Jeffrey Siow, the second permanent secretary at both the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), marks his last day in public service on Tuesday (Apr. 1).
He is among the most senior civil servant to step down ahead of General Election (GE) 2025.
In his LinkedIn update, Siow took a moment to reflect upon his humble beginnings, his educational journey, and his commitment to public service.
Starting from a humble background in a one-room flat, Siow credits his educational opportunities for his success. After earning his stripes with an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and further qualifications from Cornell University, Siow has dedicated his career to public service, hoping to give back to the system that boosted him up.
Hinting at a “new journey,” Siow remains connected with his network, sharing updates via social media profiles.
Siow’s Career at a Glance
At 46, Siow’s impressive resume includes stints at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Public Service Department (PSD), Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Transport (MOT), and Enterprise Singapore. He notably served as Principal Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong from 2017 to 2021, a role previously occupied by current Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Recognizing his service, Siow was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2021.
Before stepping down, Siow was entrusted with the highest civil service role as the second permanent secretary at both MOM and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).
Chan Chun Sing, the Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, expressed gratitude for Siow’s impactful contributions, highlighting his remarkable tenure across various functions within the Public Service.
From Public Service to Politics?
Siow’s resignation aligns with a recent trend of high-level public sector officials stepping down in what is perceived to be a prelude to the next General Election. The Straits Times on March 25th suggested that Siow is “set to enter politics,” an indication of future ambitions that follow his public service career. With the GE slated to occur by November 2025, political onlookers are keenly observing these moves as potential indicators of who may emerge on the political scene.
Jeffrey Siow’s career in public service is a testament to the opportunities and impact one can have in serving their country, and his next chapter is highly anticipated by peers and the public alike.
Check out his Instagram page (siow.jeffrey) as he takes his next steps on his new journey.
