[UPDATED] Singapore PM proposes big salary increase for ministers

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Tuesday that his government has accepted recommendations to significantly raise ministerial salaries, which are currently the highest in the world. Wong stated that junior ministers would now earn up to S$1.8 million (US$1.42 million) and the prime minister's salary would increase to S$3.6 million (US$2.85 million).

High ministerial salaries are a contentious issue, as Singapore's median monthly income is only S$5,775 in 2025. Wong proposed a one-off adjustment of up to 9 percent, rather than immediately implementing the S$1.8 million benchmark. A 9 percent adjustment would bring a junior minister's salary to approximately S$1.2 million, and there will be no further special adjustments to reach the S$1.8 million figure, Wong added.

Wong pledged to donate the full increase in his salary to charity, amounting to S$1.4 million over the next five years. The high salaries are intended to attract top talent and maintain good governance, as Singapore prides itself on its reputation for clean governance, with rare cases of corruption among senior officials.

This decision is not merely about pay, but also about maintaining the quality of political leadership needed to guide Singapore in the future. Wong made the announcement in a ministerial statement to parliament before proposing the salary increase. The salaries were last adjusted in 2012, when ministers experienced a 36 percent pay cut to address public discontent.

Singapore's salary benchmark is based on the top 1,000 earners in the country, aiming to attract individuals with the necessary qualities and abilities for effective governance. Wong's salary compares to those of leaders in Hong Kong, Switzerland, the UK, and the United States.