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CNA
25-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Commentary: What the Cabinet appointments of Jeffrey Siow and David Neo tell us about Singapore's approach to political leadership
SINGAPORE: The swearing-in of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his new Cabinet on Friday (May 23) marked the start of a new chapter in Singapore's political transition. Among the appointments, the elevation of political newcomers Jeffrey Siow and David Neo to acting minister positions has drawn particular attention. They will helm the transport and culture, community and youth ministries, respectively. Direct appointments to Cabinet, though uncommon, do have precedence. Mr Chan Chun Sing was appointed acting minister for community development, youth and sports after the 2011 General Election, while Mr Ng Chee Meng and Mr Ong Ye Kung were made acting ministers of education following GE2015. Mr Heng Swee Keat and Dr Tan See Leng even became full Cabinet ministers on their entry into politics. The Cabinet appointments this round reflect the considerable trust Mr Wong and the People's Action Party (PAP) leadership place in Mr Siow and Mr Neo. The former was second permanent secretary at the Manpower Ministry and Ministry of Trade and Industry before entering politics, while the latter was chief of army until he stepped down in March. Notably, their previous jobs have direct relevance to their new portfolios: Mr Siow was previously director of land transport at the Transport Ministry, while Mr Neo was formerly a director at the Pioneer Generation Office, which worked closely with community and grassroots organisations. Their experience ought to help the new acting ministers hit the ground running. View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Neo (@davidneo) WHY CIVIL SERVANTS AND MILITARY GENERALS The civil service and armed forces have long been a fertile recruitment ground for political leaders. Former permanent secretaries who subsequently joined the Cabinet include Mr Howe Yoon Chong in the late 1970s, and more recently, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Mr Heng and Mr Chee Hong Tat. Among the early cohorts of SAF scholars were Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Mr George Yeo and Mr Teo Chee Hean. Many other military officers have since followed in their footsteps. Of the seven first-time Members of Parliament appointed to political office, six are from the public sector including the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). This raises the question: How useful is prior public sector experience to a political leader? Conversely, could there be disadvantages in drawing political leaders from the public sector? Civil servants, especially those who have held senior positions, would certainly be au fait with policy design and implementation. They would be familiar with policy principles and considerations, and would know how to work the government machinery necessary for successful policy implementation. They would have also proven themselves in running public agencies or departments and managing public funds. By the time they reach the senior echelons of the SAF, military commanders would have acquired considerable experience in leading people and organisations, as well as in planning logistics and operations. These are all valuable skillsets for a political leader. Capability and experience aside, public officers may gain the trust of incumbent political leaders in the course of their work. Political leaders spend much of their time working with public officers, so it is natural for them to turn to trusted officers when identifying fresh talent for politics. In particular, the role of principal private secretary (PPS) – a senior aide to the prime minister, deputy prime minister or minister mentor - has turned out to be a political apprenticeship for several Cabinet ministers. Mr Wong, Mr Ong and Mr Siow previously served as Mr Lee Hsien Loong's PPS, while Mr Chee was PPS to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Honoured to be sworn in as Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance. I am grateful for the... Posted by Jeffrey Siow （萧振祥） on Friday, May 23, 2025 IS THERE RISK OF GROUPTHINK? Critics argue that having a large number of former public officers in Cabinet could breed insular thinking, as they may be boxed in by existing policy paradigms. Those who are sceptical that SAF generals make good civilian leaders have suggested that military-style command and control does not work well in other settings. However, stereotypes seldom do justice to individuals. Much depends on a leader's personal disposition, including independence of mind and adaptability to different organisational contexts. Former military men have made significant contributions both in the private sector as well as in politics: Names that come to mind include former CapitaLand CEO Liew Mun Leong and recently retired Mr Teo. Likewise, former ministers Mr Khaw and Mr Lim Swee Say – known for their policy innovations and enterprising streak – came from public sector backgrounds. Notwithstanding, there is certainly a need for a diversity of experience in the Cabinet. Those from the private sector can bring different perspectives and expertise to complement the skillsets of their colleagues from the public sector. Doctors, lawyers and former corporate leaders have held key ministerial portfolios in recent years. Serving as grassroots volunteers or on the boards of public agencies are some ways in which private sector candidates have come to the attention of the political leadership and gained their trust. WHAT MAKES A LEADER EFFECTIVE The most effective political leaders, in my view, are those who have vision, imagination and conviction. Having strong convictions means they are not easily swayed from the course they have set; yet they are open-minded enough to take in feedback, whether from civil servants or members of the public, and can be persuaded to adjust their approach where needed. These leaders do not merely follow public opinion; they have their ears close to the ground to understand citizens' concerns and seek ways to address them. They have to be good communicators, to rally their colleagues and the public around their vision of change – to inspire, motivate and bring people along. Successful change requires the mobilising of people and the marshalling of resources, and there are often roadblocks to overcome along the way. Newly minted political leaders from the public sector should leverage their prior experience and knowledge, while at the same time have the openness and suppleness of mind to be able to transcend existing policy paradigms. This is possible if they have the humility to take in suggestions, the courage to act on their convictions and the perseverance to push on despite obstacles. If so, they will be deserving of the trust that Singaporeans have placed in them.
New Paper
25-05-2025
- Health
- New Paper
Boy, 5, discovers love for sport, thanks to therapy for neuromuscular disorder
Exercising two to four times a week has become part of Devdan Devaraj's routine, with the five-year-old taking part in sports such as swimming, wheelchair rugby and table tennis. But, a few years ago, his mother, See Shu Wen, never imagined her son would be able to lead such an active lifestyle. When he was just several months old, Devdan was diagnosed with Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy - a genetic condition that affects nerves and muscles. From initially feeling lost and unsure of what to do, Devdan's family were handed a lifeline just before his second birthday: A nationwide crowdfunding campaign raised the $2.9 million needed for him to receive Zolgensma, a one-time gene therapy treatment for children with this condition. See, 36, said: "It (Zolgensma) definitely has given him a lot more independence. Previously, he couldn't stand or bear weight on his legs and today, he can walk a few steps independently and, with support, he can walk a long way. "Just by walking, it's a huge step because the doctor's diagnosis was that he would never walk. Him being so active and enjoying his life, it's a bonus for us." Devdan, a Kindergarten 2 pupil, fell in love with sports about two years ago, when his parents sought alternative ways for him to stay active beyond physiotherapy. He first picked up swimming and later took up power soccer - a modified version of football played by power wheelchair users - along with wheelchair rugby and table tennis, which he enjoys as they allow him to stay active and make friends. On May 24, he was among 60 individuals who collectively completed a 100-lap commemorative swim at Delta Swimming Complex to launch SG60 SwimTogether Singapore, an initiative by the Singapore Disability Sports Council to encourage Singaporeans of all abilities to swim together and use the sport to uplift lives. The participating swimmers included former Paralympic bronze medallist Theresa Goh, former Olympian Mark Chay, national para-swimmer Wong Zhi Wei and multiple SEA Games swimming champion Amanda Lim. The swim was flagged off by guest-of-honour David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. It was part of a 100-day countdown celebration to the Sept 21-27 World Para Swimming Championships, with Toyota Motor Asia also unveiled on May 24 as the event's headline sponsor. Staged in Asia for the first time, the world para championships will welcome over 600 participants from more than 60 countries and territories. Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo (left) greeting para-swimmer Raelynn Foo, 10, at the 100-day countdown celebration to the World Para Swimming Championships. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO See, a designer, said participating in this commemorative swim is good exposure for Devdan. She added: "He's quite a shy kid and I want him to be more confident and meeting people with different disabilities will help him learn more, that they're able to do much more. And also, we want continued support for inclusion." Wong, an Asean Para Games gold medallist, is hoping to make his third world championships appearance alongside compatriots Yip Pin Xiu, Toh Wei Soong and Sophie Soon, all of whom have qualified for the meet. The 22-year-old, who is visually impaired, has several competitions lined up before the qualifying window closes in July. Recalling the home crowd at the Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore in 2024, the National University of Singapore undergraduate said: "For almost every Singaporean athlete, being able to compete at an international-level competition that is hosted in our backyard is one of the biggest privileges we can experience. "It would be a real honour to be able to participate on home ground, witnessing the support that Singaporeans have for us." National para-swimmer Wong Zhi Wei is hoping to qualify for the Sept 21-27 World Para Swimming Championships. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Making his first public appearance in his new role since Singapore's new Cabinet was unveiled by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 21, Mr Neo was heartened to see people coming together to promote an inclusive and active society. With about 100 days to the world para championships, the political newcomer also urged Singaporeans to show their support for the Republic's athletes. Mr Neo added: "Having just taken over, I will prioritise my time together with stakeholders and partners from sports, community, arts and youth groups, so that I can listen to them, hear from them, and see how MCCY can really partner them to nurture a more caring, cohesive and confident Singapore."
CNA
22-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Commentary: Will 4G Cabinet appointees' experience in stable times pay off in an unpredictable world?
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first full Cabinet, announced on Wednesday (May 21) offers perhaps what voters wanted in the 2025 General Election: the comfort of familiarity and experience – with a dash of change. Mr Wong's line-up was noted in part for a record nine new office holders, comprising two acting ministers – Jeffrey Siow and David Neo, who are first-term Members of Parliament (MPs) – and other junior appointments such as ministers of state and senior parliamentary secretaries. But the other way of looking at this is that of Mr Wong's 17 Cabinet picks, 15 previously held political appointments. The fact that familiar faces staff most of the Cabinet suggests a desire for stability and continuity even though some ministers are taking on new portfolios. Of course, the question then becomes whether familiarity and experience of serving in a more stable and predictable environment will deliver results for Singaporeans at a time of significant global flux. A LESS PREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENT Among the immediate pressures the new government will face is to handle the uncertainties of the tariffs imposed by the United States, the ongoing US-China trade war, and the tensions resulting from heightened US-China competition. Given Singapore's small size, openness, and indeed dependence on the external environment for its prosperity and security, the country is particularly susceptible to broader shifts and shocks in the world. The PAP's 4G leaders are highly competent and experienced in operating within a globalised and perhaps less contentious environment. Most of those at the senior minister of state and minister of state level have served in similar roles in the previous administration, despite the fact they have all taken on new portfolios except Murali Pillai. Even among the newly anointed, Mr Siow and Mr Neo respectively have recent experience in senior roles in the civil service and the Singapore Armed Forces. Three have parliamentary experience, with two backbencher MPs in Desmond Choo and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and one former Nominated MP Syed Harun Alhabsyi. The remaining four – Dinesh Vasu Dash, Jasmine Lau, Goh Pei Ming and Goh Hanyan – left senior public service positions not long before standing in GE2025. Whether the 4G can perform as well in a more contested, less predictable environment where openness to economic exchange and cooperation are treated more suspiciously remains an open question right now. As the warning to investors goes: past performance is no guarantee of future return. QUESTIONS ABOUT 4G READINESS IN DIFFICULT PORTFOLIOS With 13 out of the 17 Cabinet appointments considered to be from the 4G (and perhaps even 5G), there is a clear push to complete the leadership transition that had been somewhat stalled when former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat took himself out of the succession process in 2021. Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's continuing position as Senior Minister, as well as the role of PAP stalwarts in charge of key portfolios such as deputy prime minister, foreign minister, and minister of trade and industry, raise questions about when the fourth generation will fully take charge. What is the readiness of the 4G PAP leadership to take on the more difficult portfolios for the present time? Global uncertainties mean that leadership at the home affairs and foreign ministries may be especially important. Given the continuation of Edwin Tong as Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs even as he moves to helm the Ministry of Law suggests that he may be in line to take over the home affairs portfolio as well at some point. Sim Ann's retention at the Foreign Affairs Ministry as senior minister of state may similarly be an indication that she is given the preparation to take over from Vivian Balakrishnan. However, it may be reasonable to ask why they are not ready to replace the long-serving third generation leaders in these portfolios as this time. COORDINATING IN A MORE COMPLEX WORLD A final point to note from the Cabinet appointments is the reversion to three coordinating ministers. The current administration will have coordinating ministers for national security, public services, and social policies. While these cross-ministry roles are not new, they reinforce that there are an increasing number of issues that overlap the functional and jurisdictional remits traditionally delegated to specific ministries. A more complex world requires that ministries work together, sometimes in less conventional ways. Coordinating ministers, who are often senior leaders, have the gravitas and political capital to facilitate collaboration among different ministries in ways that force more flexibility into the system and in policy. Such thinking across the stovepipes of established ministerial jurisdictions may be exactly what Singapore needs right now, although delivery on such fronts remain to be seen.
CNA
21-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Newcomers Jeffrey Siow, David Neo named acting ministers in Cabinet reshuffle
SINGAPORE: Newly elected Members of Parliament Jeffrey Siow and David Neo will take on key roles in the latest Cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Wednesday (May 21). Mr Siow will be appointed acting minister for transport and senior minister of state for finance, while Mr Neo will serve as acting minister for culture, community and youth, and senior minister of state for education. Both Mr Siow, 46, and Mr Neo, 47, are first-time candidates from the People's Action Party (PAP) who were elected in the recent General Election earlier this month. Mr Siow was a former second permanent secretary at the Manpower Ministry and Ministry of Trade and Industry. He was part of the Chua Chu Kang GRC team led by Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, which defeated the Progress Singapore Party. Mr Neo was the chief of army until he stepped down in March. He was elected in Tampines GRC, where the PAP won a four-cornered fight. Mr Siow takes over the transport portfolio from Mr Chee Hong Tat, who will become the national development minister. Mr Neo succeeds Mr Edwin Tong at the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). Mr Tong will head the Ministry of Law. Mr Neo has previous experience leading the Silver Generation Office "so he knows what it takes to build strong community bonds", said Mr Wong at a press conference on Wednesday. "I look forward to his contributions at MCCY, championing the arts and sports, engaging our youths, as well as our diverse community groups," he added. Mr Siow is familiar with land transport policies from his time in the civil service, said Mr Wong. "Of course, there's much more to be done as a minister. He will be stretched and tested, but I'm confident he will be able to step up," said the prime minister. OTHER NEW POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS Five other newly elected PAP MPs will also be appointed to political office. Noting that seven office holders are new MPs, Mr Wong added that all the ministries will have new office holders. "I'm doing this to give younger leaders more experience and exposure across different areas of government so as to prepare them for greater responsibilities in the future," he said. Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, 50, the former CEO of the Agency for Integrated Care and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) brigadier-general, will be appointed minister of state for culture, community and youth, and manpower. Ms Jasmin Lau, 42, a former deputy secretary at the Ministry of Health, will serve as minister of state for education, and digital development and information. Mr Goh Pei Ming, 42, formerly chief of staff-joint staff of the SAF, will be appointed minister of state for home affairs, and social and family development. Ms Goh Han Yan and former Nominated MP Syed Harun Alhabsyi will serve as senior parliamentary secretaries. Ms Goh, 39, previously a director with the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, will support the Culture, Community and Youth as well as the Sustainability and the Environment ministries. Dr Syed Harun, 40, will serve in the Education and National Development ministries. Speaking at the press conference on Wednesday, Ms Lau said the new political office holders were 'very grateful' for the trust that the prime minister and other senior leaders have placed in them. 'At the same time, we also fully trust the decisions that PM and the senior leaders have made in terms of where and how we are deployed,' she added. 'It is a long game, it is for the long haul, and so over time, we must remain committed and flexible in terms of where we are sent to and the work that we do now.' Noting Mr Wong's remarks about the leadership transition, Ms Lau said the challenge was in 'figuring out the balance … there is no time to waste but actually there is also no need for haste'. The new political office holders will 'hit the ground running' since most of them are in portfolios different from their previous roles, she said. 'At the same time, I think we also know there is no need for haste. Sometimes we really have to be quite patient in the changes that we want to bring about and the changes that we will set in place, because these will affect many stakeholders and many, many citizens.'
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
PAP to set up new branches in at least 6 locations, including Punggol, Tampines and Tengah
SINGAPORE – The PAP is setting up new branches in several parts of Singapore as it moves to strengthen its ground presence following the 2025 General Election. At least six new branches are being established in places such as Tengah, Punggol and Tampines, based on social media announcements and online updates seen by The Straits Times. The expansion of PAP's ground infrastructure comes after adjustments to Singapore's electoral map due to population growth, with four new seats added to bring the total number of elected seats in Parliament from 93 to 97. The PAP won 87 out of the 97 seats at the general election. In the new Punggol GRC, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong started Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) at Block 402 Northshore Drive. ST understands that a new PAP branch will be set up there. Over in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, MP Sharael Taha said a new branch is being set up in the constituency. He added that he and first-time MP Valerie Lee had already held their first joint MPS for residents in Changi and Pasir Ris East at Block 216 in Pasir Ris. Newly elected MP David Neo said on May 8 that his team was working to finalise arrangements for a new fifth division in Tampines GRC. He added that it would take some time to set up the necessary infrastructure and systems. In the meantime, residents can continue to visit any of the four existing MPS locations in Tampines. In Sembawang GRC, a new division called Naval Base has been carved out of the former Canberra division to support the area's expected growth and development, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in a May 10 Facebook post. First-time MP Ng Shi Xuan will head the new Naval Base branch located at Block 319 Sembawang Close. Another PAP branch is also being set up in Tengah, which is part of Chua Chu Kang GRC. It will be helmed by new MP Choo Pei Ling, who will begin holding her MPS from May 13 at Block 236B Tengah Garden Walk. While the increase in seats has led to new branches being set up, some existing branches have been renamed or merged as the areas they previously covered did not always align neatly with the revised electoral map. In some cases, branches have had to make adjustments as the areas they used to serve have been split across two constituencies. In Ang Mo Kio GRC, new MP Jasmin Lau said the area under her charge has been renamed from Jalan Kayu to Seletar-Serangoon. Details of the exact area under her branch will be announced soon, she added. ST has contacted the PAP for comment about the party's new branches. Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan noted that the setting up of new PAP branches typically reflects the need to align the party's ground network with the latest electoral map. 'As electoral boundaries change, new SMCs (single-member constituencies) and wards in GRCs (group representation constituencies) will have to be created to align the PAP branches network with that of the extant electoral boundaries. So these new branches are significant in this alignment process,' he said. He added that the move is also part of the party's early preparations for the next general election. Dr Tan Ern Ser, adjunct principal research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies' Social Lab, noted that the creation of these new branches comes after the PAP had said that it would take in feedback from voters and the GE results, and address them. Dr Tan said setting up new branches in Punggol and Tampines, for instance, was consistent with the party's aim to strengthen its reach 'in places where they underperform'. In the newly formed Punggol GRC, the PAP team led by DPM Gan secured 55.17 per cent of the vote, defeating a team of first-time candidates from the WP. Over in Tampines GRC, which saw a four-cornered fight, the PAP received 52.02 per cent of the vote in one of the most hotly contested GRCs in the election. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
