Singapore’s PM-in-waiting: what to know about Lawrence Wong, from his humble beginnings to his China ties
- PM Lee Hsien Loong’s successor is a guitar player who grew up in a public housing flat and went to non-elite schools before entering the big leagues of the bureaucracy
- Wong, who came into prominence over his leadership during the Covid-19 crisis, has dealt with many Chinese officials and is likely to continue the practice of a Singapore PM visiting Beijing annually when he takes over
At long last, a name. After months of speculation and political tea leaf reading, Singaporeans on Thursday were finally told that Finance Minister Lawrence Wong was poised to succeed Lee Hsien Loong as the country’s next prime minister.
Prime Minister Lee said in a statement that the so-called fourth-generation or 4G group of younger leaders overwhelmingly backed Wong, 49, and that his current Cabinet – all 83 of the People’s Action Party (PAP) – supported this decision.
Lee is expected to make Wong the deputy prime minister soon, and Wong’s status in the party could also be elevated during its annual gathering at the end of the year.
For political analysts, Wong’s de facto appointment as the prime minister-in-waiting ends an unprecedented chapter for the PAP, which had until recently governed the island state with drama-free leadership transitions.
That changed last year after Lee’s designated successor Heng Swee Keat, 61, stunned the nation by stepping aside, citing the need for a younger person to helm the country once the Covid-19 pandemic abates. There is no indication yet when the power transition will take place.
Here are four things you need to know about the man who will lead Singapore in the post-pandemic era.
Humble beginnings
Like many of his ministerial peers, Wong is a recipient of an undergraduate government scholarship.
