(Philippines Twitter)-SINGAPORE - The two final rallies in Aljunied tonight, being held simultaneously by the People's Action Party (PAP) and the Workers' Party (WP), could have a significant bearing on which party will win the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) on May 7.
Ultimately, it may boil down to how convincing the two parties are on several key issues, which weigh heavily on voters who have still not made up their minds yet.
In a political culture obsessed with academic credentials, the 50-year-old lawyer and economist with degrees from Harvard, Stanford and Oxford universities has boosted the profile of the tiny, fragmented opposition.
Chen advised the Agricultural Bank of China on its $22 billion initial public offering (IPO) last year -- the world's second biggest share launch -- and counts the Chinese finance ministry and international firms as clients.
Some are weighing their decision conscientiously, like Mr Chen Bin Qin, 27, an administrative officer. "I am most concerned about housing policies as I am looking to buy my own home and the rising cost of living versus real wages, which will have a direct impact on how I plan my life," he said.
"I would like to weigh the proposals of both parties; I want to make an informed decision. Emotions can run high during rallies, so the Cooling Off day (tomorrow) is good," he added.
The lanky, affable Chen was born in Taiwan and moved to Singapore in 1972 when he was 11, rose to the top of his class and was aiming to become a doctor till the National University of Singapore rejected his application for medical school.
Instead, he earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard University, studied languages and history in Oxford University as a Rhodes scholar, and obtained a law doctorate from Stanford.
Mr Faisal Abdul, 28, an engineer, said that he was concerned about the affordability of Housing Board flats and would like to see more covered linkways in his ward.
One 52-year-old businessman who lives in Serangoon Gardens would like to see more help for the elderly and low-income, especially with healthcare costs.
Tan, the political analyst, said Chen's extensive experience in the corporate world gives the Workers' Party "the credibility factor" in the election.
In the past, many opposition candidates were ridiculed for being relative non-achievers compared to the PAP's picks, but Chen has changed the perception overnight and 20,000 people cheered him like a rock star at a recent rally.
Ultimately, it may boil down to how convincing the two parties are on several key issues, which weigh heavily on voters who have still not made up their minds yet.
In a political culture obsessed with academic credentials, the 50-year-old lawyer and economist with degrees from Harvard, Stanford and Oxford universities has boosted the profile of the tiny, fragmented opposition.
Chen advised the Agricultural Bank of China on its $22 billion initial public offering (IPO) last year -- the world's second biggest share launch -- and counts the Chinese finance ministry and international firms as clients.
Some are weighing their decision conscientiously, like Mr Chen Bin Qin, 27, an administrative officer. "I am most concerned about housing policies as I am looking to buy my own home and the rising cost of living versus real wages, which will have a direct impact on how I plan my life," he said.
"I would like to weigh the proposals of both parties; I want to make an informed decision. Emotions can run high during rallies, so the Cooling Off day (tomorrow) is good," he added.
The lanky, affable Chen was born in Taiwan and moved to Singapore in 1972 when he was 11, rose to the top of his class and was aiming to become a doctor till the National University of Singapore rejected his application for medical school.
Instead, he earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard University, studied languages and history in Oxford University as a Rhodes scholar, and obtained a law doctorate from Stanford.
Mr Faisal Abdul, 28, an engineer, said that he was concerned about the affordability of Housing Board flats and would like to see more covered linkways in his ward.
One 52-year-old businessman who lives in Serangoon Gardens would like to see more help for the elderly and low-income, especially with healthcare costs.
Tan, the political analyst, said Chen's extensive experience in the corporate world gives the Workers' Party "the credibility factor" in the election.
In the past, many opposition candidates were ridiculed for being relative non-achievers compared to the PAP's picks, but Chen has changed the perception overnight and 20,000 people cheered him like a rock star at a recent rally.
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