Ng Chee Meng, Ong Ye Kung sworn in as full ministers

Acting Ministers for Education Ng Chee Meng (right) and Ong Ye Kung were sworn in as full ministers on Nov 16, 2016. President Tony Tan Keng Yam officiated at the ceremony held at the Istana. ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM

SINGAPORE - Acting Ministers for Education Ng Chee Meng and Ong Ye Kung were sworn in as full ministers on Wednesday (Nov 16), after their recent promotion.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam officiated at the ceremony held at the Istana.

The two office-holders were promoted on Nov 1, slightly more than one year they were appointed as Acting Ministers.

At the Education Ministry, Mr Ng, 48, oversees the Schools portfolio, while Mr Ong, 47, oversees Higher Education and Skills.

Both also hold concurrent portfolios, with Mr Ng appointed Second Minister for Transport and Mr Ong appointed Second Minister for Defence.

Mr Ng and Mr Ong were elected to Parliament in last September's General Election, and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had said last month that their promotions are "part of the renewal process, to reinforce my Cabinet and get a younger team in place, ready to take over".

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean attended Wednesday's ceremony. Also in attendance were the ministers' family members and grassroots leaders.

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