SINGAPORE – In a surprising turn of events, Ms. Goh Hanyan, a pivotal figure in Singapore's Smart Nation and artificial intelligence (AI) policymaking, has resigned from her position as the director of the Smart Nation Strategy Office and the national AI group within the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI). Her resignation, effective April 3, comes just months ahead of the highly anticipated general election, which is expected to occur by mid-year.

Ms. Goh is the third senior civil servant to step down recently, following deputy secretary Jasmin Lau from the Ministry of Health and Mr. Foo Cexiang, a director at the Ministry of Transport. This wave of resignations raises questions about potential shifts within the government as it prepares for the electoral landscape.

Known for her instrumental role in advancing Singapore's Smart Nation initiative with the newly launched Smart Nation 2.0 plan, Ms. Goh's influence on the national Artificial Intelligence Strategy has been significant. Her previous experience includes nearly four years at the Prime Minister’s Office, focusing on economy and sustainability, in addition to a decade-long career at the Economic Development Board, where she even served a three-year term in Washington D.C.

Typically, the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) draws candidates from the public sector, where positions are seen as grooming grounds for future political leaders. Notably, civil servants resign before elections to adhere to regulations prohibiting political engagements while in office. This precedent has been set by past elections; for example, Tan Kiat How, who was then the chief executive of the Infocomm Media Development Authority, resigned just weeks before the 2020 election.

The recent shake-up in senior positions could signify broader changes within the political landscape as the country heads toward the election. Given that public service leaders have often transitioned into political roles, observers will be keenly watching who might emerge as candidates in the upcoming election.

As Ms. Goh prepares for her political debut, her resignation could spark a trend of further departures from high-ranking civil service roles, reshaping Singapore's governance in the lead-up to GE2025. Will other prominent civil servants follow suit? Only time will tell, as the political scene heats up.