Mr Gan Kim Yong

Minister for Trade and Industry at Ministry of Trade and Industry, Government of Singapore

Speaker

Mr Gan Kim Yong was appointed Minister for Trade and Industry on 15 May 2021. One of his key priorities is to identify new growth opportunities in support of Singapore’s continued economic development. Mr Gan is also Deputy Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore Board, and was co-chair of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce which directed and coordinated Singapore’s COVID-19 response until it stood down on 13 February 2023.

From May 2011 to May 2021, Mr Gan was Minister for Health. He oversaw efforts to drive Healthcare 2020, a masterplan to ensure accessibility, quality and affordability of healthcare in Singapore. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Health invested significantly in building new healthcare infrastructure, and expanded the polyclinic and General Practitioner networks. Enhancements to long-term care financing measures were also launched, and a universal lifelong medical insurance was introduced.

As Minister for Manpower from April 2008 to May 2011, Mr Gan led the ministry’s efforts to minimise mass retrenchments during the economic recession in 2009. He also played an instrumental role in the development of manpower policies to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment, and in building a Continuing Education and Training system for a globally competitive workforce.

Mr Gan’s other previous appointments include Minister of State for Education and Minister of State for Manpower.