On Saturday, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong secured his mandate to guide the trade-reliant city through the turbulent tariff landscape created by former US President Donald Trump. As he begins his first elected term, he also faces the challenge of addressing the rising frustrations of voters dealing with high living costs.
This task is certainly not going to be straightforward.
Wong’s party, the People’s Action Party, retained its supermajority in the May 3 election, garnering nearly 66% of the popular vote, which marks an improvement from their performance in 2020. Now, Wong must swiftly tackle the challenges confronting the city-state of 6 million, which has transformed over the decades from a colonial trading port to a prominent financial and trade center.
Lawrence Wong’s Background
Wong grew up in public housing, reflecting the common experience of many Singaporeans. His father immigrated from China, making the journey from Hainan to British-controlled Malaya as a teenager to work as a chef’s assistant on the railways.
In his youth, Wong experienced a harrowing incident when he was bound and threatened at knife-point during a home invasion—a story he later shared in his role as education minister. He later pursued higher education, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Michigan, respectively, as well as a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School.
Wong joined the civil service through a government scholarship and soon held positions in the trade and finance ministries. He was elected as a member of parliament in 2011 but gained significant recognition due to his leadership role in overseeing the nation’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At 52 years old, Wong is married to Loo Tze Lui, a former banker and wealth manager, and they do not have children.
Wong’s Views on Trump’s Tariffs and Other Priorities
Wong has expressed concerns regarding the uncertainty stemming from the escalating trade conflict and its potential repercussions for Singapore.
In a recent speech, he remarked, “We are experiencing a chaotic global transition” as the US withdraws from its role as a “guarantor of order” worldwide. He noted that neither China nor any other nation is prepared to fill this gap.
As he approached this election, Wong aimed to invigorate his team by making it younger and more diverse, asserting that “they will bring fresh energy, innovative ideas, and varied perspectives to bolster our team for Singapore.”
Domestically, he faces the challenge of supporting the working class as they contend with rising living expenses, all while maintaining Singapore’s status as a global finance and wealth center. In this year’s budget speech, Wong, who also serves as finance minister, opted not to increase wealth taxes but instead introduced measures to aid the lower and middle classes through supermarket vouchers, utility and tax rebates, and assistance for large families.
Wong’s Political Career Beginning
Wong commenced his career as an economist and held several roles in the civil service, eventually becoming a principal private secretary to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. This position allowed him to observe the government’s rapid response during the 2008 global financial crisis.
Upon entering politics, Wong was identified as part of the so-called 4G, or fourth generation, of leaders within the ruling party, viewed as potential successors to Lee. He was entrusted with various ministerial portfolios, including Culture, Community and Youth, National Development, and Education.
Lawrence Wong in 2022, when he was named leader of the fourth generation.
This background proved invaluable as Wong helped navigate the country through the pandemic as co-chair of the Covid-19 task force. His straightforward communication style enabled him to convey challenging messages in a manner that fostered public trust.
Following the pandemic, former Premier Lee appointed Wong as his successor.
Is Wong’s Ascension Typical for a Singaporean Prime Minister?
Partially, yes. Wong was not initially viewed as a leading candidate for the prime minister role; there was another heir apparent, Heng Swee Keat, who unexpectedly stepped aside in 2021.
Wong’s rise is remarkable for a politician from modest beginnings on Singapore’s East Coast, especially since he did not attend one of the prestigious local academies that typically produce top officials. Instead, he opted to study in the U.S. on a government scholarship.
Wong also didn’t immediately gain entry into the elite administrative service, considered a proving ground for future leaders, although he was accepted later after his civil service tenure, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Nevertheless, Wong is a product of Singapore’s political framework, with his rise to leadership being part of a meticulously planned transition by the ruling party.
In keeping with modern trends, he has worked to cultivate a relatable image on social media, even sharing a video of himself playing a Taylor Swift song on his guitar. He has also enhanced his appeal as a man of the people by flying on budget airline Scoot for official duties. In a YouTube video, Wong encouraged Singaporeans to aspire beyond mere “status or rewards.”
