SINGAPORE: In a social media publish on Wednesday (Sep 30), former Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon gave the general public a glimpse into a brand new chapter of his life, in addition to into surgical innovation, as a part of his return to scientific work.
“Delighted to see SGH (Singapore Common Hospital) welcome Singapore’s first Toumai Surgical Robotic System,” he wrote, expressing how a lot of a privilege it has been to work along with his colleagues and the MicroPort MedBot staff to have introduced a brand new surgical robotic platform to Singapore for scientific analysis.
“I’m excited concerning the prospects it may open up — from advancing scientific follow and surgical coaching to supporting analysis and innovation,” he added.
Dr Koh, who had been a colorectal surgeon and medical researcher previous to getting into politics, additionally wrote that as he returns to scientific follow, he hopes to construct connections and capabilities in Singapore’s non-public and public healthcare, strengthen the ecosystem and ship higher care.
“Thrilling instances forward!” he added.
What Singaporeans are saying
Many commenters on Dr Koh’s publish wished him a heat welcome again to healthcare.
“Nice to see Dr Koh again within the healthcare business. I imagine that he would proceed to carry vital contributions again to the business,” one wrote.
“Thanks for bringing your huge expertise and worldview again to our public healthcare system!” one other added.
“We’re very glad that Dr Koh has returned to his medical career to serve the ppl along with his huge expertise. We want him the most effective rightful return to serve our sufferers,” a 3rd chimed in.
One other stated they have been “wanting ahead to (his) considerate management on this frontier.”
Dr Koh was first elected to Parliament in 2015 as a part of the PAP’s slate at Ang Mo Kio. After the Common Election in 2020, he started representing the Tampines Central ward at Tampines GRC. He served as Senior Minister of State for Manpower from 2021 to 2026, and was appointed Senior Minister of State for Well being final 12 months.
On Might 22, 2026, nonetheless, he introduced in a video that whereas he would proceed as an MP for Tampines, he had requested to step down as Senior Minister of State efficient June 1, a call he made after a lot deliberation along with his household.
He spoke candidly of the burden his spouse has carried for over a decade.
“I’ve been an absent husband, father and son since I stepped into politics in 2015, putting the wants of Singapore and my constituents above my household. For too lengthy, my spouse has carried a lot of the burden at dwelling, usually having to take care of our mother and father and our youngsters on her personal,” he stated in his video, including, “Proper now, my household wants my consideration in a manner that isn’t appropriate with the calls for of Political Workplace.”
He referred to as the choice a well timed one, as he had simply accomplished his work with the Financial Strategic Evaluate Committee, and added that it was time for him to refocus his priorities. /TISG
Learn additionally: 2 sorts of docs: Netizens evaluate PSP’s Tan Cheng Bok with PAP’s Koh Poh Koon
