Chan Chun Sing ends tenure as Minister for Education, takes over as Minister for Defence
Just 18 days after the General Election on 21 May, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled his highly anticipated Cabinet lineup, and one of the most talked-about changes involves former Education Minister Chan Chun Sing.
In a significant reshuffle, Mr Chan will step down as Minister for Education — a role he has held since May 2021 — and take over the reins at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), succeeding Dr Ng Eng Hen, who has officially retired from Cabinet.
As part of his new appointment, Mr Chan has also been named the Coordinating Minister for Public Services, a newly created portfolio.
Source: Heng Swee Keat on Facebook
Chan Chun Sing bids heartfelt farewell to MOE
Taking to Facebook on 21 May, Mr Chan shared a poignant message as he said farewell to the Ministry of Education (MOE), describing the move as one filled with “mixed emotions”.
“It is with mixed emotions that I will soon hand over the leadership of MOE and take over MINDEF,” he wrote.
Reflecting on his three-year tenure, Mr Chan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with a “committed and professional team of educators” who consistently put students first.
Source: Chan Chun Sing on Facebook
“From young children to adults, our evergreen mission is to inspire the joy of learning, develop confidence, hone competence, and build connections for everyone to be a contributing member to society.”
Mr Chan, who previously served at MINDEF, acknowledged the stark difference in global circumstances since his last stint.
“As I rejoin MINDEF, I am acutely aware of the changed world we are living in.”
He emphasised the need to “re-examine fundamental operating assumptions” and “evolve new capabilities to inspire a new generation to serve with grit and gumption”.
Regardless of his position, Mr Chan reaffirmed his commitment to “building a Singapore that all citizens can be proud of”.
Netizens express gratitude over clear & purposeful leadership
Mr Chan’s post has since garnered over 5,000 likes and nearly 300 comments from Singaporeans thanking him for his service at MOE.
One thanked Mr Chan for the various policies implemented over his past four years of service.
“Appreciate the hard work and commitment from you and your team,” they wrote.
Source: Chan Chun Sing on Facebook
“You’ve led MOE through a pivotal time with clarity and purpose — especially in fostering lifelong learning amid rapid change,” another said.
Source: Chan Chun Sing on Facebook
One user noted that they have witnessed and experienced the “positive changes” that Mr Chan had brought into MOE.
“As parents of school going children, we truly appreciate this.”
Source: Chan Chun Sing on Facebook
Also read: Lawrence Wong’s new Cabinet has David Neo & Jeffrey Siow as full Ministers, only 1 DPM
Lawrence Wong’s new Cabinet has David Neo & Jeffrey Siow as full Ministers, only 1 DPM
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