Lawrence Wong

I am humbled and grateful for the trust and confidence of my colleagues, who have chosen me to lead them. I am also deeply grateful for the support of my fellow MPs.
 
From the very beginning in 1959, our model of political leadership has never been about one person, but the team. Each of us contributes, complements each other, and gives of our best to Singapore.
 
My colleagues in the 4G leadership have stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in the fight against COVID-19. The experience of the past two years has cemented our cohesiveness and strengthened our resolve to steward Singapore safely through this crisis and beyond.

It is my privilege to be called upon to lead this team. I will do my utmost to uphold this responsibility. But as we have been reminded many times, the right to lead cannot be inherited. Together with the rest of the 4G team, I will continue to serve Singaporeans wholeheartedly, and strive to earn the trust and support of each and every one of our fellow citizens.

Singapore is a small country but every neighbourhood has its own distinctive and unique charm!

I visited Tampines today and met a community that makes the neighbourhood vibrant! What do you like about your neighbourhood? Hope to meet as many Singaporeans as possible and hear from you directly, including your hopes and your concerns.

Catch you in your neighbourhood soon 😀

Just arrived in the beautiful city of Luang Prabang for the ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting! Looking forward to discussions with my counterparts over the next two days on how we can enhance connectivity and resilience for the region.

Singapore and Brunei enjoy a special relationship, which predates the formal establishment of diplomatic ties between our two nations. Honoured to have a joint audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha this morning. I was also joined by several office-holders in my delegation including Ministers Vivian Balakrishnan, Desmond Lee, Grace Fu and MOS Rahayu Mahzam. We reaffirmed our special partnership, and our commitment to further strengthen cooperation in areas like food security, energy, and civil service exchanges.

This year is the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Brunei and Singapore. Through the last four decades, we have stood by each other through good times and bad. As two of the smallest countries in the region, we share similar perspectives across many strategic issues. I value the close links with Brunei and that’s why Brunei is my first stop in my introductory visits to Southeast Asian capitals. May our special relationship endure for many more generations to come! 🇸🇬 🇧🇳

(📸: MCI Photos by Ngau Kai Yan)

As Singapore matures, some wonder if we have reached our limits.

I say we are never done building Singapore. We will continue to imagine new possibilities, and make Singapore a better home for all of us.

📹 Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/gk7X8CnW

Continuing my tour of different districts — I visited Tanjong Pagar to celebrate the traditional Qixi Festival (七夕节) at Keong Saik Street. Got the chance to meet Anne Lim, the great-granddaughter of Tan Keong Saik, and also the representatives from various Chinese clans and dialect groups.

In true Singaporean spirit, we celebrate the festivities as one people. It was good to see residents of all backgrounds coming together, and also to visit the nearby Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar temple.

Tanjong Pagar is a shining example of Singapore's rich diversity, and our commitment to multi-racial harmony. Let's continue to celebrate our diverse cultures and nurture our vibrant community spirit!

(📸: MDDI Photos by Betty Chua)

Enjoyed a wonderful gathering with nearly 300 Singaporeans living, working and studying in Germany.

Thank you for joining us at the reception, and may you keep the Singapore spirit strong wherever you go! 🇸🇬

(📸: MCI Photos by Chwee)

Wrapped up my visit to Bali, where I spent the last few days conferring with my counterparts on ways to build more bridges and navigate the rapids of global uncertainty.

Kudos to Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo, for hosting a successful 3rd #G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting. Terima kasih banyak for your warm hospitality.

Singapore and Indonesia share strong and substantive cooperation in many domains, underpinned by close people-to-people ties. We will continue to work closely with Indonesia to realise its G20 Presidency vision, for the world to #RecoverTogetherRecoverStronger.

Malaysia is our closest neighbour. We have a shared history, as well as common interests.

This afternoon, I received a call by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan. We have met on several occasions in the past. But this is his first visit to Singapore as Foreign Minister, and my first time receiving him in my new capacity as PM. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to grow the win-win partnership between our two countries. Malaysia will also be the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, and we look forward to working closely together to advance the agenda for regional cooperation.

In my phone conversation with PM Anwar Ibrahim two weeks ago, he had invited me to make an introductory visit to Malaysia soon, before the annual Leaders' Retreat later this year. I am happy to accept his invitation, and will schedule an early visit to KL, as part of a series of introductory visits to ASEAN capitals.


(📸: MCI Photo by Betty Chua)

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and I spoke today. I had a fruitful exchange with him last year when he visited Singapore, and it was good to touch base with him over the phone.

I thanked him for his congratulatory message, and accepted his invitation for me to visit Vietnam. We affirmed the importance of our bilateral ties and discussed ways to strengthen our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

(📸: MCI Photo by Betty Chua in 2023 [Left], PMO Photo [Right])

My comments at the doorstop today following the charges against Mr Iswaran.

We are saddened and disappointed by what has happened. I’ve seen some of the initial online reactions. Some think the sums involved are not large. Indeed in other countries, this may not be considered corruption. But that’s not the case in Singapore.

The PAP and this government take a much stricter approach. Our zero-tolerance stance on corruption is non-negotiable.

We are determined to keep our system corruption-free. We will not flinch from doing the right thing, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and incorruptibility.

(📸: MCI Photo by Fyrol)

Mental health is a key priority on our national agenda. A big part of this is supporting mental health at all stages of life, from our young ones to our seniors - to build capabilities, strengthen resilience and reduce stigma.

Glad to be at Samaritans of Singapore Limited (SOS)’s 55th anniversary yesterday, and to speak to dedicated volunteers and donors. SOS has made great contributions to mental health and suicide prevention over the decades.

We will continue working closely with all partners and stakeholders to advance the mental health and well-being of all Singaporeans!

(📸: MCI Photos by Terence Tan)

Visited Gujarat for the first time — as we marked Singapore’s growing partnership with Gujarat.

✅ FinTech Cooperation - so FinTech companies can experiment and pilot innovative products and services in both our markets.

✅ Stock Exchange connect - enabling investors to trade derivative contracts on the NSE seamlessly through SGX.

India and Gujarat are important partners for Singapore. I hope these collaborations pave new ways for cross-border financial flows and spur new innovations in both our countries. I look forward to deepening our partnership for many more years to come.

Thank you for the warm hospitality in Gujarat!

(📸: MCI Photos by Terence Tan)

Families are the bedrock of our society. They provide a sense of belonging, strength, identity, and most importantly — shape our children’s path for years to come.

We’ve been supporting families across different phases of life. From young couples getting their first homes, to accessible childcare facilities, parental leave and helping our seniors age well — we will ensure every family thrives.

Last month, we released tripartite guidelines to advance flexible work arrangements in Singapore.

We will continue to review and update our policies, to better support families and build a Singapore made for families.

Everyone can play a part, from employers supporting your employees, to fathers stepping up for childcare, and more. Join us to grow this Families for Life movement!

(📸: MCI Photos by Ngua Kai Yan)

Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore (MSF)

Singapore may be a small country, but we have Singaporeans making notable contributions at international forums.

Last year, Rena Lee, Singapore's Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues, was instrumental in getting over 190 nations to come to a consensus on a legal framework that would protect marine diversity in international waters.

Daren Tang is the Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO, Under his leadership, members of WIPO recently approved a treaty that will require patent applicants to disclose if their inventions are based on genetic resources or traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples. This is the first new WIPO treaty in decades. Coincidentally, Rena also led the Singapore delegation for this treaty!

Daren and Rena show that multilateralism is still alive and well. That despite an increasingly fragmented world where international institutions and international law have come under pressure, it is still possible for countries to come together to solve common problems.

Singaporeans like Rena and Daren keep our flag flying high on the international stage. Let us continue to show the world what Singapore and Singaporeans can do!

Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)

(📸: Photo by WIPO/Berrod)

Johor is a key gateway between Singapore and Malaysia. Tunku Mahkota Johor, Crown Prince of Johor Tunku Ismail Ibrahim’s official visit to Singapore reflects the close cooperation we have with Malaysia and Johor.

It was a timely catch up since we last met a year ago.

Later this week, Singapore will host the 16th meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) to discuss a wide range of cooperation initiatives between Singapore and Johor — looking forward to greater opportunities for cooperation!

(📸: MCI Photo by Liu Ying)

What is our Singapore Dream?

Many thanks to the more than 200,000 Singaporeans who have contributed your views and aspirations for Singapore!

The 4G team and I have launched the Forward Singapore report. It will provide a roadmap to chart our new way forward.

The work of implementing these big national moves is just beginning, and the process of engaging and participating doesn't stop here ✨️

Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gFagN9FR


(📸: MCI Photos by Lim Sin Thai)

Just announced a new $1.5b support package at our first physical press conference with SMS Chee Hong Tat and Poh-Koon Koh (Dr).

I know many of us are concerned about the cost of living, and rising prices. I had put in place comprehensive measures in the Budget to help cushion the impact. But since then, the global outlook has taken turn for the worse. Hence I’m introducing this additional package to help Singaporeans to cope with the effects of higher prices, especially for our lower-income households & vulnerable groups.

I want to assure everyone that we are monitoring the economic and inflation outlook closely, and will continue to make adjustments where necessary. I am confident that we will get through this together as one united people.

(📸: MCI Photo by Ngau Kai Yan)

Happy to meet Japanese Finance Minister Suzuki Shunichi today. Had wide-ranging discussions on the global economy, regional developments and new areas of cooperation such as the green and digital economies.

Look forward to working with Minister Suzuki to strengthen regional financial cooperation under Japan's Co-Chairmanship of the ASEAN+3 Finance Process in 2023.

(📸: MCI Photo by Ngau Kai Yan)

A warm welcome to the student delegation of Harvard Kennedy School to Singapore.

Glad that the students are excited to be here, to learn more about our approach to policy and innovation. We had a good exchange.

Hope they also take the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of Singapore!

(📸: MCI Photos by Liu Ying)