“Lawrence Wong on His Upbringing and Approach to Leadership as Singapore’s Next Prime Minister “

Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s incoming fourth prime minister, recently reflected on his upbringing in a Marine Parade HDB estate during an interview with The Economist. Raised by a school teacher mother and sales manager father, Wong attended neighborhood schools, including Haig Boys’ Primary School, Tanjong Katong Secondary Technical School, and Victoria Junior College. He later studied in the United States on a government scholarship.

The 51-year-old believes his “more typical” background may resonate with Singaporeans. “If it makes me more relatable, so much the better,” Wong remarked. As he prepares to take office on May 15, he emphasized that Singaporeans, as “discerning and wise voters,” will ultimately expect him to deliver a better quality of life for themselves and their children.

Addressing the challenges of leadership, Wong said he would make difficult decisions in Singapore’s best interest when necessary. “I am who I am,” he explained, describing his approach as listening carefully to public views before making balanced choices. He cited the GST hike and COVID-19 restrictions as examples of “unpopular but necessary” measures.

Wong also addressed the tradition of Singapore’s outgoing prime minister transitioning to Senior Minister, noting that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s presence would be a valuable resource, not a constraint, on his leadership. He concluded, “As leader, I will harness the collective energies of my team and every Singaporean.”