Jeffrey Siow Embracing Challenges of Transport Role

Acting Minister aims to restore Singaporeans' 'pride and love' for transport system

- Kok Yufeng

Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow did not expect to return to familiar ground in his first political appointment. Having spent five of his 24 years in public service as director of land transport from 2012 to 2017, the seasoned civil servant thought he would be handed an entirely new portfolio when tapped by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to be part of the new Cabinet.

Instead, Mr Siow has rejoined the ministry he once served — this time at the top. The 47-year-old is embracing the challenge of his new role, which he described as "politically intense" and "a heavy responsibility".

"I'm still very much starting the political journey and learning the politics of it," he told reporters during his first sit-down interview on June 11.

"The role of a minister is quite different. You are setting the direction. You are setting the pace," he said. "The good thing is that the work is not too unfamiliar. Neither are the people."

His mission at the Ministry of Transport (MOT) is to "bring back Singaporeans' pride and love for our transportation system".

"We must make sure that on the public transport side, we run the system well — as well as we have run the air and the sea systems," he said.

Asked how he might do things differently, given his experience in transport policy, Mr Siow said he views transportation as a long-term endeavor that builds on the work of his predecessors.

"But the pace at which you can move, the speed at which you can do things, can be adjusted," he noted.

Since taking the helm, Mr Siow has asked his team to prioritize meetings with people outside his ministry, and has been responding to public feedback.

"There were some people who were very angry, but after I explained to them... (we) can have a very good conversation," he added. "I think I've been making progress there, too."