Jeremy Tan: Independent Candidate in Singapore GE2025
- UBE SG
- May 7
- 27 min read
Jeremy Tan (34) is a Singaporean entrepreneur-turned-politician, known for contesting the 2025 General Election (GE2025) as an independent in Mountbatten Single Member Constituency (SMC). A graduate of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Tan launched his first business while still a student. He became the local distributor for Paula’s Choice (a skincare brand) and later sold this venture when Paula’s Choice was acquired by Unilever in 2021. Having achieved financial independence early – he even listed himself as “retired” on nomination papers – Tan went on to found multiple businesses, including a social enterprise called Tissue SG (“Tissue For Good”). This venture sells eco-friendly tissue paper to support the needy and disabled in Singapore.
Tan has cited personal events as a turning point for his entry into politics. In 2020, his mother was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and several family members lost jobs amid COVID-19, which spurred him to seek ways to improve policies. After selling his company in 2021, he spent time researching national issues and concluded that “the only way I can change this is to run for politics…you can’t just be an activist”. Tan decided to contest Mountbatten SMC in GE2025 as a first-time candidate (and one of only two independents nationwide) because he felt the next generation of Singaporeans faces a tougher future.
“What motivated me is that the next generation looks like they will be worse off than the current or previous generation”
Political Stance and Platform
As an independent candidate, Jeremy Tan campaigned on a platform of bold, reformist ideas aimed at tackling long-term structural issues. His key priorities included:
Retirement Adequacy & Housing – Tan believes the public housing (HDB) and Central Provident Fund (CPF) systems need overhaul. He argues against using HDB flats as “retirement assets” (which drives up resale prices and drains CPF savings) and calls for “revitalising the CPF system” to better protect against inflation. He has highlighted how 40% of an HDB flat’s price is an opaque “land cost” that ultimately forces Singaporeans to pay for asset appreciation using their own retirement funds. Tan’s goal is to “undo” this “generational ponzi” so younger Singaporeans aren’t “trapped” into working indefinitely to finance the prior generation’s retirement.
Cryptocurrency & Financial Innovation – Dubbed the “Bitcoin candidate” by some, Tan made cryptocurrency a centerpiece of his platform. He views Bitcoin as “superior, inflation-proof money” and a hedge against an overreliance on the U.S. dollar. Tan proposed several unprecedented measures: adding Bitcoin to Singapore’s official investment mix and reserves, creating a Singapore-dollar Bitcoin ETF for savers, and even allowing Singaporeans to invest part of their CPF pension funds in Bitcoin under a government guarantee. He argues such moves would protect citizens’ retirement savings from inflation and currency debasement. “Countries are already allowing pension funds to be exposed to Bitcoin and we risk getting left behind,” he wrote, calling Bitcoin “perfect money that will free Singaporeans”. This stance earned him the nickname “Encik Bitcoin”, which he embraced on his campaign website.
Political and Governance Reform – Tan has been critical of Singapore’s group representation constituency (GRC) system, which pairs new candidates with veterans in multi-seat wards. He attributes it to a “ruling class with out-of-touch politics” and “complacency”, and instead champions more single-member constituencies (SMCs) so that the popular vote is better reflected in Parliament. Notably, he chose to run solo in an SMC “to not hide behind a GRC” and to seek a direct mandate.
Technology & Future Economy – Tan advocates preparing for a rapidly changing economy. He urges Singapore to “embrace AI and robotics” and retool education and employment policies that he calls “obsolete in the next 10 years”. He also suggests moderating population growth in anticipation of “mass automation” reducing the need for imported labor. These forward-looking policies position him as a candidate focused on innovation and sustainability in governance.
Beyond these headline issues, Tan’s platform stressed common-sense, pragmatic solutions. He repeatedly stated he would not push “reckless fiscal or social policies” for short-term gain. Instead, he promised to apply his business acumen and execution experience – gained from “bootstrapping [a] business at NTU” and selling it to Unilever – to local municipal issues.
For example, he pledged to be an ultra-responsive, full-time MP for Mountbatten, even noting he lives 6 minutes away by train and can be regularly found exercising at East Coast Park in the area. On his website, he invited residents to contact him directly, with a “48-hour commitment” to reply to emails and 15-minute phone slots for anyone with concerns. This hands-on, accessible style was part of his promise to bring a “fresh perspective” and “independent voice” to Parliament.
Speeches and Key Statements
During the 9-day GE2025 campaign, Jeremy Tan made several notable speeches and statements:
Nomination Day (Apr 23, 2025) – Upon being confirmed as a candidate, Tan spoke to media about why he’s running. He cited concern for future generations and frustration with the status quo. “What motivated me is that the next generation looks like they will be worse off than the current or previous generation,” he said. He also noted the events of 2020 that impacted his family as a catalyst for his political journey. Tan declared that as an independent “one-man team,” he is free to tackle “the policies that are the worst and most inconvenient to speak about” without partisan constraints. He asserted that an independent MP can speak freely on any issue and vowed to attract top-quality volunteers “not beholden to any party”.
Campaign Trail Remarks – Throughout his walkabouts, Tan emphasized he was “close to the ground” in Mountbatten. He quipped that he chose Mountbatten because “I live 600 metres outside of [it]…to be a good MP, I believe I must be close to my residents”. He often repeated that Mountbatten voters expect high standards, referencing that outgoing PAP MP Lim Biow Chuan had one of the highest win margins in 2020. “My goal is to match and even be better than that standard,” he said in one interview. When critics questioned his lack of town council experience, Tan pointed out it was ironic since his PAP opponent, Ms. Gho Sze Kee, was also a newcomer with no such experience. He aimed to turn such critiques around, portraying himself as equally capable of learning the ropes of municipal management.
Rally Speech (May 1, 2025) – Tan held his sole election rally at the Home of Athletics track on May 1. In his rally address, he outlined his “radical” proposals on Bitcoin and CPF, drawing both interest and rebuttal. Notably, he highlighted that his presence had “finally gotten the PAP to say the word ‘Bitcoin’ in a rally,” since Ms. Gho had felt compelled to respond to his ideas. Tan proudly noted his rally speech garnered significant attention: “My speech has garnered close to 270,000 views across national media channels on YouTube – it's a clear sign that we're making progress, one step at a time,” he told one interviewer. This underscored his belief that he was injecting new topics into mainstream discourse.
Bitcoin Proposal Exchange – During the campaign, Jeremy Tan proposed some eye-catching ideas, such as giving every Singaporean newborn a $10,000 Bitcoin account funded by the government. This drew a sharp response from PAP candidate Gho Sze Kee at her own rally on Apr 30. Calling Bitcoin “wildly volatile” and Tan’s plan “gambling,” Gho declared: “The PAP does not believe in gambling!”. She argued that Bitcoin’s value could crash “with nothing to back it up” and criticized Tan for promoting crypto and early retirement even though “he made his money from a bricks-and-mortar business…Walk the talk,” she challenged. In response, Tan stayed light-hearted. He later reacted on Facebook with a brief “Ok, haha.” to Gho’s speech. In media interviews, however, he clarified his position: his own wealth came from Unilever’s buyout of his business and “he has been investing in Bitcoin for over a decade,” so he genuinely believes in it as a long-term asset. This exchange – with Tan advocating bold moves and his opponent calling them impractical – became a focal point of his campaign’s narrative.
Closing Message (May 4, 2025) – After polls closed, Tan took to social media with candid reflections. In a video message on Instagram posted on May 4, he thanked Singaporeans for their support and reiterated the importance of voting. “Every five years, we exercise our right to be represented on the national stage…Times are hard, I just lost the job interview,” he said wryly, referring to his electoral loss. Importantly, he urged voters “not to be discouraged by the results” and to continue working with whichever MPs were elected “to build a better and brighter future for Singapore”. In a tongue-in-cheek moment, Tan noted both major opposition parties (WP and PSP) had criticized the Non-Constituency MP scheme, so he joked “maybe give it to me lah, give chance lah” – asking them to consider letting him take an NCMP seat if offered. This light-hearted appeal showed his humor even in defeat.
Post-Election Intentions – Both on Instagram and in media interviews after GE2025, Tan signaled that his political journey is not over. He wrote cryptically “Dog will return soon” in an Instagram caption – a reference to his campaign symbol (a dog) and the idiom “every dog has its day.” He also stated that Singaporeans “may see him again” in the next election. In fact, he mused that next time he might contest Marine Parade (the adjacent GRC) if Mountbatten SMC ceases to exist or if circumstances change. On May 5, he told The Straits Times he has “not ruled out” contesting GE2030. These statements make clear that Jeremy Tan intends to remain politically active going forward.
Social Media Presence
Jeremy Tan maintained an unusually robust and tech-savvy social media presence for an independent candidate, using multiple platforms to engage voters:
Reddit: Perhaps most notably, Tan is an active Reddit user (username u/jeremytansg), a rarity among Singaporean politicians. He has been “walking the reddit grounds for years”, as he put it, and leveraged this to connect with younger, internet-savvy voters. During GE2025, Tan participated in discussions on the r/singapore subreddit – introducing his ideas, answering questions, and even addressing criticism. For example, when one commenter dismissed his policies, Tan replied, “Seems like you [are] gatekeeping the good policies we deserve. Share lah,” showing a mix of candor and colloquial humor. His openness earned respect online: a Reddit post congratulating Tan on his campaign performance received over 5,500 upvotes and hundreds of comments, with users calling him a “legend” for putting up a strong fight against the ruling party. This positive Reddit reputation – the first time a Singapore GE candidate garnered such grassroots support on the platform – significantly raised his profile among young voters. Tan himself thanked netizens after the campaign, posting “Thanks guys. Love y’all… If you see fake news, [correct it].” as the cooling-off period began, and promising to remain reachable on Reddit going forward.
Website: Tan launched an official campaign website (JeremyTan.sg) that served as a hub for his manifesto, FAQ, and contact links. The site outlined his policies in detail – from housing and CPF to Bitcoin – and even had a section justifying “Why Mountbatten” for his candidacy. It also provided scheduling tools for residents to book calls or meetings with him, demonstrating how he integrated digital tools to make himself accessible. This online approach supplemented physical campaigning and appealed to voters who value transparency and direct communication.
LinkedIn: Unusually for a politician, Tan used his LinkedIn account both for campaigning and personal updates. On Polling Day’s aftermath (May 4, 2025), he updated his LinkedIn with a cheeky post declaring he was “open to work”, humorously likening his electoral loss to a failed job interview. “lol failed job interview yesterday,” he wrote, and in the comments quipped that maybe he should “beg for [an] unpaid intern role aka NCMP”. The post went viral on LinkedIn, gathering over 3,500 reactions and many comments praising his good humor and resilience. Tan even updated his LinkedIn bio to memorialize his achievement, calling himself the “Independent candidate with [the] best performance in GE2025 for 53 years”. This playfully highlighted the historical nature of his vote share. By leveraging LinkedIn – a platform typically for professional networking – Tan showed a savvy understanding that many Singaporeans would see his updates and appreciate his down-to-earth reflections.
Instagram: Tan’s Instagram account @jeremytan.sg was used to share personal moments on the campaign trail and post-election messages. He posted short video clips during the campaign, including a light-hearted video from outside Parliament House where he joked, “The employment building is behind [me],” after “losing the job interview”. On May 4, he uploaded a thank-you video to voters on IG-TV, stressing the importance of voting and indicating he wouldn’t be discouraged by the loss. He also used Instagram to announce that “the dog will return soon,” referencing his dog election symbol and implying his comeback. Additionally, Tan shared lighter campaign moments on IG – such as having breakfast with residents at Old Airport Road Food Centre – to humanize himself to followers. While his Instagram follower count isn’t publicly reported in news, his posts did attract hundreds of likes (indicative of a modest but engaged following). Tan’s IG content mixed campaign messages with personal touches, appealing to both young voters and constituents in Mountbatten who use social media.
Facebook: Although less emphasized than other platforms, Tan did maintain a Facebook presence. He had a Facebook page for the campaign where updates and live streams (like his rally video) were shared. For instance, the full video of his May 1 rally was streamed and posted on Facebook, making it accessible to residents who couldn’t attend in person. He also interacted in Facebook Groups focused on GE2025. Channel NewsAsia noted his active engagement, and even CNA’s own Facebook post highlighting Tan’s motivations and background garnered positive comments like “Jeremy Tan is very impressive… he is going to be the star and surprise of GE2025”. However, much of the viral buzz around Tan happened on Reddit and LinkedIn; Facebook served more as a standard outreach channel.
Overall, Jeremy Tan effectively used social media to bypass traditional campaign limitations, given he lacked a party machinery. His direct and often witty online interactions – from Reddit threads to LinkedIn memes – not only amplified his message but also built a relatable image of a “digital-age politician” willing to meet citizens on new platforms. This tech-forward approach set him apart from typical candidates.
Public Reception and Media Coverage
Media Coverage: Jeremy Tan’s campaign attracted considerable media attention for an independent candidate. Prominent outlets like The Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia profiled him extensively, often highlighting his record-breaking performance and unconventional ideas. After Polling Day, headlines noted that Tan clinched 36.16% of votes in Mountbatten, the highest share for any independent in 53 years. This was described as “historic” and “out of nowhere”, given independents in recent elections usually polled in the single digits. Singapore’s Business Times reported the official results, with Tan losing to PAP’s Ms. Gho Sze Kee (who got 63.84%). The margin, while decisive, was far closer than expected for a one-man challenger.
Local media also seized on Tan’s “Bitcoin candidate” persona. Blockhead, a fintech news site, wrote that “Tan’s strong showing has undeniably planted a seed, demonstrating that digital assets are no longer a fringe topic” in Singapore politics. It detailed his crypto proposals (Bitcoin in the national reserves, CPF investments, etc.) and noted that this “injected a vital discussion about digital assets into mainstream politics” despite not winning. More general outlets like AsiaOne dubbed him the candidate who “got PAP to say 'Bitcoin'”, underscoring how he forced the ruling party to address his ideas in public. AsiaOne also reported Tan’s quirky use of a dog symbol on the ballot and his catchphrase “Every dog has its day… the dog will return soon,” painting him as a colorful character in GE2025.
Crucially, Tan’s unexpectedly high vote share drew analysis on what it signified. Political observers told The Straits Times that Tan (and fellow independent Darryl Lo) were “part of an evolving profile of political independents” – educated, articulate and able to outperform even some small-party candidates. Analysts praised his performance, noting he and Lo “polled better than expected” and “were able to put their views across coherently”. Dr. Felix Tan, a political observer, remarked that both independents were “well-spoken, sensible, and able to articulate their thoughts more coherently” than some partisan candidates. This credibility, combined with no party baggage, likely appealed to voters tired of “the same gimmicks that political parties use”, the analyst added. SMU law professor Eugene Tan opined that Singaporean voters “do not automatically write off independent candidates” and that Tan’s strong showing is a “welcome development” which could encourage more credible independents in future elections. In short, media coverage framed Jeremy Tan as a legitimate contender who signaled a shift in voter attitudes toward independents.
Public Response: On the ground and online, Jeremy Tan garnered significant public interest and mostly positive reactions. In Mountbatten, his rallies and walkabouts drew decent crowds. Observers noted a “sizable crowd” turned up at his May 1 rally, impressive for an independent with a small team. Residents engaged with him on issues like estate upgrades and cost of living, and by his own account, many were receptive to his message of being a full-time, accessible MP. Of course, not everyone was sold – his opponent Gho Sze Kee claimed that “many residents [she] spoke to…weren’t buying what Mr Tan was selling”, calling his ideas “flashy sound bites”. This suggests some Mountbatten voters were skeptical of his more radical proposals (like the Bitcoin plan). Still, the fact that over 7,000 voters chose Tan indicates a substantial segment found him credible and appealing, even over the establishment candidate.
On social media and forums, Tan became something of an underdog icon during GE2025. As mentioned, Reddit was abuzz with praise for him; users lauded his courage to stand alone and his ability to articulate policies. Comments like “he fight a good battle and did remarkably against a PAP candidate despite being independent” received thousands of upvotes. Even on HardwareZone (a popular local forum), members discussed his campaign in depth – some suggested opposition parties “could consider having a talk with Jeremy Tan” about joining them, given his potential. Others jokingly nicknamed him “Encik Bitcoin”, a moniker he himself adopted humorously. Tan’s relatable demeanor – cracking jokes about himself, directly engaging netizens – won him fans who normally might not pay attention to a newcomer. His LinkedIn “failed job interview” post, for instance, was widely shared and drew comments commending his humility and wit.
Tan also earned respect from segments of the public who value political diversity. Many noted that Mountbatten would have been a walkover (uncontested) if not for him stepping up, since no opposition party fielded a candidate there. This portrayal of Tan as the man who “prevented a walkover” gave him credit for ensuring Mountbatten voters had a choice. Even some opposition supporters expressed appreciation that he filled the gap. “Thank you for supporting democracy unlike [those] who let PAP just walkover,” one commenter wrote in agreement. Such sentiment indicates that, beyond his own platform, Jeremy Tan was seen as strengthening the democratic process by his mere candidacy.
However, he did face some criticism and skepticism. Apart from PAP’s rebuttals calling him a “slick talker,” a few netizens questioned if his cryptocurrency focus was too niche or gimmicky. Some joked about “baby bonuses paid in Bitcoin?” when they first heard his ideas. Others wondered if he was serious about broad issues or mainly pushing a crypto agenda. Tan addressed these concerns by pointing to his website’s comprehensive policy sections “covering all issues affecting Singaporeans,” not just Bitcoin. The analysts’ commentary also helped validate him as “knowledgeable” and “not a crank,” contrasting him with past fringe independents. In the end, public reception of Jeremy Tan was predominantly positive, casting him as a passionate, intelligent outsider who exceeded expectations. His 36.16% vote share was itself the strongest rebuttal to any doubts – as Mothership.sg noted, “out of nowhere,” Tan achieved a result that even well-known opposition veterans hadn’t managed when running solo.
Business and Startup Involvement
Jeremy Tan’s professional background is rooted in business, and he is often described as a “serial entrepreneur”. His journey in startups began in his early 20s: while studying at NTU, he bootstrapped a small business distributing skincare products. Specifically, Tan became the Singapore distributor for Paula’s Choice, an international skincare brand. He grew this venture successfully – even personally delivering products via e-scooter to customers in areas like Mountbatten during his college days. In 2021, Unilever (the consumer goods giant) acquired Paula’s Choice globally, and by extension Tan’s distribution business was bought out or wound down as part of that deal. This acquisition provided him with a financial windfall. As he later explained, “my wealth came from Unilever acquiring a brand from my skincare distribution business”, which effectively secured his financial independence before age thirty.
After exiting that business, Tan did not remain idle. He ventured into founding or investing in multiple new enterprises across different sectors. One notable startup he founded is Tissue For Good (Tissue SG), a social enterprise. According to Tan’s LinkedIn and campaign materials, Tissue SG sells “high-quality, eco-friendly tissues” with a portion of proceeds aiding the needy and disabled. This initiative tackles a common sight in Singapore – tissue sellers (often elderly or disabled) earning a meagre living – by formalizing it into a sustainable business that still benefits the vulnerable. Tan helms Tissue SG as a founder, signaling his interest in social entrepreneurship beyond pure profit ventures.
In addition, Tan has indicated he’s involved in technology and finance ventures. He has been a cryptocurrency investor for over ten years, which, while not a business per se, places him within the blockchain/startup community. It’s likely he has holdings or stakes in crypto projects, given his advocacy in that area. He also mentioned in interviews that since selling his main company, he “started and invested in multiple businesses” – though specifics aren’t publicly detailed, this suggests he may have roles as an angel investor or advisor in startups (possibly fintech or e-commerce, aligning with his interests). His professional profile showcases skills in digital strategy and supply chain, hinting at corporate experience too; one listing shows a Jeremy Tan as a former APAC digital transformation director at Procter & Gamble, though it’s unconfirmed if this is the same person. In any case, Tan’s entrepreneurial reputation is well-established enough that during the election, voters and media recognized him foremost as a “34-year-old retiree and entrepreneur”.
Tan’s business background played a dual role in his politics. It lent credibility to his campaign promises on execution and economy – he often said, “I have built businesses from scratch, I know how to solve problems and get things done”. Indeed, he used his business success story as evidence of his “common sense and execution” abilities in his manifesto. At the same time, opponents tried to leverage it against him. PAP’s Gho Sze Kee questioned “why is he recommending Bitcoin and early retirement when he made his money from a brick-and-mortar business?” implying a disconnect. Tan countered that his entrepreneurial journey actually gives him insight into both traditional and innovative finance – highlighting that he embraced Bitcoin early (buying 6 BTC at $300 each years ago, as he revealed on his site) and wished he had bought more. Far from being at odds, he suggests his conventional business success enabled him to explore new horizons like crypto.
Importantly, Tan self-funded his campaign using his business proceeds. He reportedly spent about S$17,000 on GE2025, including S$10k to organize his rally (stage, equipment, etc.). He joked that running for office was akin to a major investment or “job interview,” and having lost, he lightheartedly indicated he was back on the job market. Post-election, he did in fact update that he’s “open to work” – suggesting he may return to or seek new business endeavors while staying engaged politically. Given his tech orientation, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jeremy Tan delves into a new startup (perhaps in the fintech or blockchain space) after GE2025. In summary, Tan’s involvement with business and startups is extensive: he’s a proven entrepreneur whose real-world experience in commerce and innovation underpins much of his political ethos.
Connections and Initiatives in Innovation and Tourism
Innovation and Technology: Jeremy Tan’s campaign and career are tightly interwoven with themes of innovation. His signature policy proposals around cryptocurrency, blockchain, and automation were aimed at preparing Singapore for the future. For instance, Tan advocated creating a national Bitcoin reserve and a Bitcoin ETF – essentially pushing Singapore to innovate in financial policy by integrating digital assets. This initiative was radical, but it signaled Tan’s desire to position Singapore as a forward-looking financial hub that isn’t afraid of new technology. He also spoke about embracing AI and robotics in education and employment planning, highlighting that automation will transform the job market and Singapore must innovate to avoid disruption. Such stances align with global tech trends and indicate Tan’s intent to be a voice for innovation in Parliament had he been elected.
During the campaign, Tan demonstrated innovative outreach methods as well. His heavy use of social media, data, and direct engagement can be seen as a modern campaign innovation in itself (as detailed earlier). He treated Reddit and other online forums as important as traditional meet-the-people sessions, reflecting a new style of participatory politics that resonates in a digital age. This approach could inspire future independent candidates to leverage technology better.
Tan’s professional work also connects to innovation. Founding Tissue SG (with its eco-friendly product and social impact model) is an innovative twist on a traditional charitable activity. It used a market-based solution (selling a product) to achieve a social good (helping the disadvantaged), illustrating his tendency to seek creative solutions to social issues. Likewise, his earlier distribution business, while conventional, taught him to utilize e-commerce and last-mile tech (like e-scooters for delivery, which he personally did). He’s comfortable operating at the intersection of technology and business, as seen by a decade of Bitcoin investing and likely involvement in tech communities. In interviews, Tan hinted he was already talking to others about future plans, saying he would remain on the ground in Marine Parade/Mountbatten and is “working with other political parties” on possibly running again. This suggests he might join forces with existing parties known for innovation or youth appeal (perhaps the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) or others), which see value in his tech-forward ideas.
Tourism and Other Initiatives: There is no direct evidence of Jeremy Tan being heavily involved in the tourism sector or specific tourism initiatives. His campaign did not highlight tourism policy as a key plank. Mountbatten SMC does encompass some sites near Singapore’s Sports Hub and Kallang area (which attract sports tourism), but Tan’s focus was more on national fiscal and social issues rather than local tourism development. If anything, his mention of “new dog runs” as a local improvement (cited by his opponent) shows engagement with community amenities, though not necessarily tourism. He did not serve on any tourism boards or start a tourism-related business (unlike some other candidates – e.g., PAP’s Cai Yinzhou who ran walking tours – Tan’s background was different).
That said, Tan’s connections in business might tangentially relate to tourism/hospitality via his network. Entrepreneurs in Singapore often collaborate, and Mountbatten is adjacent to areas like Katong/Joo Chiat, known for heritage tourism and F&B startups. In fact, Tan resides in Joo Chiat and has roots there. While not explicitly stated, his local knowledge (he humorously cited taking Bus 16 through Joo Chiat to NTU and to his store) suggests he values the cultural vibrancy of the area. It’s plausible he interacted with community groups or business owners in the Katong/Joo Chiat heritage scene, which is a local tourism hotspot known for food and Peranakan culture. If he had any initiative here, it might be through supporting local small businesses – for example, having breakfast at Old Airport Road hawker centre with residents (as he did during campaigning) supports culinary tourism in a way.
In summary, innovation was a cornerstone of Jeremy Tan’s platform and actions – from fintech policy to campaign strategy. Tourism, in contrast, was not a prominent theme for him. Any link to tourism would be indirect, through his engagement with the community and small businesses in culturally rich neighborhoods. Going forward, should Tan continue in politics or public service, his strengths clearly lie in the domains of technology, finance, and business development rather than tourism. He is likely to champion entrepreneurship and innovation-friendly policies (e.g. support for startups, digital economy initiatives) more so than tourism projects, given his background and interests.
Events and Campaign Trail Activities
As an independent candidate with a limited campaign team, Jeremy Tan ran a focused, ground-up campaign centered on personal outreach and a few key events:
Nomination Day Rally (Apr 23, 2025): After filing his candidacy on Nomination Day, Tan gave impromptu remarks outside the nomination center. He introduced himself to Mountbatten voters and media, outlining why he decided to run (citing concerns for Singapore’s future as noted earlier). This was the first time many in the constituency heard from him. According to reports, he made it clear that “Residents of Mountbatten expect a high standard and Lim Biow Chuan gave them that… My goal is to match or better that”, immediately setting a tone of seriousness for his campaign.
Walkabouts and House Visits: Over the campaign period (Apr 24 – May 1), Tan conducted frequent walkabouts, covering markets, hawker centres, HDB estates and landed housing areas in Mountbatten. He mentioned an intention to “make walkabouts to every home” in his SMC. Indeed, residents observed him and his volunteers going door-to-door to introduce his flyer and manifesto. He often joined residents for meals or coffee – one of his Instagram posts on Apr 30 shows him having breakfast at the famous Old Airport Road Food Centre with locals. He wrote that he “bumped into” some familiar faces there, indicating casual meet-and-greets. These personal interactions were a core part of his strategy to build rapport in the short campaign. Despite no party machinery, Tan’s energy on the ground was noted; he tried to cover as much of the constituency as possible and made himself available for one-on-one chats (some residents even booked phone call slots with him via his website).
Online Outreach Events: Lacking the resources to hold multiple physical events, Tan leveraged online channels. He engaged in an AMA-style Q&A on Reddit (informally, by replying to questions as they arose in threads) during the campaign’s first week. In addition, he hosted live discussions on his social media – for example, he went live on Facebook and Instagram at least once to talk about his manifesto, essentially a digital rally for those who couldn’t meet him in person. Tan also participated in a podcast interview titled “The Radical Independent from Mountbatten” (by The Rational Radio) where he elaborated on his bold ideas and why he ran as an independent. This podcast (available on YouTube) served as a long-form campaign message to reach voters who wanted more depth. The combination of street-level retail politics and online “events” helped him maximize outreach.
Main Election Rally (May 1, 2025): Jeremy Tan held one physical rally on the night of May 1 at the Home of Athletics (Kallang Practice Track) – a venue just outside Mountbatten SMC. At the rally (which was also live-streamed by local media), Tan delivered a speech summarizing his platform. He touched on local issues but focused largely on big-picture policies (CPF, cost of living, Bitcoin, etc.), framing them in accessible language. Notably, he tailored some points to Mountbatten: for example, he discussed the management of the estate under Marine Parade Town Council and how he, as MP, would ensure “local ground issues are quickly addressed” despite not being from the ruling party. Observers described Tan as an engaging and candid speaker – one Facebook user at the rally commented “I laughed, he said he can go [to] Marine Parade MPS [Meet-the-People Session] to see his MP lol”, highlighting his humor about being a resident just outside the constituency. The rally drew a decent turnout (photos show hundreds in attendance) and even Darryl Lo, the other independent candidate, showed up to support; the two independents posed together afterward in a show of camaraderie. Tan’s rally speech evidently resonated – video clips of it gained traction online, as he noted with 270k combined views on YouTube. Having only one rally concentrated interest; supporters from around Singapore who were curious about this “independent underdog” tuned in to watch.
Cooling-Off Day and Polling Day: May 2 was Cooling-Off Day (no campaigning allowed). Right up till the deadline, Tan was active online – just before midnight, he thanked Reddit users for their support and reminded everyone to discern facts from fake news. On Polling Day (May 3), Tan had volunteers stationed as polling agents to observe the vote, and he visited polling stations to thank voters. After polls closed, he gathered with his team to await results at a counting centre. When results were announced past midnight, showing he secured 7,083 votes (36.16%), Tan gave a short speech to the media, congratulating Ms. Gho on her win and thanking his supporters. He noted that he was “humbled” by the thousands who voted for an independent and joked this was the “biggest group project interview” he’d been part of, keeping the mood light (this was reported indirectly via his social media later).
Post-Election Meet-ups: In the days immediately following the election, Tan continued to attend events as a gesture of appreciation. For instance, he posted that he went around Mountbatten to thank residents for their support in person. On May 6, he dropped by the first Meet-the-People Session held by the new MP (Ms. Gho) to observe and also greet some neighbors – a move showing he remained interested in local issues even after defeat (this was alluded to on his Facebook, with him encouraging residents to work with their MPs). He also hinted at organizing sessions to gather feedback on what he could have done better. Essentially, Tan treated the post-election period not as the end, but as an opportunity to learn and stay engaged.
Despite limited resources, Jeremy Tan’s campaign calendar was filled with meaningful touchpoints – be it physically walking the estate daily, or virtually engaging through screens. He balanced traditional campaigning (rallies, door-knocks) with novel approaches (social media dialogues), which together created a strong presence. Each event, from nomination to rally to thank-you rounds, reinforced his image as a dedicated, approachable, and slightly unorthodox candidate who truly valued voter engagement.
Unique Aspects and Differentiators
Jeremy Tan’s GE2025 candidacy stood out in several remarkable ways, making him one of the most talked-about new faces of that election. Some unique insights and lesser-known facts that differentiate him from other candidates include:
Historic Vote Share for an Independent: Tan’s 36.16% vote share in Mountbatten SMC was the highest any independent candidate had achieved since 1972. This is significant considering Singapore’s history – independents rarely cross even 10-20%. He surpassed even the early career result of opposition icon Chiam See Tong (who got ~31.8% as an independent in 1976). This feat signals that a sizable bloc of voters saw him as a credible alternative to party-backed options, underscoring the weight of his campaign. It also means Tan holds a 53-year record among independents, a point he humorously emblazoned on his LinkedIn bio. The magnitude of this achievement is a testament to his campaign’s resonance and is a standout fact in Singapore’s electoral lore.
Election Symbol – The Dog: As an independent, Tan was allowed to choose an election symbol, and he picked a dog icon. This was both symbolic and personal – he viewed the dog as representing loyalty and approachability. It became a quirky hallmark of his campaign. He worked the symbol into his messaging, famously signing off an Instagram post with “Dog will return soon”. His rally visuals and some posters featured a dog logo. Tan even opened his speeches with the line “Every dog has its day”, acknowledging that while “that did not happen for my campaign today,” he remains optimistic. This use of a mascot-like symbol humanized his campaign. Voters remembered “the guy with the dog logo,” and it made for lighthearted news headlines (AsiaOne: “‘Dog will return soon’: independent candidate Jeremy Tan…”). It’s rather uncommon for candidates to lean into their symbol so much, and it reflects Tan’s marketing savvy in branding his campaign.
Humor and Authenticity: Tan’s sense of humor and candidness set him apart from typically cautious politicians. From calling himself a failed interviewee on LinkedIn to responding “Ok, haha” to a rival’s critique, he showed a refreshingly unvarnished persona. He often made self-deprecating jokes (e.g., about needing an “unpaid intern” NCMP job), which endeared him to many Singaporeans who find most politicians too scripted. This approach made him relatable, especially to younger voters. Additionally, he spoke fluent colloquial Singlish when appropriate – saying “pang chance lah” (“give me a chance”) during a video appeal for an NCMP spot – showing he’s at ease switching registers. Such authenticity is a unique trait in the local political scene.
Reddit Engagement – A First for GE Politics: Jeremy Tan may well be the first Singapore GE candidate to engage extensively on Reddit during an election. While politicians have social media, none prior had directly used Reddit’s forums to field questions or banter with anonymous users to this extent. Tan’s active Reddit presence (as u/jeremytansg) is a modern hallmark; in fact, one popular Reddit thread specifically congratulated him on being “the first SG Redditor to run for Parliament and do so well”, reflecting pride from the online community. This is a lesser-known but notable milestone – it hints at a new paradigm of digital democracy where future candidates might follow in his footsteps to court the “internet vote.” His Reddit activity also revealed interesting tidbits: for example, he mentioned he had been lurking on the subreddit for years before this, meaning he understood the public pulse and memes, which likely helped him craft messages that connect.
Personal Backstory – Family and Values: A less publicized fact about Tan is how his family background and personal values shaped his run. The CNA feature noted that caring for his mother during her cancer battle and seeing relatives struggle in the pandemic influenced his empathetic outlook. He saw first-hand the gaps in social safety nets, which drove his passion to “change things” via policy. Unlike some career politicians, Tan’s motivations sprung from real-world family challenges, which may be why he was so focused on retirement adequacy and cost of living issues. Furthermore, he thanked his “mentors” in his post-election note – though he didn’t name them, it suggests he had guidance from perhaps ex-politicians or community leaders behind the scenes. It’s an insight that even as an independent, he wasn’t completely alone; he likely consulted seniors or peers (maybe figures like Dr. Tan Cheng Bock or other opposition mentors, given his alignment on certain issues – though this is speculative). This mix of personal impetus and discreet mentorship gave him a maturity beyond his 34 years, distinguishing him from other new entrants who might be parachuted in by parties without such life experiences.
Non-Partisan but Open to Alliances: Tan remained proudly independent throughout GE2025, but an interesting post-election insight is that he’s “working with other political parties” for a possible future run. He hinted he might contest Marine Parade GRC next (which would require a team/party). This suggests he’s not averse to joining or forming an alliance – a strategic difference from independents of old who usually stayed solo. It’s a unique position: he’s using his new-found political capital to possibly negotiate a role in a larger opposition setup. Indeed, commentators have noted that with his performance, parties like PSP or WP might court Tan to join them. In essence, Jeremy Tan could be a bridge between independent activism and party politics, which is a distinctive dynamic he brings.
Entrepreneurial Mindset in Politics: As highlighted, Tan applied startup-style thinking to his campaign. He treated voters like stakeholders – offering a “product” (his policies) and soliciting feedback actively. Even his election loss he framed as a learning experience to iterate on (much like a failed startup pivoting). This mindset, combining risk-taking and adaptability, is relatively rare in politics where conventional wisdom rules. One can see this in how he rapidly adjusted his messaging when something didn’t land (for example, doubling down on bread-and-butter issues when Bitcoin proposals drew flak). His willingness to propose out-of-the-box ideas (e.g. CPF in Bitcoin) also reflects an innovator’s mentality of challenging norms. In many ways, Tan treated his campaign like a startup venture – pitching to “investors” (voters) – which is a unique approach compared to career politicians or grassroots MPs.
In conclusion, Jeremy Tan distinguishes himself through a combination of historic impact (record vote share), modern campaign tactics (social media engagement), policy daring (Bitcoin advocacy), and personal authenticity. He emerged as a refreshingly unconventional figure in Singapore’s political landscape, someone who could crack a joke, quote crypto stats, and cite housing policy minutiae all in one speech. His campaign has been described as “out of nowhere” but left a lasting impression. The blend of a tech-savvy millennial vibe with serious policy intent is perhaps his most unique asset. As one observer aptly put it, “Jeremy Tan is going to be the star and surprise of GE2025.” – Indeed, even without a seat, he became one of the election’s biggest stories, and many Singaporeans will be watching what this “independent radical” does next.
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Sources:
Profile and manifesto info from Jeremy Tan’s official site
Interview and quotes from CNA (23 Apr 2025)
Election result statistics from Mothership and AsiaOne/ST
Business background from DollarsAndSense and MustShareNews
Bitcoin policy details from Blockhead and Jeremy’s FAQ
Rally and campaign anecdotes from Facebook/Reddit posts
Post-election statements from AsiaOne and MustShareNews
Expert commentary from AsiaOne/ST analysis
Opponent’s critique from MustShareNews
Social media engagement from MustShareNews and Reddit
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