Singapore – In a surprising move, a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has announced his resignation, fueling speculation about the upcoming general election.

Mr. Foo Cexiang, the director overseeing private and future mobility initiatives, including electric vehicle policies, is set to step down on April 1.

Significant Contributions

At just 40, Mr. Foo has made significant contributions during his over ten years in public service. He previously held the position of director of futures and transformation at MOT and played a pivotal role in representing Singapore at the 2022 climate change conference (COP27), where he advocated for robust public transport systems and a shift toward an electric mobility ecosystem.

Diverse Background in Public Administration

Before his tenure at MOT, Mr. Foo began his career at JTC Corporation and also worked within the Ministry of Education, focusing on pre-school education and after-school programs. His experience spans the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, showcasing a diverse background in public administration.

Recent Departures

Mr. Foo's resignation marks the second significant stepping down of a senior civil servant in recent weeks. Jasmin Lau, Deputy Secretary (Policy) from the Ministry of Health (MOH), also announced her retirement, with her last day coinciding with Mr. Foo's on April 1. Ms. Lau’s career in the MOH saw her managing healthcare finance and overseeing the development and regulation of medical and long-term care insurance in Singapore since 2013. After a brief tenure at the Economic Development Board, she returned to the health ministry in late 2021.

Broader Trends

These resignations are viewed as part of a broader trend, as public service leaders often step down to prepare for candidacy in general elections. With the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee scheduled to release its report on March 11, many expect more senior officials to follow suit in the lead-up to the highly anticipated elections, likely to be held by mid-year.

PAP's Selection Tradition

The People's Action Party (PAP) has a long-standing tradition of selecting candidates from within the public service, making these departures noteworthy. In similar past elections, prominent figures such as East Coast GRC MP Tan Kiat How and former CEO of the People’s Association Desmond Tan also resigned shortly before polling dates, suggesting a pattern of engagement by the party with experienced public servants.

Looking Ahead

As Singapore gears up for another round of elections, the winds of change seem to be sweeping through its political landscape. Keep an eye on further developments as more public servants potentially prepare to take the plunge into the political arena!