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DPM HENG
In his letter to Mr Heng, Mr Wong expressed his thanks for his “extensive contributions” to Singapore.
Mr Wong noted that Mr Heng had dedicated his “entire working life” to serving Singapore and Singaporeans.
The prime minister mentioned that Mr Heng first served as a police officer and later joined the Administrative Service, where he held key positions, including as the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Mr Heng then joined politics, where he brought “rigour and dedication” to every role he served, “mastering every policy detail and working tirelessly to shape a better future for Singapore”, Mr Wong said.
As Minister for Education, Mr Heng “believed deeply in nurturing the full potential of every child, regardless of their starting point”, Mr Wong said.
It was under his leadership that the ranking of secondary schools was abolished and subject-based banding piloted. He also guided planning to create more degree places for Singaporeans, which resulted in the Singapore Institute of Technology becoming the country’s fifth autonomous university.
Mr Wong highlighted Mr Heng’s vision for Singapore to become a learning society, and under his leadership, SkillsFuture was introduced, launching a national movement for lifelong learning.
As Minister for Finance, Mr Heng was “a steady and trusted steward” of Singapore’s fiscal resources, the prime minister said.
Mr Wong noted that Mr Heng had to make tough decisions, such as raising the Goods and Services Tax to ensure sustainable revenues. He, however, also designed a comprehensive Assurance Package which ensured that middle- and lower-income households would not be impacted by the increase.
When COVID-19 struck, Mr Heng delivered five Budgets to save lives and livelihoods and prepare Singapore to emerge stronger from the crisis, Mr Wong said.
“Your calm leadership, grace under pressure, and concern for ordinary Singaporeans provided stability and reassurance for the nation in those uncertain times,” Mr Wong added.
Mr Heng also played a key role in upgrading Singapore’s economy to create good opportunities for all Singaporeans, Mr Wong said.
Mr Heng also strengthened Singapore’s ties with international partners to access new economic opportunities.
Thanks to his contributions, Singapore has a more vibrant research and innovation ecosystem that works not only on its own challenges but also on global problems like climate change and ageing, Mr Wong said.
The prime minister added that Mr Heng was a dedicated MP with a “bold and imaginative” approach to community building.
“Throughout your career, you consistently upheld the ethos of service above self. In 2018, when the 4G team unanimously chose you to be our leader, you accepted this responsibility,” said Mr Wong, referring to the PAP’s fourth-generation team.
“But after COVID-19 delayed the transition, you selflessly stepped aside to let the team choose a younger leader with a longer runway.”
“I only wish that our partnership could have been longer. You have been a steadfast comrade and cherished friend,” the prime minister added.
Mr Wong noted that while he and Mr Heng joined politics at the same time, Mr Heng was his senior, and he was always generous with his advice and mentorship.
“It has been a privilege to serve alongside you in the Ministries of Education and Finance, in our fight against COVID-19, in Cabinet and in politics more broadly,” Mr Wong said, rounding off his letter.
“On behalf of all Singaporeans, thank you for your many years of dedicated service to Singapore and our people. I wish you good health, joy and peace in your retirement.”
