Singapore’s ruling PAP is ‘winning’ at social media, but does it translate into votes?

Political observers say the PAP has cracked the youth code via social media, but critics argue the party’s ability to splurge on campaigns gave it an outsize advantage

Consistent social media engagement could turn Gen Z voters, who have yet to form any party loyalty, into supporters by the next general election, analysts say

Reading Time:5 minutes

Published: 5:30pm, 14 Dec 2023Updated: 5:50pm, 14 Dec 2023

In a sleekly edited seven-second TikTok video by Singapore’s prime minister-to-be Lawrence Wong, he struts alongside one of “Asia’s most eligible bachelors”, Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen, while a remixed dance track booms.

As the beat drops, the camera zooms into the two men, who turn sharply and strike a pose before the video ends.

Gen Z users have expressed approval in the video’s comments, with many proclaiming the 50-year-old deputy prime minister had “served” and “slayed”.

“Now that’s how you build relations … with style,” one user wrote.

“Lawrence Wong thirst-trapping us,” another said, using slang to suggest sex appeal.

Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong appears with Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen in a TikTok video. Photo: TikTok/Lawrence Wong

In less than two decades, it appears that politicians from the city state’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) have mastered the art of social media, earning themselves titles such as “daddy” and “bae” among internet-savvy youth.

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