Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat’s Remarkable Comeback
Health Check‑Ins and Laughter
At the PAP’s headquarters on New Upper Changi Road, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat—who once faced a stroke in May 2016—gives the news with a grin: “I’ve bounced back so well that my doctors swear I’m totally healthy.”
Fitter Than Ever
- Medical check shows better results than before.
- Lost a few pounds, but it’s because he’s running on fresh energy.
Why He Became Leader of PAP’s 4th‑Gen Team
He clarified he only accepted the new role when “I was sure my health could handle the load.” “I consulted doctors, reviewed reports, and felt my own stamina.” He also thinks it’s a bit of a blessing: he survived a brain aneurysm that knocked him out during a cabinet meeting, took months to recover, and now he’s jet‑setting across the globe—two trips to Argentina and an upcoming G20 summit looming.
Miles of Diplomacy
- Each international trip clocks around 30 hours.
- Despite past challenges, he’s on the road again—this time with an extra dose of humor.
Heng & Chan Take the Stage: A Quick-Wit, Quick-Action Press Conference
When Leaders Face a Life‑and‑Death Moment
Heng Swee Keat opened the session with a grin that could light up a thousand rooms. He quipped, “I’m traveling more now than when I was the managing director at the Monetary Authority of Singapore.” That was a jab at his journey from finance to the front lines of national crises.
But Heng’s real heart‑beat was the “life‑and‑death episode” that had rattled him and spurred his renewed devotion to Singaporeans. “Every splintering crisis taught me that staying in the driver’s seat is non‑negotiable,” he told the press, underscoring how the event has made him even more determined to serve.
What Kind of Boss is Heng?
- Open‑Minded Approach: “I’m a big believer in listening,” Heng explained. “I let everyone hover their thoughts in the room and then I decide what’s necessary.
- Decisive in Doomsday Situations: He compared his decision‑making during the 2008–2009 Global Financial Crisis to his present-day approach—“If the stakes are high, we act fast; delays only amplify risk.”
- Soft Spoke, Strong Acts: Though known for his quiet demeanor, Heng’s actions’ve spoken volumes.
Key Takeaways From the Press
• Heng’s energised travel habits hint at a future‑looking mind, always on the move.
• The life‑and‑death episode earned Heng a “gold‑badge” of resolute service for Singapore.
• Leadership style is all about openness, listening, and swift action—no indecisive half‑measures here.
Chan Chun Sing’s Perspective (Briefly)
Chan, the first minister, offered a quick nod of approval to Heng’s ramp-up: “We’re all on this track together, strengthening the nation’s resilience.”
Photo: The Straits Times
This article first made its debut in The Straits Times. If you’d like to republish, you’ll need to arrange permission.
People’s Action Party, Singapore politics
- Heng Swee Keat – The seasoned finance minister, known for his cautious optimism and love of a good joke.
- Behind the scenes, he’s steering Singapore’s economic ship with the steady hand of a helmsman who also knows how to throw in a pun when the tide gets too rough.
- His strategy? Keep the budgets tidy, the markets stable, and the folks wanting to buy a slice of the pineapple cake that’s suddenly in demand.
In a nutshell, Heng Swee Keat comfortably balances hard fiscal policy with a dash of wit, reminding Singaporeans that even in politics, a little humor can make numbers feel a bit less intimidating.
