PM Wong names Shanmugam Senior Minister in broad Cabinet reshuffle

MTI to be renamed energy ministry as Siow, Neo, and Sim Ann get ministerial promotions.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a Cabinet reshuffle across multiple ministries, alongside promotions and new appointments, including K Shanmugam’s role as Senior Minister.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) will also be renamed as the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) from 1 October 2026, reflecting the growing focus on energy matters.

Zaqy Mohamad, as Wong earlier announced, will be the new Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs. Mohamad is currently Senior Minister of State for Defence and Sustainability and the Environment.

Wong said he will retain his role in the Ministry of Defence but relinquish his role in the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.

The prime minister said the changes are part of the government's leadership transition, as “we are giving the newer and younger officeholders greater responsibilities as they step up.”

The Cabinet changes are effective from 27 July 2026 unless stated otherwise.

Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress, will be appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.

“So I have asked Chee Meng to return to Cabinet. He will strengthen the Government team as we tackle the challenges ahead,” Wong said.

Foo Cexiang and Shawn Loh will be appointed Ministers of State. Foo will be Minister of State in the Ministry of Manpower and MTI, whilst Loh will be Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health.

Jeffrey Siow will be promoted to Minister for Transport and appointed Second Minister for Finance, whilst David Neo will become Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Education.

Sim Ann will be appointed Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs.

“Over the years, she has consistently performed well in the roles that have been assigned to her … This promotion reflects my confidence that she will make an even bigger contribution to the Government team,” Wong said.

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

Shanmugam and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong “are the two most experienced members of my team”, according to Wong.

“They will continue to provide valuable counsel, and will help guide and mentor our younger officeholders,” the prime minister added.

Other Cabinet changes include Dr Tan See Leng, who will oversee energy and industry under METI, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who will continue to oversee trade and broader economic strategy.

Wong said Tan had been involved in energy and science and technology matters as Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, and will now focus on the expanded portfolio.

Goh Pei Ming will be promoted to Senior Minister of State and appointed Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Jasmin Lau will become Acting Minister for Manpower and Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Digital Development and Information.

Alvin Tan will also be appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will remain Minister of State in the Ministry of National Development, and relinquish his appointment in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim will become Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, but will remain Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and relinquish his appointment in the Ministry of Social and Family Development.