Prof Yaacob bin Ibrahim

Prof Yaacob bin Ibrahim is a former politician, academic, and community leader. He served as a member of Parliament (MP) and held various ministerial positions. He was a Minister in the Ministries of Communications and Information from 2011 to 2018, Environment and Water Resources from 2004 to 2011 and Community Development and Sports from 2002 to 2004. Throughout the 16 years, he was also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs. Prof Yaacob was a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2020. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Singapore, a PhD from Stanford University, and advises AI Singapore.

Prof Yaacob entered politics in 1997, driven to serve the nation and Malay-Muslim community by advancing representation and equal opportunities. Over his tenure as an MP and minister, he made significant contributions to community development and national infrastructure, consistently advocating stronger social safety nets, workplace upskilling, and cross-sector partnerships. He also championed education and financial wellbeing initiatives, played a key role in the Mosque Upgrading Programme, and helped reassure Singaporeans during periods of tension related to global terrorism concerns.

After more than 23 years in public office, Prof Yaacob retired from politics in 2020. He is currently a Professor of Practice and Adjunct Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS. He was previously Advisor to the President of Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) from 2018 to 2025. He was also the founding Director of the Community Leadership and Social Innovation Centre (CLASIC) where he oversaw SIT’s efforts in community-related projects and initiatives, and the nurturing of social advocate leaders who are grounded in research and community development.

Prof Yaacob sits on the board of several research institutes, private companies, and unions. He is Chairman of the St John’s Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML). He is a board member of Surbana Jurong Group and Singapore Power. He is also an independent director of Oceanus Group Limited.