Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled a cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday following his party’s recent electoral victory, keeping nine ministers in their roles and continuing to serve as finance minister, a position he has held since 2021.
In his first cabinet adjustment since becoming prime minister, Wong introduced six new ministers across 15 portfolios, excluding his own office. The changes reflect a balance of continuity and renewal, aimed at maintaining stability amid economic uncertainty.
Wong, 52, made minimal changes to top posts, with Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong remaining as deputy prime minister. Notably, no second deputy was named, a departure from past practice.
“We are navigating a more complex global environment with increasing trade friction, intense competition, and greater unpredictability,” Wong said in a statement. “That’s why I’m keeping most ministers in their positions to ensure steady leadership through this critical phase.”
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which has governed Singapore since its independence in 1965, secured nearly two-thirds of the vote in the May 3 election. The result was viewed as a key measure of public sentiment, especially amid growing concerns over the cost of living.
This reshuffle marks the most significant change since Wong took office in May of the previous year, succeeding Lee Hsien Loong, who served as prime minister for 20 years and is the son of Singapore’s founding leader, Lee Kuan Yew. Many ministers originally appointed by Lee have remained in place under Wong’s leadership.
In the lead-up to the election, Wong emphasized the importance of rejuvenating the party, introducing 32 new candidates to compete for the 97 parliamentary seats. Two newly elected lawmakers have now been given ministerial responsibilities.
Additionally, three ministers were appointed as coordinating ministers overseeing national security, public services, and social policy. The reshuffle follows the retirement of several veteran politicians, including the country’s longest-serving defence minister and two former deputy prime ministers, one of whom had once been considered a potential prime minister.
