Ng Chee Meng's Cabinet return 'timely' amid jobs, workplace transformation challenges: PM Wong

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong described the return of National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) chief Ng Chee Meng to the Cabinet as "timely," citing the increasing government priority on jobs and workplace transformation.

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And now as we look at the situation, we know that jobs and workplace transformation has become a much higher priority for the government.

Wong explained that he had accepted Ng's request in May last year to focus solely on the labor movement and his local ward. Now, a year later, with Ng having established himself in his ward and worked diligently on the ground, Wong noted that "jobs and workplace transformation has become a much higher priority for the government."

"Given the concerns of the economic and workforce challenges we face, it was timely for him to return to the government, to return to the Cabinet, and contribute not just as secretary-general of NTUC, but as a minister in my team,” Wong said. He believes Ng will make a more impactful contribution to tackling national challenges.

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Given the concerns of the economic and workforce challenges we face, it was timely for him to return to the government, to return to the Cabinet, and contribute not just as secretary-general of NTUC, but as a minister in my team.

Ng Chee Meng, who will become a minister in the Prime Minister's Office, a position he last held before the 2020 General Election, stated on social media that he accepted the invitation with a "deep sense of responsibility." He affirmed his unchanged commitment to his constituents and to championing workers' wages, welfare, and prospects in an "AI-disrupted world." He added, "Together with our unions, employers and tripartite partners, we will continue preparing workers, including PMEs, for the future with targeted initiatives, and supporting all in transition with enhanced measures. This is purposeful work that drives me.”

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I think he will be able to make a more impactful contribution to tackle the national challenge which we face. So I approached him, and he agreed to do so.

The NTUC stated that Ng's return to the Cabinet would strengthen the voice of workers in national policymaking. They highlighted his experience as a former Cabinet minister and his current role as NTUC secretary-general, noting his deep understanding of workers' concerns gained through engagement with unions, employers, and tripartite partners.

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Together with our unions, employers and tripartite partners, we will continue preparing workers, including PMEs, for the future with targeted initiatives, and supporting all in transition with enhanced measures. This is purposeful work that drives me.