Asked why he had not appointed a second deputy prime minister, Mr Wong noted that the Cabinet already has three coordinating ministers, appointed after the 2025 election.

One deputy prime minister and three coordinating ministers provide strong senior leadership for the entire Cabinet, he said.

“But the situation is always evolving. Leadership renewal continues, and over time, the ministers in their respective roles will continue to develop and grow. Some of them may well take on larger responsibilities,” said Mr Wong, adding that the current structure is appropriate for now.

TWO SECOND MINISTERS FOR HOME AFFAIRS

Asked about the appointment of two second ministers for home affairs – Ms Sim Ann will join Mr Edwin Tong – and whether this signals a plan for Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam to eventually give up the portfolio, Mr Wong noted that the finance ministry also has two second ministers.

“You may then look at the tea leaves and speculate whether some of them are possibly in the pipeline to take over,” he added.

“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.”