Senior Minister of State Dr. Koh Poh Koon Resigns for Family Reasons, Steps Down from Ministerial Roles
On May 22, 2026, Senior Minister of State Dr. Koh Poh Koon announced his resignation from public office, effective June 1, 2026, citing family reasons, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Dr. Koh will continue serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Tampines, maintaining his role in the legislative body while stepping down from his ministerial positions.
Resignation Details and Transition
Dr. Koh Poh Koon will relinquish his appointments as Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Senior Minister of State for Health. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the decision, stating that the Prime Minister has accepted his resignation. The transition will take effect on June 1, 2026, marking the end of Dr. Koh’s decade-long service in various political and ministerial roles.
“The Prime Minister thanks Dr. Koh for his decade of service as a political office holder, and for his contributions across a wide range of portfolios, including trade and industry, manpower, health, sustainability and the environment, national development, and the Labour Movement,” the PMO statement read.
Contributions and Legacy
Throughout his career, Dr. Koh Poh Koon has been instrumental in shaping policies across multiple sectors. At the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, he led initiatives to strengthen Singapore’s agri-food sector, enhance food safety and security, and promote sustainable practices. His work at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Manpower, and the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) focused on supporting businesses, workers, and lower-wage Singaporeans.
Dr. Koh’s efforts included expanding the Progressive Wage Model to more sectors, advancing protections for platform workers, and addressing workplace discrimination. His approach emphasized balancing the needs of businesses and workers, ensuring fair and sustainable outcomes. At the Ministry of Health, his clinical background informed forward-looking policies to improve public health infrastructure and services.
Prime Minister’s Acknowledgment
The Prime Minister’s statement highlighted Dr. Koh’s dedication and the impact of his work. “Dr. Koh approached issues with care and balance, seeking to support both businesses and workers in a fair and sustainable manner,” the PMO noted. His resignation marks the end of a significant chapter in Singapore’s political landscape, with his contributions remembered as foundational to the nation’s development.
Dr. Koh