Singapore's Cabinet reshuffle: Jasmin Lau to take on the role of Acting Minister for Manpower

• All appointments will take effect from 27 July 2026, unless otherwise stated.
• Effective 1 October 2026, the Ministry of Trade and Industry will be renamed the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, reflecting its growing focus on energy matters that are critical to Singapore's economic competitiveness and future.
• Dr Tan See Leng will be appointed Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry). He will relinquish his appointment as Minister for Manpower.

Singapore's Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong has announced a series of Cabinet and political appointment changes, including a new Acting Minister for Manpower, promotions across the political office-holder ranks, and the renaming of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Among the appointments is that of Jasmin Lau, as Acting Minister for Manpower. Lau will also serve as Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Digital Development and Information and will relinquish her appointment in the Ministry of Education.

The move comes as Dr Tan See Leng transitions to become Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), stepping down from his role as Minister for Manpower.

The appointment coincides with the Government's decision to rename the Ministry of Trade and Industry as the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry effective 1 October 2026, underscoring the increasing importance of energy policy to Singapore's economic competitiveness and long-term growth.

The Cabinet reshuffle also sees several political office holders taking on expanded responsibilities.

Jeffrey Siow, David Neo, and Sim Ann have been promoted to Ministers:

• Siow will become Minister for Transport while also serving as Second Minister for Finance.
• For Neo will take on the role of Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, alongside an appointment as Second Minister for Education.
• Sim will serve as Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs.

Meanwhile, K Shanmugam will be appointed Senior Minister while continuing as Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs.

The Prime Minister also announced that Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), will be appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, in a move to strengthen the labour movement's representation within the Cabinet.

Beyond the ministerial appointments, Jasmin Lau and Goh Pei Ming have both been promoted to Senior Ministers of State. Goh will take on appointments at the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Other changes include:

• Alvin Tan will become Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while retaining his role at the Ministry of National Development and relinquishing his appointment at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
• Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim will be appointed Minister of State for Home Affairs, while continuing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Foo Cexiang will become Minister of State for Manpower and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
• Shawn Loh will be appointed Minister of State for Education and the Ministry of Health.
• Separately, Zaqy Mohamad, who was appointed Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs on 20 July, will continue as Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence while relinquishing his appointment at the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.

More information on the Cabinet appointments can be found here.

Unless otherwise stated, all appointments will take effect from 27 July 2026, while the Ministry of Trade and Industry's new name will come into effect on 1 October 2026.

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Lead image / PM Wong's Telegram