Lawrence Wong: Singapore’s New Prime Minister Seeks to Be a ‘Servant’ of the People

Lawrence Wong was sworn in as Singapore’s prime minister at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, taking over from Lee Hsien Loong and beginning the fourth generation of leadership since the country's independence [para. 1]. Wong is a relatable figure, known as a "bookworm, guitar player, and dog lover," often sharing personal moments on social media [para. 2]. In an interview, he described himself as a "servant leader," emphasizing the importance of team-based leadership in Singapore's political model [para. 3][para. 4].

Wong's rise came after the previous 4G leader, Heng Swee Keat, stepped down due to age [para. 5]. Though he wasn't initially prominent, Wong’s political stature grew significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to his appointments as Deputy Prime Minister in 2022 and Finance Minister in 2021 [para. 6][para. 7]. He is set to lead the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) into the next parliamentary elections, which might occur before the end of this year, as the party aims to attract apathetic voters [para. 8][para. 9]. Wong's acceptance of his new role came with a pledge to serve the country with humility and dedication [para. 10].

Wong entered politics in 2011 aiming to "contribute to the Singapore story." Donald Low, his former colleague, noted his potential early on, citing his technical credentials and personable nature [para. 11][para. 12][para. 13]. His public respect surged during his work as co-chair of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce managing the pandemic, known for his detailed explanations and emotional speeches acknowledging frontline workers [para. 14][para. 15][para. 16][para. 17].

Unlike previous prime ministers, Wong does not come from a prominent family. Born in 1972, he grew up in a working-class environment, studied in the U.S., and held various crucial roles in Singapore's public sector before transitioning to politics [para. 24][para. 25][para. 26]. His background reflects core values like meritocracy and racial harmony, resonating well with many Singaporeans [para. 27].

Wong's early career included noteworthy contributions in the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Finance, and as principal private secretary to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. He later headed the Energy Market Authority, pioneering projects such as electric vehicle trials [para. 28][para. 29][para. 30].

As Singapore's new leader, Wong faces the dual challenge of maintaining PAP's dominance and addressing complex voter demands amidst economic and societal challenges. His Forward Singapore movement seeks to refresh the nation’s social compact by expanding opportunities and fostering solidarity [para. 31][para. 32][para. 33].

Internationally, Wong’s diplomacy is under scrutiny as he navigates geopolitical tensions. During a May interview, he cautioned against the U.S.'s restrictive export policies against China, emphasizing the global economic risks of "technological bifurcation" [para. 34][para. 35]. He reaffirmed Singapore's stance on supporting the "One China Policy" and opposing Taiwanese independence [para. 36].

Wong has actively engaged in diplomacy, visiting China twice in 2023, to bolster bilateral cooperation in various sectors including trade, green development, and the digital economy [para. 37][para. 38][para. 39][para. 40]. His efforts aim at enhancing strategic mutual trust and benefiting both nations’ development frameworks [para. 42][para. 43][para. 44][para. 45].

The shift in leadership also signals a structural shift for the PAP, with Wong expected to continue and potentially expand Singapore's international influence under the strategic guidance and high-level cooperation seen in his interactions with Chinese leadership [para. 48][para. 49][para. 50].