Incoming Acting Minister for Manpower Jasmin Lau outlines worker-focused priorities ahead of new portfolio

Her priorities, she said, will include supporting vulnerable workers, helping Singaporeans navigate career transitions, making lifelong learning accessible and relevant, and strengthening retirement adequacy.

Following the Cabinet reshuffle announced earlier this week, Jasmin Lau is set to take on the role of Acting Minister for Manpower from 27 July 2026 (Monday), succeeding Dr Tan See Leng, who will move to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

In her first remarks ahead of the appointment, Lau said supporting workers and businesses through a rapidly changing employment landscape would be a central priority.

She noted that her experience at the Ministry of Education (MOE) would be relevant to her new portfolio, given the close link between skills development, training, and employment.

“Skills training and jobs are part of the same story,” she said, adding that she would carry the experience gained at MOE into her work at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Lau thanked Minister Desmond Lee and her MOE colleagues for their guidance and partnership over the past year. She also acknowledged the work undertaken by MOM under the leadership of the outgoing Manpower Minister, including efforts to strengthen the Progressive Wage Model, introduce the Workplace Fairness Act and provide stronger protections for platform workers.

“Those are big shoes to fill,” she said.

Supporting workers through workplace change

With technology reshaping jobs and workplace practices, Lau said the Government’s responsibility would be to help both employees and companies manage the transition.

“Jobs are on everyone’s mind right now, and rightly so,” she said. “Technology is changing how we work, and I know many workers and companies are trying their best to navigate this change.”

Her priorities will include uplifting workers in more vulnerable segments of the workforce, helping Singaporeans navigate increasingly frequent career transitions, and ensuring that lifelong learning is both accessible and relevant.

She added that workforce policies must also support Singaporeans at different stages of their careers — from young people entering employment for the first time, to adults balancing work with caregiving responsibilities, and older workers who are able and willing to remain economically active.

She added that retirement adequacy would remain an important area of focus, so that Singaporeans who have worked throughout their lives can approach their later years “with confidence”.

Listening to workers, employers and unions

Lau previously served at MOM between 2008 and 2010. While she said she was looking forward to returning to the ministry, she acknowledged that the workforce landscape has changed significantly since then.

To this point, she shared that she intends to spend time listening to MOM officers, workers, employers, and union leaders as she takes on the portfolio.

“I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for entrusting me with this role, and I’m ready to do my best.”

Lead image / Prime Minister's Office YouTube