'It's my Liberation Day': Dr Ng Eng Hen on retirement, family and life after politics

Former Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has no plans to follow the path of other retired politicians into corporate boardrooms, saying he would rather reclaim the life he had before entering politics.

Dr Ng, who retired from politics in 2025 after 24 years in public service, told Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao in an interview published on Tuesday (Aug 18) that he is now "in a good place", with family life and his five grandchildren keeping him busy.

"I keep my mind active ... my five grandchildren [are an] absolute delight," he said.

"My wife and I, we were very fortunate. [Our] children allow us to go out with them, and we take them out quite often."

Dr Ng was elected to Parliament in 2001 and served in several Cabinet portfolios before becoming Defence Minister in 2011. 

He held the defence portfolio for 14 years before announcing in April 2025 that he would not contest the General Election and would retire from politics.

'It's my Liberation Day'

Dr Ng said retirement was a conscious decision to step away from public life and recover aspects of everyday life that had taken a back seat during his political career.

"I've been working very hard for 40 over years ... It's my Liberation Day," he said in jest.

He added that he wanted to "reclaim [his] life before politics", including visiting hawker centres and taking short holidays with his family.

When asked why he has not taken up any post-retirement appointments, such as board positions or directorships, Dr Ng reiterated that he is retired from politics and has no desire for further "actualisation".

"If I haven't actualised by now, I can't believe I could do more actualisation," he said.

He revealed that he had received several requests to join boards but added that such roles should only be pursued if they create value.

Netizens wish Dr Ng well 

On Facebook, many netizens welcomed Dr Ng's comments about retirement and supported his decision to prioritise family and personal pursuits.

"He is the only retired cabinet minister that shares about his life," wrote one netizen, adding that "we hope to see more retired ministers do the same".

"Wishing former Minister Ng peace, happiness and good health,” wrote another. 

Honour from Australia

Dr Ng was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia on Tuesday (Aug 18) for his "distinguished service" to Singapore-Australia defence relations.

The award, Australia's second-highest civilian order, is given to non-Australians in recognition of their outstanding achievement and service.

The Australian honour comes just months after Dr Ng received Germany's Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in March 2026 for his role in strengthening defence ties between Singapore and Germany.

[[nid:743053]]

helmy.saat@asiaone.com