Who are the 32 new PAP candidates being fielded in the election?

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on April 17 introduced all 32 new candidates the PAP will be fielding in the upcoming general election.

- Christie Chiu

Speaking at the launch of the PAP manifesto, he said this is the largest number of new candidates the party has introduced in recent years.

Over a third of the slate is made up of women - more than the PAP has ever fielded before. A total of 24 candidates will be fielded in PAP-held constituencies, while eight will be headed for opposition-held ones.

Here are the candidates to be fielded in PAP-held constituencies:

1. CAI YINZHOU A young social entrepreneur, Mr Cai Yinzhou, 35, was previously MP Louis Ng's legislative assistant.

PM Wong said Mr Cai will learn from Mr Ng how to advocate social causes.

2. CHARLENE CHEN Dr Charlene Chen, 43, is an assistant professor of marketing at Nanyang Technological University and is passionate about working with young people, said PM Wong.

She has been introduced as part of the PAP's Tampines GRC team.

3. ELYSA CHEN Having spent many years in the social sector, Ms Elysa Chen cares deeply about uplifting children and young people, said PM Wong.

She was recently spotted at a Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC walkabout with Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.

4. CHOO PEI LING Dr Choo Pei Ling, 38, is a neuroscientist and Singapore Institute of Technology assistant professor who has been introduced as part of the PAP's Chua Chu Kang GRC team.

PM Wong described her as a dedicated community volunteer who will represent the many young families in Tengah and Choa Chu Kang well.

5. DINESH VASU DASH Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, 50, was the chief executive of the Agency for Integrated Care.

He was also responsible for implementing Singapore's national vaccination campaign, said PM Wong.

"He did an excellent job of it, and I'm sure he will do an equally good job for our residents," the Prime Minister said.

6. FOO CEXIANG A former director at the Ministry of Transport, Mr Foo Cexiang is now vice-president for port ecosystem development at port operator PSA Singapore.