Jeffrey Siow, former senior civil servant, makes appearance at Chua Chu Kang 5-year plan launch, alongside new face Choo Pei Ling

Former senior civil servant Jeffrey Siow was spotted at the Keat Hong Arena in Chua Chu Kang on Apr. 5, playing carnival games with children and handing out medals at the launch of Chua Chu Kang Town Council’s new 2025-2030 Five-Year Plan.

The Straits Times (ST) previously reported that Siow, who held the role of Second Permanent Secretary at both the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), is "set to enter politics" after his last day in civil service on Apr. 1, 2025.

The event on Apr. 5 had Chua Chu Kang GRC Members of Parliament (MPs) – Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Senior Minister of State Low Yen Ling, Don Wee Boon Hong, and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim – present the new changes residents can expect for Chua Chu Kang in the next five years.

Senior Minister of State Amy Khor, who is the Hong Kah North MP, was also present at the launch.

Happy to help residents and community leaders

When asked about his appearance at the launch, Siow said that he was "just here today to do some community work" with DPM Gan.

He said he had been spending some time with the residents of Chua Chu Kang, hearing their feedback and aspirations, as well as the things that they are concerned about.

If he were to enter politics by contesting in the upcoming general election, Siow said that it would be an opportunity for him to continue to do public service in a "more direct and personal role".

"I'm very happy to be doing this. I hope that my experience as a public sector leader can help the residents and the community leaders here serve Chua Chu Kang even better," he said.

Siow also revealed that he had been spending some time speaking to residents, understanding their concerns and aspirations.

"It's a very interesting learning experience, very important for me to think about and work on, together with the team and community leaders here."

In response to media about the presence of Siow and Choo Pei Ling at the community event in Chua Chu Kang, DPM Gan said more details will be revealed at an "appropriate" time but expressed confidence in the two of them.

"They bring with them a wealth of experience that they can contribute to the building of Chua Chu Kang to implement the plan that we announced earlier to make ourselves a town that we want."

@mothershipsg Jeffrey Siow, held the role of Second Permanent Secretary at both the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Trade and Industry before resigning ahead of GE2025. #fyp #Tiktoksg ♬ original sound - Mothership

Siow's background

There has been a history of permanent secretaries like Siow entering politics.

This includes transport minister Chee Hong Tat, who was appointed Second Permanent Secretary (Trade & Industry) in 2014 before leaving the Civil Service in August 2015 ahead of GE2015, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who was the Permanent Secretary at MTI prior to joining politics in 2011.

Prior to his current appointment, Siow was the first Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Enterprise Singapore.

Siow has also held other appointments in the transport, education, and manpower ministries.

Siow also served the Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong from 2017 to 2021, a role which current Prime Minister Lawrence Wong previously held from 2005 to 2008.

Siow graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an MBA, and also has a BA in Economics & Government and a BSc in Urban & Regional Studies from Cornell University.

Top photo by Mothership