Heng Swee Keat Retirement 2025: Time to Rest, Reflect, and Reconnect
After 45 years of public service and 14 years in politics, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat has announced his retirement from government in 2025. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, the 64-year-old leader shared that he is looking forward to a period of rest, travel, and quality time with family.
“I hope to spend the next 6 to 12 months not doing any work,” DPM Heng said, adding that his retirement plans have been in motion since May 2024. “I have a very bad work habit — I work long hours. I don’t have much time for myself.”
What’s Next for Heng Swee Keat After Retirement?
DPM Heng’s post-retirement goals are simple yet meaningful:
- Travel to his favourite destinations
- Read and listen to music
- Reconnect with family and loved ones
- Focus on health and exercise
He also intends to take his time before considering any future involvement in areas he’s passionate about — particularly science, technology, and innovation, and the future of Singapore’s economy.
“Only if I am absolutely needed,” he quipped when asked if he would return to public life.
Reflecting on a Lifetime of Public Service
DPM Heng’s journey began in the Singapore Police Force, where he received an overseas scholarship. Though he initially wanted to study engineering, he was redirected to economics by the Public Service Commission — a decision he now looks back on with gratitude.
His Career Highlights:
- Principal Private Secretary to Lee Kuan Yew
- Managing Director of Monetary Authority of Singapore
- Education Minister (appointed immediately after entering Parliament in 2011)
- Finance Minister, where he shaped fiscal strategies and budgets
- Chairman of the Future Economy Council and Future Economy Advisory Panel
- Chairman of the National Research Foundation since 2018
“I never expected myself to enter politics,” he shared. “At every stage, I just made the best of it… I hope that I’ve made a little contribution to improve the lives of Singaporeans.”
Stepping Down with Confidence
DPM Heng first announced he would step away from political leadership in 2021, citing the demands of the job and his 2016 stroke as key reasons.
“It would be better for a younger person with a longer runway,” he explained.
With Prime Minister Lawrence Wong now firmly at the helm, Heng expressed his full confidence in the new leadership.
“The recent election outcome is a testament to that. I can now retire with a very clear conscience.”
He remains chairman of the People’s Action Party (PAP) for now but will discuss this role with PM Wong after the new Cabinet is sworn in.
A Kampung Boy’s Journey
Throughout the interview, DPM Heng remained grounded and grateful. He shared that residents had urged him to retire after his stroke, but he chose to stay on out of duty and appreciation for Singapore’s system.
“I was a kampung boy. This country gave me the chance to study abroad and build a meaningful career.”
Now, as age catches up and health becomes a priority, he sees retirement as a chance to cherish time with his family and explore long-neglected personal interests.
Closing Chapter, Lasting Legacy
As DPM Heng Swee Keat retires in 2025, he leaves behind a legacy marked by economic foresight, educational reform, and unwavering public service.
His departure signals not just the end of a distinguished career but also a time of personal renewal — a fitting next chapter for a man who gave nearly half a century to his nation.
