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A formal photograph of Ng Eng Hen. Photo by People’s Action Party of Singapore.

Top 10 Astonishing Facts about Ng Eng Hen

Ng Eng Hen was born on 10th December 1958. He is a Singaporean politician and oncologist who has been Minister of Defense since 2011. He has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Toa Payoh Central ward of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC since 2001, and is a member of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).

Ng worked as a consultant surgeon at Singapore General Hospital before becoming a private surgical oncologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

In the 2001 general election, he was part of a five-member PAP team that ran in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and won an uncontested walkover. Ng was later elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) and has continued to win general elections since then.

1. Ng studied medicine at National University of Singapore

Entrance E of the National University of Singapore. Photo by ZKang123.

Ng, a Chinese Singaporean of Henghua descent, grew up in a Zion Road rental flat with his five siblings. Before attending medical school at the National University of Singapore, he attended Anglo-Chinese School and National Junior College. He also completed a surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. 

2. Ng was in Germany for the 58th Munich Security Conference(MSC)

Ng Eng Hen at Munich Security Conference. Photo by www.securityconference.de.

The MSC is an annual high-level security conference that brings together world leaders, defense and foreign ministers, parliamentarians, military leaders, and security experts.  He spoke on the topic “Charting a More Equitable Post-Pandemic Future” at the 13th Munich Young Leaders (MYL) Roundtable.

On the sidelines of the 58th MSC, the MYL Roundtable brought together young leaders from governments, think tanks, and the private sector from Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States to discuss foreign and security policy issues. Ng met with 16 young leaders from 13 countries at the roundtable. 

3.Ng first entered politics in the 2001 Singapore general election

He ran for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC as part of a five-man People’s Action Party team. The team won by a wide margin, and Dr Ng has served as the constituency’s Member of Parliament ever since. He would go on to serve as Minister of Education and Minister of Manpower before being named Minister of Defense.

4. He proposed reducing mother tongue language examinations in the PSLE

In Marc 2010, Education Minister Ng Eng Hen stated that the weighting of mother tongue language in Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) could be reduced. It elicited an immediate and massive reaction. Teachers, parents, and working adults spoke out passionately in support or opposition to the change. Letters poured into the newspapers. Both sides of the debate had valid points.

Many people were relieved or disappointed when it was announced that the weighting would be retained. The entire incident only served to highlight how examinations have taken over education in Singapore. 

5. Ng was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government in 2018

President of France Emmanuel Macron bestowed the title of Officer in the Order of Legion of Honor on Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister of Defense. Florence Parly, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, presented the award at an investiture ceremony held at the Ministry of the Armed Forces. The Legion of Honor is France’s highest decoration, and it recognizes exceptional service by civilians or military personnel, French or foreign. Former Chiefs of Defense Force and Service Chiefs are among the Singaporeans who have received the award.

6. Ng Eng Hen estimated net worth is around $7 million

American Dollar sign. Photo by MicroStockHub.

The net worth of Ng Eng Hen is estimated to be around $7 million. His main source of income is his political career. Eg’s successful career has earned him a luxurious lifestyle, as well as some expensive car trips. He is one of Singapore’s wealthiest and most powerful politicians.

His salary in 2022 ranges from $162,574 to $475,483, but with bonuses, benefits, and other compensation, he earned significantly more than in 2020.

7. He’s the new brand ambassador of The Tejas

Tejas full size. Photo by IAF Tejas full size.

The Tejas, India’s indigenous light combat aircraft that was inducted into the Air Force, now has a new brand ambassador. Ng Eng Hen, 59, the Defence Minister of Singapore, flew in the plane’s rear cockpit from the Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal.

“I am not a pilot,” Dr Ng said when asked if Singapore plans to buy the Tejas. “However, it felt like I was riding in a car; it was very smooth.” This is a significant boost for the Tejas program, which has been repeatedly chastised for development delays.

Singapore’s Air Force is in India with six F-16 fighter jets for annual joint exercises. About 100 Singapore air force personnel have been stationed at Kalaikunda with six F16s for the past month. Singapore has very little available airspace on its own island and has leased the Kalaikunda base for drills since 2004.

8. Ng was instrumental in developing SAF’s fourth arm

According to Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, a new fourth arm of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will serve as the front-line force in the digital domain. The arm will respond quickly to threats in the digital domain. It is set to work alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

While thousands, if not millions, of cyber threats are made every day, some have “the most pernicious intent and seek to undermine our nation’s sovereignty or security,” he told Parliament.

9. He is a father of four

Ng is married to Ivy Ng Swee Lian, a pediatrician and geneticist who is also the CEO of SingHealth and the couple has four children.

10. Ng anticipated becoming infected with the Coronavirus

Covid 19 Rapid Antigen Test. Photo by Steve Nomax.

Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, who tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday, shared his experience on Facebook (Feb 8- 2022). Given how contagious the Omicron variant is, Dr Ng expected to become infected.

“Not that one would go looking to be infected, but with the highly infectious Omicron causing the largest waves since the start of the pandemic in Singapore, it would be difficult to avoid this variant, unless one became a reclusive,” he wrote in his post.