She is Ms Loretta Chen, 32, who was once a member of the People's Action Party (PAP) youth wing.

She told The Straits Times yesterday: 'I've been receiving a barrage of e-mail messages and SMSes urging me to stand.

'I may not be the best person but I'm willing to learn and work hard.'

She said she left the PAP youth wing two years ago as she felt it was not the right platform for her to serve the wider community.

Other potential candidates are: artistic co-director of arts venue The Substation Audrey Wong, 40; theatre director Beatrice Chia-Richmond, 34; and jazz pianist and educator Jeremy Monteiro, 48.

Their names were suggested at a meeting of members of the arts community, held last Thursday at arts venue The White House in Emily Hill.

The 100 or so people present included actors, playwrights, theatre directors and filmmakers. NMP Siew Kum Hong was also there to share his experience.

When contacted, Ms Wong and Mrs Chia-Richmond said they had yet to decide if they wanted to be considered.

Said Ms Wong: 'I have to consider what the expectations of a nominee are. Can I meet them? Are there other people who want to stand?'

Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.