As Singapore’s 2025 General Election moves further into the past, Singapore’s Prime Minister & Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong, announced his new cabinet at a press conference on Wednesday, 21st May. This announcement marks a significant reshuffle of active ministers as PM Wong unveiled his first complete cabinet since succeeding to the role of Prime Minister in 2024.
Experienced ministers given new responsibilities
Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam will also be given the added responsibility as Coordinating Minister for National Security, taking over the role from retiring Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.
“This is a critical role with far-reaching responsibilities” highlighted the PM. “Because security threats are constantly evolving, and safeguarding our safety and survival is essential”.
Mr. Chan Chun Sing, formerly the Minister for Education, has been reshuffled as the new Minister for Defence, replacing the retiring Mr. Ng Eng Hen. Mr. Chan will be given the additional responsibility as Coordinating Minister for Public Services.
Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung has also been given the additional role of Coordinating Minsiter for Social Policies.
Other key leadership position changes
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Faishal Ibrahim has been appointed Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs. He will succeed the current Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr. Masagos Zulkifli, after seven years in the role.
Additionally, Mr. Edwin Tong will take over as Minister for Law and Mr. Desmond Lee will take over as Minister for Education.
However, PM Wong asserted that most current ministers will retain their cabinet positions, stating the value of their experience will help Singapore navigate an evolving global landscape.
“We are operating in a changed world with rising trade barriers, sharper competition and greater uncertainty, and we need experienced hands at the helm”.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan will remain in his role during this reshuffle.
“[Mr. Balakrishnan] has represented Singapore ably, and has forged close working relationships with counterparts worldwide. His counsel and extensive networks will be invaluable” said PM Wong.
New appointees include first-term MPs
Amongst the biggest changes in PM Wong’s new cabinet is the appointment of two first-term MPs as active ministers.
Former Chief of Army David Neo has been appointed Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth as well as Senior Minister of State for Education.
Mr. Jeffrey Siow, the most senior civil servant to resign from his role to contest the 2025 General Election, has been appointed Acting Minister for Transport.
With the appointment of nine new office holders from the backbenches, PM Wong emphasised “the importance of leadership renewal”. This includes the appointment of a further five first-term MPs to political offices.
Concluding the hour-long press conference, PM Wong reasserted his faith in his new cabinet.
“They will bring with them fresh ideas, new perspectives, in order to take us forward and to advance the work of their respective ministries. So I look forward to the contribution of every team across all our ministries”.
*For a detailed summary on all cabinet changes, see CNA’s report.
