NUSS has long been committed to fostering thought leadership and civic engagement, most recently through its General Election Dialogue Series held in the lead-up to GE2025. With the elections concluding on 3 May, the series—organised in collaboration with Mothership—began on 8 April and featured representatives from the NMPs, PSP, and WP. It offered members timely opportunities to engage with key political voices and explore issues shaping Singapore’s future, and wrapped up with a post-election dialogue examining the results and their implications.
Revisiting the Role of NMPs in Shaping Singapore’s Future | 8 April 2025
NUSS welcomed Ms Anthea Ong and Associate Professor Walter Theseira, both former Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs), as panellists for the opening dialogue. Drawing from their time in Parliament, they shared insights on the origins, evolution, and continued relevance of the NMP scheme—introduced in 1990 to broaden representation and bring non-partisan perspectives into Parliament.
The session highlighted the role of independent voices in advocating for under-represented communities and enriching national discourse. Both speakers had previously participated in the 2023 dialogue, “What is the Parliament that Singaporeans Deserve in the Next 50 Years?” The discussion prompted active participation from members, who raised thoughtful questions on civic responsibility, inclusivity, and Singapore’s democratic development.
