Ng Eng Hen

Ng Eng Hen 黄永宏
Party Affiliation	PAP
Current Role	• Minister of Defence
Past Roles	• Minister of Education • Leader of the Council • Minister of Manpower
Others	• SGH Consultant Surgeon • Mount Elizabeth Hospital Oncologist
Background
Education	• National University of Singapore (MBBS) with distinctions in Social Medicine and Public Health • Master in Medicine (Surgery) •
Personal Details
Age	66
Others

Ng Eng Hen (Chinese: 黄永宏; pinyin: Huáng Yǒnghóng, Hinghwa Romanized: Ńg Ṳ̂ng-héng; born 10 December 1958) is a Singaporean politician from the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). He has been the Minister for Defence since 2011.He has been representing the Toa Payoh Central division of Bishan–Toa Payoh GRC since 2001.

Early education

Ng Eng Hen spent his childhood in a rented flat with five siblings. He attended Anglo-Chinese School and National Junior College before studying medical science at the National University of Singapore. He also joined a surgical oncology fellowship training at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Medical career

Before entering politics, Ng Eng Hen was a consultant surgeon at Singapore General Hospital from 1992 to 1997 and later worked as a private surgical oncologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital between 1997 and 2001.

Ng Eng Hen was a consultant surgeon at Singapore General Hospital for five years (1992-1997). Later, he moved to Mount Elizabeth Hospital and worked as a private surgical oncologist from 1997 to 2001

Political career

Ng Eng Hen made his political debut in the 2001 election as part of a five-member PAP team for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. The party won by an uncontested walkover. He has represented the Toa Payoh Central ward of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC as an MP since 2001. He managed to retain his seat in subsequent elections.

For the full list of positions, refer to https://web.archive.org/web/20250218194048/https://www.parliament.gov.sg/mps/list-of-current-mps/mp/details/ng-eng-hen

Ministerial Roles

Ng has held several key ministerial positions:

Ministerial Appointments:

Minister of State for Education and Minister of State for Manpower (2002)

Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Education (August 2004)

Second Minister for Defence (2005 – 2011)

Minister for Education (April 2008 – 2011)

Minister for Defence (since 2011)

Ministerial Achievements

Ng Eng Han has significantly contributed to transforming the country's armed forces amid the advanced technology development.

Counter-Terrorism Efforts

Ng Eng Han stressed the vital role of adapting capabilities, strategies, and tactics in response to terrorism threats. Ng contributed to establishing the Special Operations Command Centre (SOCC), which boosts the SAF’s ability to plan, monitor, and launch counter-terrorism and contingency operations.

Investment in Training and Equipment

Ng Eng Hen has stressed the key role of continuous investment in modern training facilities and realistic exercises for national service members (NSmen). The ministry focuses on programs such as Exercise Wallaby in Australia and high-tech facilities such as Safti City.

Humanitarian Mission and Maritime Activity

Ng has recognized the SAF’s role in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, such as airdrop missions for civilians in Gaza. Furthermore, he hailed the SAF’s role to maritime security operations, such as Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea, which helps ensure freedom of navigation in critical sea routes.

Development of Integrated Fighting Systems

The SAF has blended modern technology such as data analytics and artificial intelligence in military operations to boost strikes and improve efficiency.

Adaptation and Transformation

The SAF has transformed and adapted to its next generation, which includes establishing the Digital and Intelligence Service, reflecting the SAF’s commitment to strengthening digital capabilities and operating as a more integrated force in modern warfare.

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1. https://www.pmo.gov.sg/The-Cabinet/Dr-NG-Eng-Hen

2.https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/terrorism-threat-high-fluid-networks-sophistication-mindef-ng-eng-hen-counter-terror-facility-2953446

3.https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-and-us-strengthen-defence-ties-with-new-ai-agreement

References

14th Parliament MP  : Ang Wei Neng • Baey Yam Keng • Cheryl Chan Wei Ling • Chan Chun Sing • Chee Hong Tat • Cheng Li Hui • Edward Chia Bing Hui • Chong Kee Hiong • Desmond Choo • Chua Kheng Wee Louis • Eric Chua • Darryl David • Christopher de Souza • Foo Mee Har • Grace Fu Hai Yien • Gan Kim Yong • Gan Siow Huang • Gan Thiam Poh • Derrick Goh • He Ting Ru • Heng Chee How • Heng Swee Keat • Shawn Huang Wei Zhong • Indranee Rajah • S Iswaran • Janil Puthucheary • Amy Khor Lean Suan • Koh Poh Koon • Kwek Hian Chuan Henry • Desmond Lee • Lee Hsien Loong • Liang Eng Hwa • Lim Biow Chuan • Jamus Jerome Lim • Sylvia Lim • Lim Wee Kiak • Low Yen Ling • Mariam Jaafar • Masagos Zulkifli Bin Masagos Mohamad • Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman • Mohd Fahmi Bin Aliman • Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap • Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim • Murali Pillai • Nadia Ahmad Samdin • Ng Eng Hen • Ng Ling Ling • Louis Ng Kok Kwang • Rachel Ong • Ong Ye Kung • Joan Pereira • Leon Perera • Denise Phua Lay Peng • Poh Li San • Pritam Singh • Raeesah Khan • Rahayu Mahzam • Saktiandi Supaat • Seah Kian Peng • K Shanmugam • Sharael Taha • Sim Ann • Sitoh Yih Pin • Hany Soh • Sun Xueling • Alvin Tan • Carrie Tan • Tan Chuan-Jin • Dennis Tan Lip Fong • Desmond Tan • Jessica Tan Soon Neo • Tan Kiat How • Tan See Leng • Tan Wu Meng • Patrick Tay Teck Guan • Teo Chee Hean • Josephine Teo • Tharman Shanmugaratnam • Tin Pei Ling • Edwin Tong Chun Fai • Vikram Nair • Vivian Balakrishnan • Wan Rizal • Don Wee • Lawrence Wong • Xie Yao Quan • Alex Yam Ziming • Yeo Wan Ling • Yip Hon Weng • Melvin Yong Yik Chye • Zaqy Mohamad • Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim NCMP  : Leong Mun Wai • Hazel Poa