Lawrence Pek, former SMF Secretary-General, potential candidate of PSP in upcoming GE

In a Facebook post on 13 August, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) NCMP Leong Mun Wai sparked speculation about a potential new candidate for the upcoming General Election.

The post featured photos of Leong with Lawrence Pek, the former Secretary-General of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), leading to speculation about whether Pek might be fielded as a PSP candidate in the election, which must be held by November 2025.

Leong’s post highlighted that Pek was his guest at the National Day reception, a privilege previously extended to Abas Kasmani, a PSP candidate who contested Tanjong Pagar GRC in the General Election 2020.

Leong shared, “Every year I look forward to this reception because I can meet up with hundreds of Singaporean leaders from all walks of life… This year, I invited Lawrence Pek to join me.”

The post further emphasized Pek’s ease in reconnecting with former colleagues from the manufacturing sector, suggesting that his professional network and influence might be valuable assets for PSP.

Pek himself also commented on the event through his LinkedIn profile, expressing his gratitude for the invitation. He wrote, “My first time at the Istana! Thanks to Mun Wai Leong 梁文辉 for his invite, being an NCMP. This was the National Day Reception, event hosted by our Head of State, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.”

Pek detailed his experience at the event, noting the usual selfies with ministers and VIPs, but highlighted a meaningful conversation he had with a security officer. “We learnt much from him, his heavy duties work hours and security responsibilities. It was clear to us that he saw it as his responsibility, rather than just a job,” Pek shared, adding that he and Leong thanked the officer for his service.

A Stellar Professional Background

Lawrence Pek’s professional background, as outlined on his public LinkedIn profile, positions him as a highly qualified candidate.

Pek’s leadership as Secretary-General of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, from July 2020 to April 2023 is particularly notable, as he was instrumental in advocating for Singapore’s manufacturing industry during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. From his public LinkedIn page, he can be seen on key panelist for the Lien Foundation, and the also on CNA News Broadcast on Budget 2022. During and even after his time with the SMF, he still maintain his relationship with key ambassadors based in Singapore.

His entrepreneurial traits in the manufacturing sectors can be gleaned as one of the key Founder and General Manager at Bolin Technology and Guard Technology Shenzhen Co. Ltd., both based in Shenzhen, China,

This is after his 13 years career in Sony Europe, China, Hong Kong, India and Singapore, holding significant positions such as Divisional Head for Area Sales and Marketing in Hong Kong and Dept.

The Road Ahead

Pek’s professional experience, coupled with his recent involvement in PSP activities, including walkabouts in West Coast GRC and Hong Kah North, has fueled speculation about his potential deployment in the upcoming General Election.

His candidacy could bring substantial experience and leadership to PSP, which has seen turnover among its candidates from the 2020 election.

When asked about Pek’s potential candidacy, PSP did not confirm or deny the speculation, stating only that “Mr Lawrence Pek was invited to attend the National Day reception as a personal guest of Mr Leong Mun Wai.”

This response leaves the door open for further speculation about Pek’s political ambitions and the party’s plans for him.

As Singapore prepares for its next General Election, all eyes will be on Lawrence Pek and PSP to see if he steps forward as a key candidate in the party’s bid to increase its parliamentary representation.