Senior civil servant overseeing AI and Smart Nation resigns ahead of likely 2025 general election

A senior Singapore civil servant involved in national digital and AI strategy has resigned from public service, becoming the third high-ranking official to step down ahead of the country's anticipated general election. Goh Hanyan, currently a director in both the Smart Nation Strategy Office and the National AI Group for Policy and Strategy under the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), will officially leave the public service on 3 April 2025, according to a report by The Straits Times. Her departure comes amid growing speculation of a general election by mid-2025. While the election date has not been officially announced, the timing of Ms Goh’s resignation aligns with a pattern of potential candidates exiting the civil service before polls. Goh’s resignation follows that of deputy secretary Jasmin Lau from the Ministry of Health and Foo Cexiang, a director from the Ministry of Transport. All three have departed within a relatively short timeframe, fuelling expectations that the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) may soon unveil new candidates. Singapore’s civil service code does not allow public officers to engage in political activities. As a result, those who are expected to enter the political arena must first step down from their positions.

Goh’s Track Record in Government and Industry

Goh has held several prominent roles in government. At MDDI, she has been responsible for driving key national technology initiatives, including Smart Nation 2.0 — a refreshed strategy for integrating digital technologies across government and society. She also played a central role in implementing Singapore’s updated National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, aimed at deepening the country’s use of AI in sectors such as transport, healthcare, and education. Prior to joining MDDI in December 2023, Ms Goh was with the Strategy Group in the Prime Minister’s Office, where she worked for nearly four years. Her responsibilities included economic and sustainability strategy, with positions ranging from Deputy Director for Socio-Economic Policy to Director of Economy and Sustainability. Goh’s earlier experience spans over a decade at the Economic Development Board (EDB), where she held various leadership roles. These included serving as Head of Consumer Businesses and Centre Director in Washington DC. She also undertook a stint as Deputy Director of Strategic Planning and contributed to energy and chemicals sector development. In 2018, she gained private sector exposure as an MBA intern at Google Singapore, further expanding her credentials in technology and innovation.

PAP’s New Face in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC for GE2025?

Although Goh has not officially confirmed her candidacy or party affiliation, her profile aligns with the type of candidates the PAP has historically fielded—those with strong public service records and notable professional achievements in policy and development.

According to state media outlet CNA, Goh was spotted earlier on 17 March at a Meet-the-People Session in the PAP’s Zhenghua branch, within the Holland-Bukit Timah Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

The current Member of Parliament for Zhenghua ward, Edward Chia, was himself a political newcomer in the last general election.

PAP’s Tradition of Fielding Public Servants

The PAP has long relied on talent from within the public service to refresh its slate of candidates. During past elections, senior civil servants have typically resigned in the months leading up to official announcements, with formal introductions made during the hustings. For instance, during the 2020 General Election, East Coast GRC MP Tan Kiat How resigned as Chief Executive of the Infocomm Media Development Authority in June, five days before the writ of election was announced. Tan, now Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, as well as National Development, was among the final public service officials to step down before the election that year. Political analysts note that early resignations from the civil service may signal an imminent unveiling of new candidates, especially if the election is to be called by mid-year. With signs increasingly pointing to a May 2025 general election, more resignations from the civil service may occur in the coming weeks as potential candidates prepare for formal announcements.