'Mixed emotions', 'big shoes to fill': Office holders react to the Cabinet reshuffle

Singapore's new Cabinet was announced on May 21 and they will be sworn in today.

The reshuffle saw several ministers switching portfolios, the introduction of some new faces as well as a number of promotions.

Now that the dust has settled, some members of the new Cabinet, as well as office holders, have taken to social media to express their feelings on the upcoming changes.

Ministers

Chan Chun Sing

Outgoing Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing, who will be the new Minister of Defence (Mindef), expressed his "mixed emotions" about his shift to Mindef from MOE. He is also Coordinating Minister for Public Services.

"It has been a privilege to work with such a committed and professional team of educators who always put our learners foremost in all we do," he wrote.

At his new posting, Chan stated that he intends to "re-examine our fundamental operating assumptions, and evolve new capabilities", in light of the changed world.

Chan also showed his empty office as he made the transition.

Desmond Lee

Chan's successor and outgoing Minister for National Development Desmond Lee also thanked Chan for his work at MOE, stating that his first priority as the new Education Minister will be to learn from his new colleagues and stakeholders, as it would be a new portfolio for him.

Lee thanked his fellow colleagues and stakeholders at Ministry of National Development (MND), describing the position he has held since 2013 as one of the greatest privileges of his life.

He highlighted a number of key achievements his team at MND had accomplished over the years, including making Singapore a more sustainable, liveable and inclusive city, and navigating the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I am confident that you will continue the great work under Minister Chee Hong Tat and his team", he said to his MND teammates, referencing the incoming minister.

Ong Ye Kung

Minister for Health (MOH) Ong Ye Kung, will take on the role of Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, wrote that adapting to an ageing society will be the most significant social development in the coming decades.

Ong further stated that the system of meritocracy that has allowed young Singaporeans to excel regardless of their background "cannot be static".

"We have to keep evolving the way we educate, train and assist Singaporeans", he said.

Chee Hong Tat

Outgoing Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat wrote that he had "big shoes to fill" in his new posting at MND, but that he aims to make Singapore a "distinctive global city" by building on the strong foundations set by his predecessor.

Chee also expressed his confidence that his incoming successor Jeffrey Siow "will lead MOT well", and that Siow's other new role as Senior Minister of State for Finance will be a "good posting to learn from and assist PM in his role as Finance Minister". 

Gan Kim Yong

Gan will continue as DPM, and expressed his desire to "secure a brighter future" for Singapore.

Indranee Rajah

Indranee remains minister in the Prime Minister's office and 2nd Minister for Finance and National Development. She took time to reflect on DPM Heng and SM Teo stepping down, both whom she had worked closely with.

Tan See Leng

While Tan is staying put as the Minister for Manpower, he paid tribute to Zaqy Mohamad and Gan Siow Huang, who are taking on different portfolios.

Tan praised their invaluable contributions to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and welcomed new team members Dinesh Vasu Dash and Shawn Huang.

Grace Fu

Similar to Tan See Leng, Fu will continue in her previous ministerial position in the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment. She also took the chance to thank outgoing team members Amy Khor, Koh Poh Koon, and Baey Yam Keng.

She also welcomed Janil Puthucheary, Zaqy Mohamad and Goh Hanyan to MSE.

Office holders

Alvin Tan

Outgoing Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) Alvin Tan wrote on his Facebook page that "leaving MCCY after 5 years is bittersweet for [him]" as he has "thoroughly enjoyed the work".

"I leave with wonderful memories and I hope a lasting impact", he said.

He will be taking on a new role at the Ministry of National Development and will keep his existing portfolio at MTI.

Tan ended the post writing that he is "feeling refreshed and energised" to begin.

Baey Yam Keng

For outgoing Senior Parliamentary Secretary for MSE Baey Yam Keng, his upcoming promotion to Minister of State at MCCY is a joyous full circle moment as it was his first governmental stint, he wrote on his Facebook page.

Baey will also be promoted to Minister of State at MOT and appointed Mayor of the North East District.

Baey also commented on the multi-hatting he will be doing.

"In case you are wondering, even when my other colleagues and I are wearing multiple hats as political office holders, we each draw one single salary," he quipped.

Dinesh Vasu Dash

Incoming Minister of State for MCCY and MOM, and mayor of South East District Dinesh Vasu Dash called his new positions "diverse but complementary" and "weighty and significant" as they extend across the social and economic sectors.

Despite this, he named a number of goals that he hopes to achieve, namely to shape stronger social policies, strengthen Singapore's social fabric and cultural vibrancy, and engage youths better.

The newly elected East Coast GRC MP also stated that his role as an MP will always be his first and foremost priority. 

Sun Xueling

Sun will be promoted to Senior Minister of State for National Development and Transport. She will relinquish her two current appointments at Home Affairs and Social and Family Development ministries.

She expressed her gratitude to the "many public service officers who invested much time and energies crafting policies and embarking on engagements" together with her.

Jasmin Lau

Jasmin Lau, incoming Minister of State at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and MOE, called the work the new cabinet will engage in "a long game".

"We have no time to waste, but there is also no need for haste", she said in a video posted on her Facebook page, explaining that while her team will hit the ground running immediately after being sworn in, they must also have patience for change.

Top image from Chan Chun Sing and Tan See Leng/FB