Singapore Appoints Jasmin Lau as Acting Minister for Manpower
| Written by Tripti Mehta
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has appointed Jasmin Lau as the country's Acting Minister for Manpower as part of a Cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening leadership renewal while ensuring continuity in government. The appointment takes effect today.
Lau will concurrently serve as Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and will relinquish her role at the Ministry of Education. She succeeds Dr Tan See Leng, who has been appointed Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) following the reshuffle announced by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The changes also include a series of ministerial appointments and promotions across the Cabinet.
Leadership Renewal Takes Centre Stage
Announcing the changes, Prime Minister Wong said the reshuffle is intended to prepare Singapore's next generation of leaders while maintaining a balance between experienced ministers and newer office holders.
At a press conference following the announcement, Wong said the latest changes would allow younger members of the team to take on greater responsibilities while ensuring continuity in government. He noted that Jasmin Lau and Goh Pei Ming would be promoted to Senior Ministers of State, with Lau assuming responsibility for the manpower portfolio alongside her duties at MDDI.
Preparing Singapore's Workforce for Change
In an interview with Channel News Asia (CNA) following her appointment, Lau said the Ministry of Manpower's focus would be on helping workers and businesses adapt to rapid technological change, particularly the growing impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and skills.
She said the ministry's role is to help employers and workers navigate the changing nature of work, while supporting Singaporeans through more frequent career transitions and expanding opportunities for skills development throughout their working lives. Lau also noted that her previous responsibilities in education and digital development have given her valuable perspectives on the intersection of technology, talent and workforce transformation.
Continuity Amid Economic Transformation
The appointment comes as Singapore continues to strengthen its workforce policies in response to technological disruption, demographic shifts and evolving labour market demands. With responsibility for the manpower portfolio, Lau is expected to play a key role in advancing policies that support workforce resilience, skills development and employment competitiveness while working alongside the government's broader economic transformation agenda.
Sources: Prime Minister's Office Singapore (Cabinet reshuffle announcement and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's press conference), Reuters, Channel News Asia (CNA).
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