Ong Ye Kung ( born on 15 November 1969, is a prominent Singaporean politician and former civil servant who has made significant contributions to the nation’s governance. Serving as the Minister for Health since 2021, Ong has been a key figure in Singapore’s response to various challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a member of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and represents the Sembawang Central division of Sembawang GRC as a Member of Parliament (MP) since 2015.

Early Life and Education

Ong’s educational journey began at Maris Stella High School and continued at Raffles Junior College. He pursued higher education at the London School of Economics, where he graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. In 1999, Ong furthered his studies by obtaining a Master of Business Administration degree from the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Personal Information

Full Name: Ong Ye Kung
Date of Birth: November 15, 1969
Nationality: Singaporean
Education:
Maris Stella High School: Completed secondary education.
Raffles Junior College: Completed pre-university education.
London School of Economics: Graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
International Institute for Management Development: Completed a Master of Business Administration in 1999.
Family Background:
Father: Ong Lian Teng, a former Barisan Sosialis politician and Member of the Legislative Assembly who later became a Member of Parliament. He resigned in protest against the People’s Action Party (PAP) government.
Spouse: Married to Diana Kuik Sin Leng, daughter of real estate magnate Kuik Ah Han.
Children: The couple has two daughters.
Cultural Background: Ong has described himself as a “free thinker” and has often quoted Confucius, reflecting his appreciation for philosophical teachings.
Connections: Ong’s maternal cousin, Xie Yao Quan, is also a Member of Parliament representing the Jurong Central division of Jurong GRC.

Career in Civil Service

Ong’s professional career started in the Ministry of Communications from 1993 to 1999. He held various positions, including Director of Trade in the Ministry of Trade and Industry from 2000 to 2003. Notably, he served as the Deputy Chief Negotiator for the Singapore–United States Free Trade Agreement, which was signed in May 2003. From 2002 to 2004, Ong was the Principal Private Secretary to then-Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. His leadership continued as he became the Chief Executive Officer of the Workforce Development Agency from 2005 to 2008, followed by his role as Assistant Secretary-General at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

Entry into Politics

Ong made his political debut in the 2011 general election, contesting in Aljunied GRC as part of a PAP team. Although the team faced defeat against the Workers’ Party, this loss marked a significant moment in Singapore’s political history as it was the first time a GRC was lost by the PAP. Following this setback, he continued his work with NTUC and was promoted to Deputy Secretary-General.

In the 2015 general election, Ong successfully contested in Sembawang GRC, where the PAP team won with 72.28% of the votes, leading to his election as MP for the Gambas ward.

Ministerial Roles

Ong’s ministerial career began on 1 October 2015 when he was appointed Senior Minister of State for Defence and Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills). In November 2016, he was promoted to Second Minister for Defence while concurrently overseeing the education portfolio. In 2018, he became Minister for Education when the two education portfolios were merged.

On 27 July 2020, Ong transitioned to the role of Minister for Transport, succeeding Khaw Boon Wan. He was widely regarded as a potential successor to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in the future, especially during the lead-up to the 2020 general election, where he led the PAP team in Sembawang GRC to a win with approximately 67% of the vote.

Response to COVID-19

On 23 April 2021, Ong was appointed co-chair of the multi-ministerial committee to manage Singapore’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a cabinet reshuffle on 15 May 2021, he became Minister for Health, taking over from Gan Kim Yong. His leadership during this critical time has been pivotal in guiding Singapore through health challenges.

Other Appointments

• Board Member, Monetary Authority of Singapore (29 Aug 2016 – 31 May 2019)
• Board Member, SMRT Corporation (2006–2014)
  As an independent director, Ong led an internal investigation into significant train disruptions that occurred between 15 and 17 December 2011.
• Chairman, Employment and Employability Institute
• Adviser, National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU)
  Adviser, Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union (SISEU)
  Adviser, Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union (AREU)
• Executive Secretary, National Transport Workers’ Union
  Executive Secretary, Singapore Manual and Mercantile Workers’ Union

Personal Life

Ong Ye Kung’s father, Ong Lian Teng, was a notable Barisan Sosialis politician, serving as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Bukit Panjang SMC from 1963 to 1965 and later as a Member of Parliament from 1965 to 1966. He resigned from his position to protest what he termed the “undemocratic acts” of the People’s Action Party (PAP) government. In a 2011 interview with The Straits Times, Ong expressed that his father, who passed away in 2009, was fully supportive of his political career within the PAP, despite his own history in opposition politics.

Ong is married to Diana Kuik Sin Leng, daughter of real estate magnate Kuik Ah Han. They have two daughters together. In 2012, Straits Times correspondent Susan Long described Ong as a “free thinker” and a “Confucius-quoting unionist.”

Notably, Ong’s maternal cousin, Xie Yao Quan, is also a PAP Member of Parliament, representing the Jurong Central division of Jurong GRC.

Awards and Achievements

Ong Ye Kung has received numerous accolades throughout his career, reflecting his dedication to public service and contributions to Singapore’s development. Some of his notable awards and achievements include:

1. Public Service Star (Bintang Bakti Masyarakat) – Awarded in 2015, this prestigious honor recognizes outstanding contributions to the public service in Singapore.
2. The Excellent Service Award – Recognized for his exemplary service in various capacities during his time in civil service, particularly during his tenure in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
3. Ministerial Recognition – As Minister for Education, he was instrumental in reforming the education system, earning praise for initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and access.
4. COVID-19 Response Leadership – Co-chair of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce, Ong played a crucial role in managing Singapore’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating strong leadership and crisis management skills.
5. Sembawang GRC Election Victories – Successfully contested in the 2015 and 2020 general elections as part of the People’s Action Party, contributing to significant electoral victories that bolstered the party’s standing in the region.
6. Advancements in Transport and Health Policy – As Minister for Transport and now as Minister for Health, Ong has been at the forefront of policy advancements that enhance Singapore’s transport infrastructure and healthcare system.
7. Active Involvement in Labor and Employment Initiatives – Throughout his career, Ong has been actively involved in labor unions and initiatives to improve employment conditions and workforce development in Singapore.
8. Leadership Roles in Various Organizations – He has served on the boards of key organizations such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore and SMRT Corporation, demonstrating his influence in both the public and private sectors.

These awards and achievements highlight Ong Ye Kung’s impact on Singapore’s socio-economic landscape, showcasing his commitment to public service, education, and health.