HK-born Singaporean businessman designated Politically Significant Person under FICA

SINGAPORE: Philip Chan Man Ping, a 59-year-old businessman, has officially been identified as a “politically significant person” (PSP) under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA) as of Monday (26 February).

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated in a press statement on Monday that the Registrar of Foreign and Political Disclosures, after considering representations from Chan, deemed it in the public interest to apply countermeasures to him.

Mr Chan, a Hong Kong-born Singaporean businessman who serves as the managing director of various real estate investment firms, received a notice on 2 February outlining the intention to designate him as a politically significant person.

Despite considering Chan’s representations, the registrar maintained the view that he should indeed be labelled as a politically significant person.

The authorities had initially served Mr Chan with the notice based on his perceived susceptibility to foreign influence and willingness to advance their interests.

In the latest statement, the MHA reiterated that Chan should be designated as a politically significant person due to his activities being directed towards a political end in Singapore.

Mr Chan retains the right to appeal the decision to the Minister for Home Affairs, K. Shanmugam, without a specified deadline provided by the ministry.

First PSP declared under FICA’s new provision enforced since December 2023

He stands to be the first individual categorized under this provision since FICA’s enforcement in December of the previous year.

FICA’s mandate is to combat hostile information campaigns and the influence of foreign proxies in domestic politics.

This designation, applicable to a range of entities, including political office holders and Members of Parliament, is based on Mr Chan’s activities directed toward a political end.

Under FICA, a person who is designated as PSP will be prohibited from accepting voluntary labour or professional services from non-Singaporean citizens.

Additionally, they are required to disclose any affiliations with a “foreign principal,” which includes foreign governments, government-related individuals, foreign political organizations, foreign public enterprises, or foreign businesses.

Apart from his role in HSBA, Mr Chan has been actively involved in various other organizations.

Following the news of the pending designation, the People’s Association revealed on 2 February that Mr Chan has stepped down from all grassroots appointments, including as a patron of the Kampong Chai Chee Citizens’ Consultative Committee and the Bukit Timah Community Club management committee.

While the PA did not respond to queries regarding Mr Chan’s influence on grassroots activities during his appointments, it was noted that he had held these positions since 2014, as indicated on the SPD charity’s website.

His leadership roles extend to the Kowloon Club and his involvement in the charitable organization SPD.

As a prominent figure in business, Mr Chan holds managing director positions at several companies, including Wen Way Investments Pte Ltd, and has been instrumental in property investments across multiple countries.

His contributions to the business community and charitable causes, particularly among the Hong Kong immigrant community in Singapore, have been noteworthy.

In a March 2023 article on the Chinese news website 52hrtt (华人头条), Mr Chan was identified as an overseas representative at the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.

During an interview with the website, Mr Chan said, “It is our duty as overseas Chinese to tell China’s story well, and to both spread and pass on the marvelous traditional Chinese culture while we are abroad.”

“As a member of the Chinese Singaporean community, I have had my articles published in Lianhe Zaobao, a mainstream Chinese media in Singapore. However, my influence is limited. Since we can only do little alone, we therefore need to be more united.”