Singapore PM: ‘We will lead in our own way’

Singapore’s new Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, vowed to make “tomorrow better than today” as he took his oath of office, part of a carefully planned political succession designed to ensure stability in the Asian financial hub.

A US-trained economist, Mr. Wong, 51, succeeds Lee Hsien Loong, 72, who stepped down after two decades.

He is the city-state’s fourth leader and the first born after Singapore’s independence in 1965.

Mr. Lee’s departure marked the end of a family dynasty led by his father, Lee Kuan Yew,

Singapore’s first leader, during 31 years in office, built the colonial trading outpost into one of the world’s richest nations.

Mr. Wong paid tribute to his predecessors’ dedication to the nation, saying, “We stand on the shoulders of giants.”

But he said his leadership style will differ as he navigates Singapore through a more troubled world.

“This is a passing of the baton not just between leadership teams but also across generations,” Mr. Wong said.

“We will lead in our way. We will continue to think boldly and think far.”

The transition has been meticulously crafted by the People’s Action Party, one of the world’s longest-serving political parties known for its clean and effective governance. It is not expected to change the dynamics in the tiny nation of some 6 million people.

Mr. Wong, a civil servant turned politician, became prominent while coordinating Singapore’s successful fight against COVID-19.

But he wasn’t the first choice for the top job.

Heng Swee Keat, a former central bank chief and education minister, was the anointed successor but withdrew his nomination in 2021.

Mr. Wong was then picked by the People’s Action Party in 2022 to fill the vacuum and was quickly promoted to deputy prime minister.

Mr. Wong warned Singapore must brace for a “messier, riskier and more violent world” by staying united and blazing new trails.

As global powers fight to shape a new world order, he said protectionism and rampant nationalism will deepen.