Lawrence Wong To Be New Education Minister After Cabinet Reshuffle

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday (25 Jul) announced his new Cabinet line‐up and other political appointments after General Election 2020.


New Education Minister

The cabinet reshuffle saw changes in six ministries including that for the Ministry of Education.

The ministry will be helmed by national development minister Lawrence Wong, who was appointed new Education Minister.

Mr Wong, who will remain Second Minister of Finance, will relinquish his appointment as Minister for National Development and will take over the ministerial role of Ong Ye Kung, who will relinquish his appointment as Minister for Education, after serving a term since 2015.

Mr Wong also currently co-chairs Singapore’s multi-ministry task force to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Facebook post, Mr Ong said that it is “is with a heavy heart that I am leaving MOE.” 

“Over the past five years, I learnt a lot from teachers, academics, educators, staff, parents and students. We worked together to usher in profound reforms to a system that is already internationally well-regarded, to make it even better. It is indeed a very special honour,” Mr Ong said.

“Lawrence Wong will lead the next phase of this journey, to make education even more fulfilling and empowering for our students, and enhance the strength of society and communities,” he added.

Ong Ye Kung appointed Transport Minister

Mr Ong will be appointed Minister for Transport. He will be taking over the ministerial role from Khaw Boon Wan, who announced his retirement from politics in June 2020.

Ong Ye Kung will relinquish his appointment as Minister for Education after serving a term since 2015. | Image source: Ong Ye Kung/Facebook

Mr Ong has also taken over Mr Khaw’s role as the anchor Minister and his ward in Sembawang GRC, which the People’s Action Party won in the recent General Election 2020.

The Swearing‐in Ceremony for the Cabinet and other officeholders will take place on Monday (27 Jul) at 7pm at the Istana and Parliament House.