Lui Tuck Yew appointed Singapore's ambassador to Japan

Former transport minister Lui Tuck Yew has been appointed as Singapore’s ambassador to Japan, almost two years after he retired from politics.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the 55-year-old’s appointment in a press statement on Thursday (1 June).

Lui’s portfolio includes appointments as the Housing and Development Board’s chief executive officer (2005-06) and as chief executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (2003-05). From 1999-2003, he also served as the Chief of Navy and held the rank of Rear-Admiral.

Lui entered politics in 2006, going on to serve as a minister in the education, communications and foreign ministries. But his most high-profile appointment was as Minister for Transport from 2011 to 2015, where, among other projects, he oversaw the construction of the Downtown Line.

But his tenure was also marked by the increasing frequency of MRT breakdowns, including two major disruptions in December 2011, which affected more than 200,000 commuters.

Lui stepped down from his post in August 2015, noting in his resignation letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that while the public transport system had improved, “Large scale or prolonged disruptions still happen more frequently than is acceptable.”

In a letter to Lui in 2015, PM Lee praised him for taking on a “very difficult job” as Transport Minister, adding, “You served with distinction and dedication in all your postings. You will be missed.”