Matthias Yao

Mr. Matthias Yao Chih is a politician in the Singapore Government. He is currently Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mayor for Southeast District CDC as well as Member of Parliament for Macpherson SMC.

Education

Mr. Yao started his education in St. Anthony's Boys' School in 1963. He completed his secondary school education at St. Joseph's Institution in 1972 and moved on to National Junior College for his A Levels. While in SJI, he was a school debater and was in the SJI NCC (Land).

He was awarded the SAF Overseas Merit Scholarship in 1975 and went on to the University of Birmingham, UK, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours).

Career

His career path as a government scholar began in 1980 when he was appointed Deputy Directory (Police and Security), Ministry of Home Affairs. He went on to become Deputy DIrector (Planning), Ministry of Finance (Public Service Division) in 1982, Head of Feedback Unit and Deputy Directory (Community Relations), Ministry of Community Development in 1984, and Deputy Director (Public Communications), Ministry of Communications and Information in 1986.

He was elected to office and became a Member of Parliament in Marine Parade GRC in 1991 and 1992. In 1997 he was elected to the position of Member of Parliament, Macpherson SMC and has since held the appointment for three elections.

In his capacity as MP, he has held various appointments. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Defence) in 1991, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (MINDEF and Ministry of National Development) in 1994, Minister of State (MINDEF) in 1997, Minister of State without Portfolio (Prime Minister's Office) in 2001 and since 2006, Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Personal Life

He continues to lead a balanced life and makes time for his interests in reading, jogging and golf.