Humbled, grateful, 'big shoes to fill': New & old office holders react to the Cabinet reshuffle

A new Cabinet line-up was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Jul. 22 with appointments, promotions, and changing portfolios.

PM Wong remarked that the adjustments, which will see some younger officeholders taking on larger responsibilities, "is another step in our leadership renewal", he wrote in a Facebook post.

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony on Jul. 27, some appointees have also taken to social media to pen their thoughts on the upcoming changes.

Ministers

Gan Kim Yong

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who also serves as the Minister for Trade and Industry, reflected on his ministry's upcoming name change to the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) from Oct. 1.

"Our new name reflects Singapore’s growing focus on energy," Gan said.

"MTI’s mission has always been to drive growth, safeguard and expand our economic space, build a future-ready economy and create good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans," he said, adding that METI's core mission will remain the same.

Tan See Leng

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, who will relinquish his role to join Gan as Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), said he looks forward to the continued work in securing Singapore's future.

"For me, every portfolio is ultimately about our people. Every decision we make shapes livelihoods, opportunities and our collective future, and I will continue to work alongside Singaporeans and our partners in this endeavour," he wrote.

Tan also reflected on his time at the Ministry of Manpower "with gratitude".

"Over the past six years, it has been a privilege to serve my fellow Singaporeans as the Minister for Manpower."

He highlighted a number of his team's key achievements over the years, including keeping Singapore's economy open, supporting Singaporeans through career changes and enhancing the welfare of migrant workers.

"All of this was made possible by the dedication of many colleagues, tripartite partners, employers and unions."

"To every MOMer I have had the privilege of working with, thank you for your unwavering commitment and trust over the past 6 years," he said.

Ng Chee Meng

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, who will return to the Cabinet as Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, wrote that he is "humbled by [PM Wong's] invitation to serve in Cabinet" and "[accepts] it with a strong sense of responsibility".

His will reprise his last-held Cabinet position in 2020, after requesting to be excluded from the Cabinet in 2025.

At the time, PM Wong said that he would respect Ng's wishes, but that his exclusion from cabinet as the labour chief would be a "temporary arrangement".

He explained that the "NTUC Secretary-General has traditionally held a position in Cabinet" and that he values the link between the government and the trade union.

"I look forward to having the labour chief being part of the Cabinet before too long," PM Wong also said.

In a statement, Ng said what will remain unchanged is his commitment towards Jalan Kayu as a Member of Parliament (MP) as well as his role championing better workers' wages and welfare as NTUC chief.

Being in the Cabinet would allow him to work more closely with the government in these endeavours, he added.

"This is purposeful work that drives me.

Thank you for your trust, support and partnership."

Zaqy Mohamad

Zaqy Mohamad, who has taken on the position of Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs following the Jul. 20 resignation of Faishal Ibrahim, said he accepts the appointment "with humility and a deep sense of duty".

"I know this role carries special significance for the Malay/Muslim community."

He thanked Faishal for laying "strong foundations" before him, describing him as someone who "exemplified the importance of engaging the community with sincerity and investing time to build genuine relationships".

"These connections matter, and they are something I am committed to nurturing," said Zaqy, adding that he will take time to meet members of the community over the coming weeks.

Jeffrey Siow

Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, who will become a full minister on Jul. 27, reflected on his team's progress over the past year.

In particular, he acknowledged Transport Minister of State (MoS) Baey Yam Keng and Senior Ministers of State (SMS) Sun Xueling and Murali Pillai for their work in setting the direction for Singapore's transport network.

"Looking back at our photos from a year ago, three of us look exactly the same if not younger. And then there’s me," he quipped.

Siow also thanked workers in the aviation, maritime and public transport sectors for their fundamental role in Singapore's transport system, as well as his colleagues in the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Trade and Industry, where he is concurrently serving as SMS and Second Permanent Secretary respectively.

"There is much more to do and learn, and I look forward to taking it on together with all of you."

David Neo

Similar to Siow, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo will become a full-fledged minister come Jul. 27.

On his promotion, Neo thanked PM Wong for his trust and confidence and his colleagues at MCCY and the Ministry of Education (MOE), where he is also SMS, for their friendship and support.

"Over the past year, I've had the privilege of having conversations with many of you," he wrote.

"Every conversation stayed with me. Your passion for what you do, your honesty about what's working and what isn't — thank you for your openness, and for keeping this work grounded."

Sim Ann

SMS for Foreign and Home Affairs, who will be promoted to Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, wrote: "Grateful for and humbled by PM Lawrence Wong's trust and confidence in me".

"I will continue to do my best serving in MFA and MHA," she added.

Sim also extended her congratulations to other members of the Cabinet who had received promotions and new appointments.

Office holders

Jasmin Lau

Newly appointed Acting Minister for Manpower and SMS for Digital Development and Information Jasmin Lau posted a video on her promotion, captioning it simply as "Happy to be MoM".

Lau, who is currently the MoS for Digital Development and Information and Education, thanked Education Minister Desmond Lee and her colleagues at MOE "for their guidance and partnership over the past year".

Skills, training and jobs are part of the same story, she said, adding that she will carry her experience from MOE to her new role at MOM.

Lau also acknowledged Tan See Leng's leadership of the ministry since 2021, highlighting a number of his achievements including the strengthening of the progressive wage model and the implementation of the Workplace Fairness Act.

"Those are big shoes to fill," she said.

On her upcoming work in MOM, she said her responsibility is in helping companies and workers through changes in the workplace due to the involvement of technology.

This will involve a number of actionable steps like ensuring lifelong learning remains accessible and relevant and helping Singaporeans cope with more frequent career transitions, she added.

Lau, who had worked in MOM early in her career from 2008 to 2010, said she "looks forward to working with MOM colleagues this round".

She also thanked PM Wong for entrusting her with the new role. "I'm ready to do my best."

Shawn Loh

Jalan Besar GRC MP Shawn Loh, who will be MOS for Education and Health from Jan. 1, 2027, expressed his "deep sense of gratitude and duty" towards his new roles.

He explained that his delayed promotion comes on the approval of PM Wong in order to ensure a smooth leadership transition from his current role as Group Managing Director of Commonwealth Capital Group.

"In the new season ahead, I am fuelled by the support of our Jalan Besar residents," Loh wrote.

"I've met many in the past year. They've shared with me their joys, aspirations, and challenges. I will carry these close in my new portfolios.