Gan Kim Yong promoted to DPM in new Cabinet; minimal changes to line-up

Lawrence Wong, who will be new PM on May 15, to remain Finance Minister

- Wong Pei Ting

Singapore's next prime minister Lawrence Wong unveiled his Cabinet on May 13, with Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong to be appointed as deputy prime minister.

Deputy Prime Minister Wong, 51, who will be sworn in as Singapore's fourth prime minister on May 15, will continue as Finance Minister, a role he has taken on since May 2021.

Outgoing PM Lee Hsien Loong had remained finance minister for three years after he became prime minister in 2004.

At a press conference, DPM Wong flanked by Mr Gan and DPM Heng Swee Keat said he sought to balance the need for continuity and renewal in assembling his Cabinet.

"Continuity and stability are key considerations, especially as we are approaching the end of this term of government," he said.

DPM Wong said of Mr Gan, who co-chaired the multi-ministry task force on Covid-19 alongside him: "Through the course of working together, we've come to get to know each other's working styles better, and in this period of increased geopolitical tensions, his experience in international economics will also help us navigate a more contested global environment." Mr Gan, 65, said he was grateful and humbled to be given the opportunity to step up, although he is "not quite" part of the People's Action Party fourth-generation team.

"It is indeed my honour to be given this opportunity, and I will do my best to support the new prime minister and his team," he said.

Mr Gan will continue as Minister for Trade and Industry, a position he has filled since May 2021. At the press conference, he also said he would continue to focus on economic issues in this role.