Singapore’s Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing was a former army general who left the armed forces to join politics in 2011, entering the general election that year as a candidate. He was elected Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, and served as Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports; and Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts in 2011.

Chan took on the roles of Minister for Social and Family Development, and Second Minister for Defence in 2013, serving for two years in both capacities. He became Singapore’s labour chief in 2015, joining the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) as its Secretary-General for three years. Prior to becoming education minister, Chan was Minister for Trade and Industry, steering Singapore’s industrial and economic development.

Chan is also currently Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, a post he has occupied since May 2018. He enjoys jogging and reading in his free time, and is married with three children.