Lawrence Wong was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Singapore on Wednesday. The country witnessed first leadership change in 20 years and Wong became only the fourth leader since the nation's Independence. The 51-year-old economist-turned-politician succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, 72 who relinquished his position after two decades.
Both the leaders belong to the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) that has been driving Singapore's economic progress for more than five decades.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Wong took to his social media handle X to post: “I’m honoured to be sworn in as the 4th PM of Singapore. Join me & my team in our journey forward. Everyone will have a stake in our nation's progress & play a key role in shaping our future. Let us unite with common purpose & shared resolve. Let us take SG Forward – Together." In April 2022, Wong was named as the leader of the PAP’s fourth-generation, or 4G, team, and in June of that year promoted as the Deputy Prime Minister.
The live-streamed event showed that when Wong completed his oath-taking, he was handed a scroll, which has the instrument of appointment, by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Then, in order of seniority, Lee Hsien Loong was sworn in as senior minister, Gan Kim Yong and Heng Swee Keat as deputy prime ministers, and Teo Chee Hean as senior minister. It was followed by 14 ministers, nine senior ministers of state, and five ministers of state.
Wong is married to Loo Tze Lui. Prior to entering politics, Wong was a civil servant for 14 years before joining the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 1997.
Will Lead In Our Own Way: Wong
Singapore's fourth generation of leaders will "lead in our own way" with a leadership style that is different from previous generations, Wong said on Wednesday as he took oath of office, as reported by news agency PTI. Wong, who was the deputy prime minister, will be leading the fourth generation PAP politicians’ government as the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister.
Led by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, Wong swore to bear faith and allegiance to Singapore and to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, news portal The Straight Times said.
"Deeply ingrained with principles and values that forged the nation, Singapore's fourth generation of leaders will lead in our own way with a leadership style that is different from previous generations," Wong was quoted as saying by Channel News Asia. "We will lead in our own way. We will continue to think boldly and to think far. We know that there is still much more to do … and the best chapters of our Singapore Story lie ahead,” he said.