Singapore reshuffles Cabinet as PM Wong appoints Jasmin Lau Acting Manpower Minister, brings Ng Chee Meng back

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled a Cabinet reshuffle that accelerates the country's leadership renewal while reinforcing continuity in key ministries, with a renewed focus on workforce transformation, economic competitiveness and energy security.

Announcing the changes on Wednesday, Wong said younger and newer political officeholders would assume greater responsibilities as Singapore prepares its next generation of leaders, while experienced ministers remain at the core of government to provide stability and mentorship.

One of the most significant changes for the labour portfolio sees Tan See Leng relinquishing his role as Minister for Manpower to lead the newly renamed Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI). The ministry, formerly the Ministry of Trade and Industry, has been restructured to reflect the growing importance of energy to Singapore's industrial transformation, economic competitiveness and long-term resilience.

Jasmin Lau has been appointed Acting Minister for Manpower while continuing her responsibilities at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information. Wong said the move builds on her strong performance over the past year and positions her to lead policies on jobs, skills development and workforce transformation.

Speaking after her appointment, Lau said jobs remain a key concern for both workers and employers as technology reshapes the workplace. She pledged to focus on supporting vulnerable workers, helping Singaporeans navigate more frequent career transitions, expanding access to lifelong learning, and strengthening retirement adequacy. She also said she plans to spend time listening to workers, employers, unions and Ministry of Manpower officials as she assumes the role.

The Prime Minister also promoted Jeffrey Siow and David Neo to full ministers, while Goh Pei Ming and Jasmin Lau were elevated to Senior Ministers of State. Sim Ann was promoted to Second Minister, with Wong citing her consistent performance and bilingual strengths as valuable assets to the government.

In another notable move, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng will return to Cabinet as Minister in the Prime Minister's Office after spending the past year focusing on the labour movement and his Jalan Kayu constituency.

Wong described Ng's return as "timely", saying jobs and workplace transformation have become among the government's highest priorities as businesses and workers adapt to artificial intelligence and broader economic changes.

"Given the concerns of the economic and workforce challenges we face, it was timely for him to return to the government, to return to the Cabinet, and contribute not just as secretary-general of NTUC, but as a minister in my team," Wong said.

Ng said he accepted the appointment with "a deep sense of responsibility" and reaffirmed his commitment to improving workers' wages, welfare and career prospects in what he described as an AI-disrupted world. He said he would continue working with unions, employers and tripartite partners to prepare workers for future jobs while strengthening support for those undergoing career transitions.

The reshuffle also sees Zaqy Mohamad appointed Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs while retaining his responsibilities at the Ministry of Defence. Alvin Tan will move from METI to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of Singapore's ASEAN chairmanship next year, while Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim will take on additional responsibilities at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Meanwhile, first-term MPs Foo Cexiang and Shawn Loh will join the government as Ministers of State, reflecting Wong's broader effort to develop the country's future leadership bench.

Summing up the changes, PM Wong said Singapore's leadership renewal requires balancing continuity with fresh perspectives.

"This balance matters because Singapore needs both experienced leaders to steer through immediate challenges, and a new generation ready to take us forward," he said, adding that leadership renewal remains an ongoing process of identifying capable leaders, developing them and entrusting them with greater responsibilities over time.