DPM Lawrence Wong, who entered politics 13 years ago, will be Singapore’s fourth prime minister on May 15. - PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO via The Straits Times/ANN
SINGAPORE (Bernama): Lawrence Wong has pledged to give his all to the service of the country and its people as he officially assumes the role of Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister on May 15.
Wong, 51, who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, said in a video message following the announcement of the country’s leadership handover date that he seeks Singaporeans' trust and support. He emphasised his vision to forge ahead with the next phase of Singapore's development, uniting the nation as one regardless of race, religion, or language.
"I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I ask each of you to join me on this journey. Share your ideas, your passions and dreams. Work with me and my team. Together, we can build a future that shines brightly for all Singaporeans," he said.
Wong is set to assume the role of Singapore's Prime Minister from Lee Hsien Loong on May 15. The inauguration ceremony will take place at 8 pm at the Istana on that date.
The People’s Action Party (PAP) deputy secretary-general said that he never anticipated assuming the role of the country's prime minister when he initially accepted the invitation to enter politics in 2011.
"I agreed because I wanted to contribute to the Singapore story," he added.
Wong was a civil servant prior to entering politics and previously served as the Energy Market Authority chief executive and the Principal Private Secretary to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC was first elected as an MP in May 2011.
Wong has held positions in various ministries including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Communications and Information, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Ministry of National Development, and Ministry of Education.
He also co-chaired the Multi-Ministry Taskforce on COVID-19 from 2020 to 2023, which oversaw the Singapore government’s response to the pandemic.
Wong holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, respectively. Additionally, he obtained a Master's degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School. - Bernama
