15-5-2024 (SINGAPORE) Newly sworn-in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday pledged to lead Singapore in his own distinctive style, built on the principles and values that forged the nation, as he takes the helm of the country’s fourth generation of leaders. In his inaugural address, Mr. Wong, 51, emphasized his mission to defy the odds and sustain the “Singapore miracle” in a rapidly changing global landscape.
“My generation’s story is the story of independent Singapore. Our lives are testimony to the values that forged our nation: Incorruptibility, meritocracy, multiracialism, justice and equality,” said Mr. Wong, who took over from his predecessor, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, who led the country for 20 years and is now Senior Minister.
Acknowledging that his leadership style will differ from previous generations, Mr. Wong stated, “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.”
The ceremonial handover of power, held on the front lawn of the Istana, marked the third leadership transition in Singapore’s 59-year history. It was witnessed by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attended by over 800 guests representing the diverse fabric of the nation.
In his speech, Mr. Wong underscored the importance of seeking pragmatic compromises and finding common ground between communities, emphasizing mutual trust and respect as the guiding ethos of his team. “This is how we will continue to evolve and strengthen our Singapore identity,” he said, adding that the collective striving for unity saw the country through the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Paying tribute to the previous generations of leaders, Mr. Wong acknowledged standing “on the shoulders of giants” and vowed to build upon the foundations laid by Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his successor, Mr. Goh Chok Tong.
Mr. Wong expressed his determination to help Singaporeans realize their dreams, promising to foster a fairer, more just, and equal society where the vulnerable and those with special needs are supported. “We can be a society where every Singaporean matters. And a Singapore that matters to every Singaporean,” he said, calling on citizens to play their part in supporting one another.
While acknowledging the ambitious goals and the lack of easy formulas, Mr. Wong emphasized a spirit of determination and hard work, vowing, “I will serve you with all my heart. I will never settle for the status quo. I will always seek better ways to make tomorrow better than today.”
Recognizing the complexities of the global landscape, Mr. Wong acknowledged the end of the post-Cold War era of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. “Now we face a world of conflict and rivalry,” he said, highlighting the competition between great powers to shape a new global order.
Singapore, he stressed, cannot escape these powerful cross-currents and must adapt to a “messier, riskier and more violent world.” The country will strengthen its partnerships, engage both the United States and China, and advance its interests while shaping outcomes for the world.
In closing, Mr. Wong called on Singaporeans to unite with a common purpose and shared resolve, stating, “Let us take Singapore forward, together.” The ceremony was punctuated by local singers performing “The Road Ahead,” the theme song for the 2021 National Day Parade, symbolizing the journey ahead under Singapore’s new leadership.
