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As it happened: Singapore’s new PM Lawrence Wong sworn in, pledges to ‘lead in our own way’

Lee Hsien Loong passes the baton to Wong after nearly two decades of overseeing Singapore’s transformation into the wealthiest nation in Asia

Wong takes the reins as PM No 4 at time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty – and with an increased appetite for political opposition at home

Singapore’s new leader Lawrence Wong makes a speech after being sworn in at the Istana. Photo: AFP

Kimberly Lim,Amy SoodandSophie Chew

Published: 7:22pm, 15 May 2024Updated: 12:50am, 16 May 2024

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Introduction

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Lawrence Wong was sworn in at the Istana on Wednesday night as the fourth prime minister of Singapore in only the country’s third leadership transition since independence in 1965.

At 51, Wong is the first among equals in his generation of younger leaders called the fourth generation, or 4G, who will steer the city state at a time of intensifying great power rivalry worldwide and a growing appetite for political opposition back home.

Lee Hsien Loong has passed the baton to Wong after nearly two decades as premier, where he led the country’s transformation from a trading and manufacturing port to an innovation and entrepreneurship hub, and weathered major challenges such as the 2008-09 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.

While Wong previously said “every leader has to adapt” their style to the needs of their time, his policy rhetoric has largely centred on maintaining the principles of the long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). Most recently, he said he was prepared to “re-examine all assumptions” if necessary.

Observers earlier told This Week in Asia they expected Lee to continue to play a major role as senior minister after stepping down, in line with the tradition of former premiers serving a few terms as elder statesmen to offer advice to the younger team.

Wong has inherited a Singapore faced with major challenges both at home and abroad, as critics raise doubts on whether he is up to the task given his shorter-than-usual runway. He also has to forge a path ahead for Singapore’s developed economy and ageing population, amid a society growing accustomed to greater political constestation.

Wong’s ascent to the top is widely attributed to his leadership role in tackling the pandemic as one of the co-chairs of the country’s Covid task force.

He was finally chosen by 14 out of 19 of his peers in April 2022, following a period of uncertainty in the party after anointed successor and deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat dropped out of the running for the top job.

Follow our live coverage below for the handover ceremony.

Reporting by Kimberly Lim, Amy Sood and Sophie Chew

As it happened: Singapore’s new PM Lawrence Wong sworn in, pledges to ‘lead in our own way’

Lee Hsien Loong passes the baton to Wong after nearly two decades of overseeing Singapore’s transformation into the wealthiest nation in Asia Wong takes the reins as PM No 4 at time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty – and with an increased appetite for political opposition at home

Lee Hsien Loong passes the baton to Wong after nearly two decades of overseeing Singapore’s transformation into the wealthiest nation in Asia

Wong takes the reins as PM No 4 at time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty – and with an increased appetite for political opposition at home