Ng Eng Hen

Minister for Defence, Singapore Government

 

Ng Eng Heng is a surgeon who later became a politician, minister and grass-roots adviser

Singaporean politician Ng Eng Hen has been the country’s Minister for Defence since May 2011, in which he is tasked with overseeing the national security and defence needs of the republic.

A former consultant surgeon and surgical oncologist, Ng made his initial foray into politics in the 2001 general election when he contested Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC as part of a five-man People’s Action Party team. The team won by a landslide, and Dr Ng has represented the constituency as its Member of Parliament since. He would go on to hold appointments such as Minister for Education and Minister for Manpower before being named Minister for Defence.

In 2018, Dr Ng was conferred the title of Officer in the Legion of Honour by French president Emmanuel Macron. The accolade is France’s highest award, and recognises outstanding service by civilians or military personnel regardless of their citizenship.

Dr Ng is the father of four children and is married to Ivy Ng, a paediatrician and geneticist who is also group CEO of SingHealth.

Impacted Industries


Awards


1990

SmithKline Beecham Surgical Scholar Award

2018

Officer, Legion of Honour (France)

Did You Know?


The Singapore Armed Forces had its earliest beginnings in 1854 with the formation of the Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps, a voluntary body established to maintain internal security.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. See our privacy policy.