Cabinet changes in Singapore: Ong Ye Kung and Ng Chee Meng promoted to full ministers

Slightly more than a year after entering politics, Mr Ng Chee Meng and Ong Ye Kung will be promoted to full ministers in the latest round of Cabinet changes announced on Friday (Oct 28).

They will continue in their current education portfolios, with Mr Ng as Minister for Education (Schools) and Mr Ong as Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills).

Both ministers will also take on concurrent portfolios, with Mr Ong appointed Second Minister for Defence, and Mr Ng appointed Second Minister for Transport. They are currently Senior Ministers of State.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said the changes will take effect on Nov 1.

The elevation of the two young ministers, who have are widely seen as crucial members of the fourth generation of leaders, are the first Cabinet promotions since Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced his Cabinet line-up after the 2015 general election.

Both Mr Ng and Mr Ong were elected as MPs at the election and were appointed acting ministers.

(THE STRAITS TIMES)