Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a Cabinet reshuffle on July 22 that will see first-term Members of Parliament Foo Cexiang and Shawn Loh appointed as ministers of state, marking their entry into political office.

Foo, 41, who represents Tanjong Pagar GRC, will serve as Minister of State for Manpower, working alongside the ministry’s senior minister, Dinesh Vasan. Loh, 38, representing Jalan Besar GRC, is slated to take on the role of Minister of State for Education and Health starting January 2027. Both were elected in the 2025 General Election and are among a group of six senior civil servants fielded by the People’s Action Party (PAP) in that election who now hold political office.

In introducing the appointments, PM Wong highlighted the good progress both MPs have made since their election. He stated the move aims to provide them with government experience and foster the development of Singapore’s next generation of leaders.

Foo brings over a decade of civil service experience, including a previous position as director at the Ministry of Transport focusing on private and future mobility. Since April 2025, he has served as vice-president for port ecosystem development at PSA Singapore. During his 14 months as an MP, Foo has worked on initiatives such as a recycling trial in Tiong Bahru and a participatory budgeting scheme in Spottiswoode Park estate, which empowers residents to influence neighborhood funding decisions. Foo expressed enthusiasm about returning to government with a focus on creating good jobs and career opportunities for Singaporeans.

Loh was previously Budget director in 2024 and 2025 and has been active in Parliament on issues including wealth tax, social inequality, and the rising cost of living. Notably, during the Budget debate in February, he called for surplus fiscal revenues exceeding 2 percent of gross domestic product to be shared with citizens. Loh will assume his ministerial role in early 2027 to facilitate a leadership transition as he steps down as group managing director of Commonwealth Capital Group. He reflected on his interactions with senior citizens and residents moving into new housing, emphasizing that their experiences will inform his work in education and health portfolios.

The reshuffle also includes promotions among first-year political office-holders. Jasmin Lau will be appointed Acting Minister for Manpower and Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, stepping down from her role in the Education Ministry. Goh Pei Ming has been elevated to Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development. Goh, a first-term MP, spoke of how the past year has deepened his commitment to public service and drew parallels between political leadership and the continuity seen in successful sports teams like the 2026 World Cup-winning Spain, highlighting the mentorship role of experienced leaders alongside emerging talent.

Additional changes announced include Alvin Tan’s appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while retaining his role at the Ministry of National Development and relinquishing his post at the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim will become Minister of State for Home Affairs in addition to his current Foreign Affairs portfolio, giving up his position at the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

These adjustments reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership team and ensure a smooth transition across ministries ahead of future challenges.