PAP 5G team progressing well, ‘no fixed timetable’, says PM Wong

“The reality is these are all roles and responsibilities where we want to expose office holders, we want to assess their suitability, and over time, we hope that some of them will be in a position to take over.”

Mr Wong said he sees Mr Shanmugam, who was appointed senior minister on Wednesday, and other more experienced leaders as mentors and guides for younger office holders.

As the more senior ministers relinquish their portfolios over time, younger ones can take them on, he added.

“And then we will continue that process of renewal, keeping the veterans, keeping the experienced leadership while refreshing the team. That is the Singapore way of leadership renewal. It’s a continuous process,” said Mr Wong.

Asked whether the new line-up represents his settled team or if pieces are still missing, Mr Wong said his approach is not to announce a “grand arrangement” and revisit it years later.

Renewal should instead be continuous, with adjustments made every year, he said.

“We are assuming that uncertainty is the norm. And to navigate a world of constant flux and uncertainty, you need a good balance of experienced leadership as well as fresh perspectives,” said Mr Wong.

“So we retain a core of experienced leaders. And even down the road, if some of them were to relinquish their portfolios, we can still tap on them in different ways.”