Dr Koh Poh Koon to relinquish roles of Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health effective 1 June

The leader has resigned to prioritise family time, but will continue to serve as a Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC.

Dr Koh Poh Koon will step down from his role as Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Senior Minister of State for Health on 1 June 2026, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said on Friday (22 May).

According to the PMO, SMS Koh had submitted his resignation citing family reasons, and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has since accepted the resignation. He will continue to serve in his role as a Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC.

The statement added: "The Prime Minister thanks Dr Koh for his decade of service as a political office holder, and for his contributions across a wide range of portfolios, including trade and industry, manpower, health, sustainability and the environment, national development and the Labour Movement."

In a Facebook post, PM Wong paid tribute to Koh Poh Koon for his years of service across Government and the Labour Movement, describing him as a thoughtful and dedicated leader who cared deeply about improving the lives of Singaporeans.

He also highlighted Dr Koh’s work leading the Task Force on infant milk formula, where he helped introduce more affordable options, tighten rules against misleading "premium" claims, and improve transparency and choice for parents in hospitals.

He also noted Dr Koh’s contributions across ministries, including efforts at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Manpower, and NTUC to uplift workers, strengthen tripartite partnerships, and help businesses adapt to change. At the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Koh led initiatives to strengthen Singapore’s agri-food sector, food safety and security, and sustainability practices.

At the Ministry of Health, PM Wong credited Dr Koh with helping lay the groundwork for healthier ageing and preventive care through initiatives such as Healthier SG and Age Well SG, while supporting efforts to keep healthcare affordable and accessible.

Describing Dr Koh as someone who approached every responsibility with "sincerity, dedication and genuine care for the people he served", PM Wong expressed gratitude for his contributions to Singapore, while noting that Dr Koh would continue serving residents of Tampines Central and contributing in Parliament.

"I am deeply grateful for his many years of contributions to the Government and to Singapore. While I am sad to lose a dedicated member of the team, I understand his wish to spend more time with his family, and have accepted his request.

"I am glad he will continue to serve his residents in Tampines Central and contribute in Parliament. Thank you, Poh Koon."

In his own statement on Facebook, Dr Koh said the decision to step down came "after much deliberation and discussion" with his family, adding that serving as a political office holder since 2015 had been :one of the greatest honours: of his life. While expressing gratitude for Prime Minister Wong’s trust and confidence, Dr Koh acknowledged that he had been "an absent husband, father and son" during his years in politics, with his wife carrying much of the responsibility at home caring for both their children and parents.

He said his family now needed his attention "in a way that is not compatible with the demands of Political Office", adding that the completion of his work on the Economic Strategic Review Committee made it a timely moment to refocus his priorities.

He added: "I want to thank PM and all my Cabinet colleagues for their guidance all these years. And to all my ministry colleagues and staff who have supported me throughout the years across the many portfolios I have served in, thank you all very much. I have learned much from all of you, and I will always be grateful for your partnership and friendship.

"I will take the next couple of months to spend some time with my family and to consider my next steps."

Photo / PM Wong's Facebook