All eyes on deputy Lawrence Wong as Singapore PM Lee announces May 15 exit, who is he?

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced his decision to step down from his position on May 15, passing the baton to his deputy, Lawrence Wong. This transition marks the end of Lee’s nearly two-decade-long tenure as the head of the city-state’s government.

In a short statement on X, Lee said, “I will relinquish my role as PM on 15 May 2024 & Lawrence Wong will be sworn in as the next PM on the same day."

“I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence & his team your full support, & work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore,” he added.

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I will relinquish my role as PM on 15 May 2024 & @LawrenceWongST will be sworn in as the next PM on the same day. I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence & his team your full support, & work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore. – LHL https://t.co/3oi0Oxxv16 pic.twitter.com/gDrMiiUTN1

— leehsienloong (@leehsienloong) April 15, 2024

Lawrence Wong, currently serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, is set to become Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister. With unanimous support from lawmakers within the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), Wong is poised to take on the responsibilities of leading the nation.

Taking to X, Wong accepted the responsibility, writing, “I am honoured to be asked to undertake this new responsibility as the Prime Minister of Singapore.”

I am honoured to be asked to undertake this new responsibility as the Prime Minister of Singapore.

I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to give you my all in this undertaking. https://t.co/Qh83pDhIBV

— Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) April 15, 2024

“I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to give you my all in this undertaking.”

Who is Lawrence Wong?

Lawrence Wong, aged 51, entered politics in 2011 and quickly rose through the ranks within the PAP.

His political journey began when he was elected as a Member of Parliament in West Coast GRC. From there, he assumed various ministerial roles, showcasing his leadership abilities and commitment to public service.

Wong was given his first political office only two weeks after the election, taking over as Minister of State for education and defence.

Wong rose through the ranks of various ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth where he was appointed acting minister in 2012 and made full minister two years later.

He moved to head the Ministry of National Development after elections in 2015, where he stayed on until July 2020.

Wong’s contributions to Singapore’s governance have been significant, reported Channel News Asia (CNA). Notably, he played a pivotal role in the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as co-chair of Singapore’s multi-ministry COVID-19 task force with then-Singapore Health Minister Gan Kim Yong

Wong’s ascent to the position of Prime Minister has been carefully orchestrated. His appointment as the leader of the PAP’s fourth-generation team in 2022 solidified his standing as Lee’s successor culminating in his subsequent promotion to Deputy Prime Minister.

Before embarking on his political career, Wong served as a civil servant for 14 years. His diverse professional background includes roles in various ministries, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Finance.

Additionally, Wong has a passion for music, particularly playing the guitar, reported CNA.

Wong will be sworn in at 8.00 pm (local time) on May 15 at the Istana (Singapore’s presidential palace).