New faces and key changes in Singapore Cabinet as NTUC’s Desmond Tan and Desmond Choo sworn in

NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan and Assistant Secretary-General Desmond Choo have been sworn into the Singapore Cabinet.

Mr Tan remains a Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. Meanwhile, Mr Choo is now a Minister of State for Defence.

They were sworn in with a slate of ministers and senior political officeholders at the Istana on 23 May 2025.

Farewell to veteran Cabinet members

NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Heng Chee How was amongst retiring Cabinet members. The others were Mr Heng Swee Keat, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Dr Ng Eng Hen, Dr Maliki Osman and Dr Amy Khor.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, on 21 May 2025, paid tribute to their years of distinguished service, praising their dedication and impact across multiple ministries.

Mr Wong said that Mr Heng Chee How has been a pillar of strength to successive labour chiefs.

Mr Heng Chee How, who has been with NTUC since 1995, had previously served as mayor of the central Singapore district, senior minister of state and minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Key ministerial changes in the Singapore Cabinet

Mr K Shanmugam was sworn in as the new Coordinating Minister for National Security. He will continue as Minister for Home Affairs and pass the law portfolio to Mr Edwin Tong, who also assumes the role of Second Minister for Home Affairs.

Mr Chan Chun Sing takes over the Ministry of Defence and will concurrently serve as Coordinating Minister for Public Services.

Mr Ong Ye Kung steps up as Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, remaining as Health Minister and Minister-in-charge of Ageing Issues.

Mr Desmond Lee now leads the Ministry of Education, handing over the National Development portfolio to Mr Chee Hong Tat, who leaves the Ministry of Transport.

Mr Tong, now Law Minister, relinquishes his former role as Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, a position new Acting Minister David Neo will take over.

Mr David Neo will also serve as Senior Minister of State for Education.

Dr Tan See Leng will expand his portfolio as Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology, in addition to retaining the manpower portfolio.

Mr Jeffrey Siow, a new face in the Cabinet, was sworn in as Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance.

Mr Wong said that he and his team will work with tripartite partners to develop a new economic blueprint so that Singapore can sustain its competitive edge and create good jobs for Singaporeans.

He added that as global growth slows in the near term, the Government will continue to help businesses and households weather the storm.

“We will work closely with NTUC to support our workers and jobseekers so that every Singaporean who is prepared to work is able to secure a job and progress in their careers,” he said.

New generation of political officeholders steps forward

Other new political officeholders who were sworn in are:

• Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash (Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth; Manpower, Mayor of South East District)
• Ms Jasmin Lau (Minister of State for Digital Development and Information; Education)
• Mr Goh Pei Ming (Minister of State for Home Affairs; Social and Family Development)
• Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Social and Family Development)
• Mr Baey Yam Keng (Minister of State and Mayor of North East District)