GE2025: Senior civil servant Jeffrey Siow marks last day in public service to prepare for 'new journey'

"Public service always felt like the right path for me," Siow said.

April 02, 2025, 07:50 AM

Jeffrey Siow, the second permanent secretary at both the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), marks his last day in public service on Tuesday (Apr. 1).

He is among the most senior civil servant to step down ahead of General Election (GE) 2025.

In a LinkedIn post, Siow reflected on more than two decades of serving in public service.

"Public service always felt like the right path for me," he wrote.

"Growing up in a one room flat, my family didn’t have much," Siow said, adding that it would be difficult to pursue a university education or study abroad without sponsorship.

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

"Having been given the opportunity by the system to transcend circumstances, being in public service was my way of giving back," Siow wrote.

Siow ended his post by encouraging his acquaintances to keep in touch on his various social media accounts as he takes his "next steps on a new journey".

Siow's background

Siow, 46, began his career at MOM, according to the Public Service Department (PSD) website.

He later held appointments at the PSD, the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Transport (MOT), and Enterprise Singapore.

Siow served as Principal Private Secretary 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 was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2021 in recognition of his contribution to the Public Service.

Prior to his resignation, he served as the second permanent secretary at both MOM and MTI.

Permanent secretary is the highest rank in the civil service.

Chan Chun Sing, Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, thanked Siow for his service and contributions.

"Jeffrey has served with distinction and made a significant impact across a range of postings in his Public Service career," Chan said.

"Set to enter politics"

This is the latest in a series of high-ranking public sector employees resigning from their roles as GE 2025 looms.

On Mar. 25, The Straits Times reported on Siow's resignation, saying that the senior public sector employee is "set to enter politics".

Singapore's next GE must be called by November 2025.