From Office Buddies to Soul Mates: The WP Love Story
When two Workers’ Party teammates, Terence Tan and He Ting Ru, started chatting over lunch breaks, nobody expected they’d end up sharing not just a table but a life together.
How it All Began
- It was a simple text that sparked the spark. He received a message from Terence reading, “Actually, I really like you.” The reaction? “Shocked.”
- Terence, 48, light‑heartedly claimed he only meant “I actually like you,” but it’s easy to see how the words took a different turn in He’s mind.
Love in a Party Controversy
They bonded over politics and hearts, but the real turning point came during the 2015 election campaign. While campaigning for the Marine Parade GRC, Terence asked He, “So, shall we get married?” She, clearly unprepared for that liftoff, sent back a “shocked” look that made the moment unforgettable.
He’s remembered the memory: “I was sitting in the car, and Terence turned to me, said ‘shall we get married,’ and I just froze.” That scene is captured on his Facebook video.
Why They Tied the Knot
“When you walk the Opposition path, nobody will marry you, so we have to marry each other,” Terence joked. In a world where party politics can be unforgiving, choosing each other was the most secure alliance.
The Parenting Factor
- They’re not just partners in love; they’re co‑parents of two young children.
- Last month, during WP’s virtual press conference, they explained that running for office as a married couple wasn’t a casual decision. “Many, many concerns from loved ones,” He admitted.
Political Power Couple
Terence, also a managing director at a hotel group and practising lawyer, says He is the stronger politician. “I respect her perspectives, very much,” he says, praising the woman who’s head of legal at a listed company.
Now, they’re campaigning for different GRCs—Terence in East Coast, He in Sengkang—keeping their shared journey alive while steering their own political ambitions.
Bottom Line
It’s a classic tale of office romance turned real‑life partnership, blended with politics, humor, and a sprinkle of good‑natured banter. Together, they’re proving that even in the realm of opposition politics, the power of love and teamwork can make electoral challenges feel a lot more manageable.
Politics not like supporting a football team
Tan & He: Parenting & Politics on a New Level
The Kids’ Dream Team
When asked if they’d want their future little ones to back WP, Tan just shrugged, saying, “Politics ain’t about cheering for a football squad in my view.”
He chimed in: “I’m not asking them to blindly throw their votes wherever. The goal is to give them the power to think for themselves.”
Mindset Matters
- Critical Thinking Over Crankiness: The couple believes that children should be able to pick their own political path—or none—without feeling pressure.
- Tools & Tactics: They’ll equip their kids with the “right tools” so that decisions are made thoughtfully.
A Parent’s Perspective
“If my kids pull their heads off and evaluate politics like a pro, then I’ve done my job,” said He.
Tan agreed: “So it’s not about them joining the Workers’ Party just because we do.”
What About the PAP?
When asked if the kids could join the PAP, Tan braced herself. “It would depend if I saw them making a mega error,” she revealed, hinting that it’s a far‑off scenario.
Keeping the Legacy Separate
The duo also said: “We want no comparison to Singapore’s OG power couple—Lee Kuan Yew and his wife. The media’s going to keep circling. We’re just a couple with a shared cause.”
Public Perception
He joked, “After that question, my hair flew off!” and calmly added, “We’re not great at all. We’re just a couple who share a political purpose.”
Conclusion
By reducing political tension at home, they’d have fewer food‑fight debates. But the honest truth? They’re not the stuff of dramatic dynasties. They’re just two believers in a political statement.
