy (in her 30s), has been making frequent appearances at community events in the West Coast area. It is widely expected that she may join the West Coast–Jurong West GRC team, following parts of Jurong GRC being absorbed into West Coast GRC under the latest electoral boundary changes.
Responding to media queries, National Development Minister Desmond Lee — who is currently leading the West Coast GRC team — described her role as “bringing national programmes to life in the community.”
Choy, who is also the Executive Secretary of NTUC’s Youth Taskforce, was seen on Wednesday morning (April 2) attending a community event in a private estate in the West Coast. She stayed close by Desmond Lee’s side throughout the visit, attentively observing and listening as he engaged with residents, Zaobao reported.
Since mid-February, she has been actively involved in various grassroots activities in the West Coast, including walkabouts with Foo Mee Har, who oversees the Ayer Rajah–Yew Tee division.
Desmond Lee explained that Choy is currently volunteering in the community to better understand the needs of different groups and to help implement national initiatives on the ground — enabling the government, residents, and community volunteers to “stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand” in delivering these key programmes.
Choy has maintained a low profile. When approached by reporters, she smiled politely and declined to comment further.
“We hope she will play an active role in programmes related to active ageing, youth engagement, and community bonding, and also contribute to improving infrastructure in West Coast and beyond — in service of both residents and Singaporeans at large,” said Desmond Lee.
When asked twice if Choy would be part of the GRC team, Lee — a key fourth-generation (4G) leader and also the Assistant Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party — did not confirm, repeating that her current role is to volunteer and support national plans at the community level.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung also attended the same community event in Desmond Lee’s ward on Wednesday. Some residents saw this “double minister” appearance as a sign that the ruling party is placing strong emphasis on the coming contest in the West Coast.
Lee responded that it is not unusual for multiple ministers to attend the same event — especially when it involves national goals like active ageing and healthy living, which require coordination between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of National Development, and the Ministry of Transport.
“All three ministries must work together,” he added.
