Shawn Loh says son wants to know how he'll address cost of living

When PAP candidate for Jalan Besar GRC Shawn Loh, 38, told his four children that he was going to run in the 2025 General Election and serve the country, his elder son wanted to know how he would be addressing the cost of living.

- Judith Tan

And it is not just Mr Loh's entry into politics that makes the boy, aged 12, more tuned in to current affairs, despite his young age.

The family of six does not have a television set at home, so the four children, two boys and two girls, are encouraged to read The Straits Times daily.

"I am a subscriber of the hardcopy paper, and I strongly believe that is why my children must also read the paper on a daily basis," said Mr Loh, speaking to reporters at the Whampoa Drive Market and Food Centre on April 15. His three other children are aged four, seven and 10.

"That is why they are a bit more aware of current affairs," he said.

Mr Loh, who is currently the deputy group managing director of Singapore-based investment company Commonwealth Capital Group, said he and the family have been discussing his entry into politics for a few months.

"It did not come as a surprise to the children. I think my two older children understand a bit more. The younger two are still coming to terms with not seeing me around as often.

"We are still finding a new balance in this new phase of life," he said.

On April 16, Mr Loh was introduced by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo at a press conference as a new joiner to the incumbent PAP team that will contest Jalan Besar GRC in the upcoming election.

He will take over the Whampoa ward from Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How, who will be stepping down from the team.

The other members of the team are Ms Denise Phua and Dr Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah.

Mr Loh, a former director with the Ministry of Finance (MOF), was first spotted in Jalan Besar on April 6, fuelling expectations of his candidacy there in the upcoming general election.