4 minute read
Lawrence Wong and the next chapter of the Singapore story
New leadership to take Singapore forward.
On 15 May 2024, Lawrence Wong became Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister. As the first Prime Minister born after independence, Mr Wong’s appointment is a testament to the strength and resilience of a nation nobody thought would make it.
In his first speech to Singaporeans as Prime Minister, Mr Wong spoke about how his generation benefitted from the imaginative policies that were pursued resolutely, and patiently over decades by Singapore’s founding fathers.
Looking back, Mr Wong’s story mirrors that of many Singaporeans. Like so many of us, Mr Wong grew up in an HDB flat and started school at a PCF kindergarten. It was a childhood spent playing capteh and football during recess, recalled Mr Wong. Subsequently, Mr Wong would continue his education at Tanjong Katong Secondary. The rationale was simple. It was near home and where many of his classmates were headed.
Thereafter, Mr Wong received a government scholarship to further his studies in America. Returning to Singapore to serve his bond, Mr Wong began his career as an economist
in the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 1997 — just as the Asian Financial Crisis struck. The experiences of that period deeply influenced Mr Wong’s way of thinking. There, he discovered the hard way the gap between theories and reality. “This lesson has stayed with me since, as I continually try to learn and relearn,” said Mr Wong.
Entering politics
During his 14 years in public service, including three years as the Principal Private Secretary to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mr Wong witnessed first-hand Mr Lee’s devotion to his country and people. “He inspired me to consider what more I could do to contribute to the Singapore story,” shared Mr Wong. Continuing his commitment to public service, Mr Wong joined politics.
Mr Wong has had a diverse portfolio since being elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the 2011 General Election. Over the next decade, he would helm various ministries, including culture, housing, education and finance. However, it was in 2020 when Mr Wong encountered one of the toughest challenges of his political career. As co-chair of the COVID-19 taskforce, Mr Wong had the mammoth task of directing the national response to Singapore’s gravest health crisis during a time when governments worldwide were caught unaware. But through it all, Mr Wong’s calm and open demeanour resonated with many Singaporeans.
The pandemic was a baptism of fire for Mr Wong. It also reinforced the importance of unity and trust within and between our communities. Recognising how these values would help Singapore face future challenges, Mr Wong launched Forward Singapore in 2022.
Forward Singapore
Launched in June 2022, more than 200,000 Singaporeans from different backgrounds participated in the Forward Singapore exercise. The exercise culminated in a roadmap that seeks to refresh our social compact and build a fairer and more inclusive society.
“This is my deepest belief: I hope to see a society and system that benefits many, not a few; that rewards a wide variety of talents, not a conventional or narrow few; that values and celebrates all individuals for who they are and what they can achieve; and provides all with opportunities to do better throughout their lives,” said Mr Wong at the launch of the exercise.
As Singapore’s fourth leader, Mr Wong builds on the strong foundation laid by Singapore’s generations of leaders. However, Singapore is also at the crossroads of rapid technological change and sharper geopolitical tensions. In this more uncertain and dangerous world, our unity, our shared bonds, and our ability to work together will be our best chance to thrive. And as we embark on the journey ahead, every one of us will have a role to play, big or small.
“Let us write the next chapter of our Singapore story,” urged Mr Wong. “Let us take Singapore forward – together.”
