Can Ng Kok Song secure the Certificate of Eligibility?

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Ng Kok Song Faces Significant Hurdles in Securing Certificate of Eligibility

Ng Kok Song's bid for the presidency is currently facing considerable challenges in meeting the eligibility criteria, particularly under the private sector route. Experts suggest that while the Presidential Elections Committee may consider his extensive public service experience, his direct qualifications based on his current private enterprise role appear insufficient.
Challenges with Private Sector Criteria

To qualify under the private sector pathway, a candidate must have served as the chief executive of a company for at least three years. During this period, the company must have maintained a shareholder equity of at least S$500 million and been profitable throughout. Ng Kok Song co-founded Avanda Investment Management in 2015 and currently serves as its chairman. However, reports indicate that Avanda's shareholder equity stands at approximately S$75 million, falling significantly short of the S$500 million threshold required by the election regulations.
Consideration of Public Sector Experience

Despite the difficulties with the private sector criteria, Ng's application may be considered under the "public sector deliberative track." While his former role as group chief investment officer at the sovereign wealth fund GIC is not explicitly listed as a qualifying public service position for this track, the Constitution allows the Presidential Elections Committee to evaluate candidates who possess experience and abilities comparable to the chief executive of a Fifth Schedule entity. Fifth Schedule entities encompass key statutory boards and government-linked companies in Singapore, such as GIC itself and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The Role of the Presidential Elections Committee

The Presidential Elections Committee holds the authority to assess whether candidates meet the constitutional requirements for eligibility. In Ng Kok Song's case, the committee will need to determine if his tenure at GIC, a significant public sector entity, provides him with the requisite experience and ability to be deemed comparable to the CEO of a Fifth Schedule entity. This deliberative track allows for a broader interpretation of public service experience beyond strictly defined executive roles.

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Can Ng Kok Song secure the Certificate of Eligibility?

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