Lawrence Wong: Singapore’s New Leader Stepping Up 🇸🇬✨

Get ready, Singapore! On May 15, Lawrence Wong, the nation's deputy prime minister and finance minister, is set to take the helm from current prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. At 51 years old, Wong is poised to become the face of a new generation of leadership.

In a heartfelt video on Facebook, Wong shared, \"I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to give my all to this undertaking.\"

Forward Singapore: Shaping the Future Together

Back in June 2022, Wong launched Forward Singapore, a national exercise aiming to redefine the \"social compact\" between the government and the people. From sustainability to tackling inequality and boosting employment, this initiative is all about co-creating solutions for a brighter future.

Over 200,000 Singaporeans joined the conversation! The first steps of this ambitious agenda unfolded in Budget 2024, focusing on enhancing the SkillsFuture scheme for mid-career workers and providing more support for Institute of Technical Education graduates.

Lee Hsien Loong praised Wong and his team, saying they've worked tirelessly with Singaporeans to refresh the social compact and craft a national agenda that resonates with the new generation.

A Leader with a Vision

Wong isn't just a politician; he's also the deputy chairman of sovereign wealth fund GIC and the chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the country's central bank.

Remember the COVID-19 pandemic? Wong co-chaired the Multi-Ministry Taskforce that led Singapore through those challenging times. His steady leadership, clear communication, and attention to detail earned him respect and set him on the path to becoming the next prime minister.

From Humble Beginnings to the Top

Wong's journey began as a civil servant for 14 years before diving into politics. Elected as a member of parliament in May 2011, he has since held positions across various ministries, including defense, communications, and education.

Colleagues describe him as open-minded yet decisive, always ready to listen but firm in making the tough calls. With a master's degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, he's got the academic chops to back up his practical experience.

Looking Ahead

As Wong prepares to lead, Singapore stands on the cusp of a new era. With his focus on collaboration and innovation, the Lion City is set to roar louder than ever!