SINGAPORE - A new face, and potential election candidate for the People's Action Party, was spotted at a tree planting event in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC on Saturday.

Ms Sun Xueling, 36, an investment director at Temasek Holdings, was with Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan and MP Janil Puthucheary, at Punggol Promenade greeting residents and helping out with tree planting.

Ms Sun has been helping out at the grassroots since 2001 at Buona Vista and Punggol West.

According to grassroots leaders at Punggol West, Ms Sun has been spotted at closed-door PAP sessions "recently" and speculation is rife as to whether she is a new candidate.

She told reporters: "This is my first formal event. I've started working more with Dr Janil and participating at grassroots events on-and-off."

As to whether she would be fielded, she added: "I'll leave the decision to the party whether or not I will be contesting."

"I started helping out in grassroots in Buona Vista, and through other grassroots members, I've come to know more of these events which I find meaningful," she said.

DPM Teo, the anchor minister for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, told reporters that candidates will be revealed "in good time".

PAP organising secretary Ng Eng Hen said this week that the party has been deploying its potential candidates to the constituencies early so people have time to know them, as much as possible.

More potential candidates are expected to be introduced this weekend.