SINGAPORE - A disabled lawyer, a veteran historian and a social entrepreneur are among nine people who have been selected to be new Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) to provide fresh perspectives on the social and economic challenges facing Singapore in the coming years.

They are Ms Chia Yong Yong, 52; Prof Tan Tai Yong, 51; and Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin, 37 respectively.

The other six nominees are: Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Thomas Chua, 60; veteran unionist K. Karthikeyan, 55; Singapore Board of Architects president Rita Soh, 55; doctor and former national sailor Benedict Tan, 47; labour economist Randolph Tan, 50; and Mohd Ismail Bin Hussein, 51, a banker and a director of the Association of Muslim Professionals, said the Clerk of Parliament in a statement on Monday.

The selection panel looked for new NMPs who could add to important issues Singapore faced in this term of government, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who is leader of the House and a member of the selection committee.

These issues include ageing, economic restructuring and productivity, sporting excellence, a better living environment, retention of Singapore's heritage and appreciation of the country's history, challenges of working mothers, aspirations of the youth and the entrepreneurial spirit.

The final nine NMPs-to-be were chosen out of 36 candidates whose names were submitted in April or May by members of the public or different industry groups.

All 36 were considered by the selection committee in its assessment of suitable candidates for appointment as NMPs.

Unsuccessful candidates included blogger Roy Ngerng, as well as Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan and businessman R. Dhinakaran, both of whom were current NMPs seeking a second term.

The term of the outgoing nine NMPs expired on Aug 8.

The nine incoming NMPs will begin their two-and-a-half year term on Aug 26. They will take their oath when Parliament next sits on Sep 8.

Said Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob, who chaired the NMP selection committee: "We looked for eligible candidates who had distinguished themselves ... The Committee also took into consideration the candidates' ability to contribute alternative ideas and fresh perspectives as this will help Singapore navigate challenges in the years ahead."