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Lawrence Wong

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In this Chinese name, the family name is Wong.
The Honourable

Lawrence Wong
黄循财
Wong in 2024
4th Prime Minister of Singapore
Assumed office
15 May 2024
PresidentTharman Shanmugaratnam
DeputyGan Kim Yong
Heng Swee Keat
Preceded byLee Hsien Loong
Minister for Finance
Assumed office
15 May 2021
Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong
Himself
Preceded byHeng Swee Keat
Ministerial offices 2012–⁠2024
Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore
In office
13 June 2022 – 15 May 2024
Serving with Heng Swee Keat
Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong
Preceded byTharman Shanmugaratnam
Teo Chee Hean
Succeeded byGan Kim Yong
Heng Swee Keat
Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore
In office
8 July 2023 – 15 May 2024
Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong
Preceded byTharman Shanmugaratnam
Succeeded byGan Kim Yong
Minister for Education
In office
27 July 2020 – 14 May 2021
Preceded byOng Ye Kung
Succeeded byChan Chun Sing
Second Minister for Finance
In office
22 August 2016 – 14 May 2021
Serving with Indranee Rajah (2018–2021)
Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong
Preceded byLim Hwee Hua
Minister for National Development
In office
1 October 2015 – 26 July 2020
Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong
Preceded byKhaw Boon Wan
Succeeded byDesmond Lee
Second Minister for Communications and Information
In office
1 May 2014 – 30 September 2015
Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth
In office
1 May 2014 – 30 September 2015
Acting: 1 November 2012 – 30 April 2014
Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong
Preceded byChan Chun Sing (Acting Minister of Community Development, Youth and Sports)
Succeeded byGrace Fu
Member of the Singapore Parliament
for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC
Limbang Division
Assumed office
11 September 2015
Preceded byConstituency established
Member of the Singapore Parliament
for West Coast GRC
Boon Lay Division
In office
7 May 2011 – 24 August 2015
Preceded byHo Geok Choo
Succeeded byPatrick Tay
Personal details
Born
Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai

(1972-12-18) 18 December 1972 (age 52)
Singapore
Political partyPeople's Action Party
Education
OccupationCivil servant, politician
ProfessionEconomist
Signature
Chinese name
Simplified Chinese黄循财
Traditional Chinese黃循財

Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai (Chinese: 黄循财; pinyin: Huáng Xúncái; born 18 December 1972)[1] is a Singaporean politician, economist and former civil servant. He has been the Prime Minister of Singapore since May 15, 2024. He is also the Minister for Finance since 2021. A member of the governing PAP, he has been the Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Limbang division of Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC since 2015.[2][3]

Early life and education

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Early life

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Wong was born on 18 December 1972 at in the eastern part of Singapore.[4] He is of Hainanese descent[5] and was raised Methodist.[4][6]

Growing up, Wong and his family lived in Marine Parade.[4] Wong's father worked as a sales executive while his mother was a teacher at his primary school.[4]

Education

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Wong attended Tanjong Katong Primary School, Tanjong Katong Secondary School and Victoria Junior College before going to college.[7][8]

Wong received a Bachelor of Science with a major in economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1994.[9][10] He received a Master of Arts in applied economics from the University of Michigan in 1995. He received a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University in 2004.[11][12][13]

Civil service career

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Wong began his career as an economist working in the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) in August 1997.[14] He also worked in the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Ministry of Health (MOH) from January 2002 to May 2005.

Wong served as the principal private secretary to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong between May 2005 and August 2008.[14][15]

In September 2008, Wong became deputy chief executive officer of the Energy Market Authority, becoming to chief executive officer on 1 January 2009. He gave up the role on 1 April 2011.[14][16]

Political career

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Wong entered politics at the 2011 general election when he contested as part of a five-member People's Action Party (PAP) team in West Coast GRC. The PAP team won with 66.66% of the vote against the Reform Party. Wong was elected as the Member of Parliament representing the Boon Lay section of West Coast GRC.

Wong was the co-chair of a multi-ministerial committee set up by the government in January 2020 to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. As Minister for Finance, he has overseen the gradual increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) which Lee's government has advocated for – 8% in 2023 and 9% in 2024, up from 7% which had been set since 2007. In April 2022, he was chosen as the leader of the PAP's fourth generation team, placing him in line as Lee's apparent successor. Wong assumed the office of Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore on 13 June 2022, serving alongside Heng Swee Keat. On 26 November 2022, Wong was appointed to the newly created position of Deputy Secretary-General of the PAP.[17]

From the 2011 general election up to the 2015 general election, Wong served as the Minister of State for Defence and Senior Minister of State for Education, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Communications and Information.[18]

In the 2015 general election, Wong was part of a four-member PAP team contesting in the newly formed Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC. [19] The PAP team won with 68.7% of the vote against the Singapore Democratic Party. Wong was elected as the Member of Parliament representing the Limbang ward of Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC.

From the 2015 general election up to the 2020 general election, Wong served as the Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance.[20] [21]

In the 2020 general election, Wong led a four-member PAP team to contest in Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC again. The PAP team won with 63.18% of the vote against the Singapore Democratic Party. Wong held on to his seat as the Member of Parliament representing Limbang section.[22]

From the 2020 general election onwards, Wong served as Minister for Education and Minister for Finance.[23]

Currently, he is serving as the Prime minister.

Selection as 4G leader

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On 14 April 2022, Wong was selected as the leader of the PAP's fourth-generation (4G) team, succeeding Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who had stepped down as 4G leader on 8 April 2021.[24]

Prior to his appointment, a consultation process was held among the fourth-generation ministers of the Cabinet.[25]

Wong received an "overwhelming majority" of support in the consultation process and received 15 out of 19 of the votes in a vote.[26][27]

His candidature was supported by the Cabinet and later, by the PAP MPs at a party caucus on 14 April.[28] His appointment was announced by Prime Minister Lee the same day.[28]

As the new 4G leader, Wong became the Prime Minister on 15 May 2024[29]

Deputy Prime Minister

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On 6 June 2022, a Cabinet reshuffle was announced where Wong was promoted to Deputy Prime Minister, which further made him the next Prime Minister of Singapore.

In addition to becoming Deputy Prime Minister, Wong was also named "Acting Prime Minister" in the PM's absence. He had also taken over responsibility of the Strategy Group in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).[30][31]

Prime Minister (2024–present)

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When Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong announced his plans to retire, Wong appeared to be the clear choice to replace him as prime minister.[32] On 15 April 2024, it was confirmed that Wong would be replacing Lee.[33][34]

Wong was officially sworn-in on 15 May 2024 at The Istana.[35] He became the country's fourth prime minister, as well as the first to be born after Singapore's independence in 1965.[36][37]

Wong is currently married Loo Tze Lui, a former banker currently working in wealth management. She is also on the board of directors of the YMCA in Singapore.[38][39]

His elder brother is an aerospace engineer.[40]

References

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  1. ↑ "MP | Parliament of Singapore".
  2. ↑ "PM Modi Singapore Visit Live Updates: PM Modi reaches Delhi after Singapore, Brunei visit". The Times of India. 5 September 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  3. ↑ Online |, E. T. (5 September 2024). "PM Modi meets PM Lawrence Wong, says 'want to create many Singapores in India'; signs MoUs". The Economic Times. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Tan, Sumiko (1 November 2020). "Lunch With Sumiko: 2020 feels like a lifetime for Lawrence Wong". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  5. ↑ MCCY - Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Speeches by Mr Lawrence Wong (6 November 2013). "Speech by Mr Lawrence Wong at the Hainan Culture and Heritage Centre's anniversary dinner cum book launch". MCCY - Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Archived from the original on 1 September 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  6. ↑ "PM Modi Meets Singapore Counterpart Lawrence Wong To Discuss Ties". NDTV.com. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  7. ↑ "VJC News". Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  8. ↑ ""I ran my first marathon in 1997. I have done two" – an interview with Lawrence Wong (Part 8)". Archived from the original on 4 August 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  9. ↑ ""Inspiring Excellence, Celebrating Distinction, Raising Competencies in the Financial Sector" - Speech by Mr Lawrence Wong, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth; Board Member, Monetary Authority of Singapore at the FICS Distinction Evening on 28 May 2013". www.mas.gov.sg. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  10. ↑ "Traditional degree route not a must before going out to work: Lawrence Wong". The Straits Times. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  11. ↑ "Lawrence Wong". Prime Minister's Office Singapore. Archived from the original on 20 August 2015. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  12. ↑ "Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announces Singapore's new Cabinet". Channel NewsAsia. 28 September 2015. Archived from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  13. ↑ https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-meets-singapore-pm-lawrence-wong-says-we-want-to-create-many-singapores-in-india-11725505258998.html
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "New chief executive at Energy Market Authority" (PDF). National Archives of Singapore. Ministry of Trade and Industry. 28 March 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  15. ↑ Editor, Lim Yan LiangAssistant News (25 March 2020). "Parliament: Teary-eyed Lawrence Wong pays tribute to front-line workers and other unsung heroes in coronavirus fight". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 7 September 2024. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  16. ↑ "Press Releases". MOF. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  17. ↑ "Lawrence Wong elected PAP deputy secretary-general in newly created role". CNA. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  18. ↑ "Tan Chuan-Jin, Lawrence Wong promoted to full ministers". 29 April 2014. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
  19. ↑ "Lawrence Wong and Halimah Yacob to co-anchor Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC". Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. Archived from the original on 16 August 2015. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  20. ↑ Singapore, Prime Minister's Office (24 August 2016). "Changes to Cabinet and other appointments". Prime Minister's Office Singapore. Archived from the original on 24 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
  21. ↑ "Live updates: National Day Rally 2016". Channel NewsAsia. 22 August 2016. Archived from the original on 22 August 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  22. ↑ hermesauto (18 July 2020). "GE2020 results a 'clear mandate' although 61.2 per cent vote share lower than 65 per cent PAP hoped for: Lawrence Wong". The Straits Times. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  23. ↑ "PM Lee announces new Cabinet; 6 office holders promoted, 3 retirements". Channel News Asia. Archived from the original on 25 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  24. ↑ "Finance Minister Lawrence Wong endorsed as leader of 4G team: PM Lee". www.channelnewsasia.com. 14 April 2022.
  25. ↑ "Lawrence Wong endorsed as leader of PAP's 4G team". www.businesstimes.com.sg. 14 April 2022.
  26. ↑ "Singapore PM Lee Signals Lawrence Wong Becomes New Successor". www.bloombergquint.com. 14 April 2022.
  27. ↑ "Lawrence Wong was the 'first choice of an overwhelming majority' to be PAP's 4G leader: Khaw Boon Wan". CNA. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Lawrence Wong selected as leader of Singapore's PAP 4G team: PM Lee". sg.news.yahoo.com. 14 April 2022.
  29. ↑ "Singapore Finance Minister Lawrence Wong picked as PM heir apparent". asia.nikkei.com. 14 April 2022.
  30. ↑ "Lawrence Wong promoted to Deputy Prime Minister in Singapore Cabinet reshuffle". CNA. 6 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  31. ↑ Tham, Yuen-C (6 June 2022). "Lawrence Wong promoted to Deputy Prime Minister as part of Singapore Cabinet changes". The Straits Times. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  32. ↑ "Singapore Finance Minister Lawrence Wong picked as PM heir apparent". asia.nikkei.com. 14 April 2022. Archived from the original on 14 April 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  33. ↑ "Lawrence Wong to take over as Singapore Prime Minister from Lee Hsien Loong on May 15". CNA. 15 April 2024. Archived from the original on 15 April 2024. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  34. ↑ "PM Modi Meets Singapore PM Lawrence Wong, Four MoUs Signed - Key Details". Zee News. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  35. ↑ "Lawrence Wong sworn in as fourth Prime Minister of Singapore". AsiaOne. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  36. ↑ "What we know about Singapore's fourth Prime Minister Lawrence Wong". CNA. 15 April 2024. Archived from the original on 15 April 2024. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  37. ↑ "Singapore's new prime minister vows to 'lead in our own way' as Lee dynasty ends after half-century". AP News. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  38. ↑ Yuen-C, Tham (6 August 2022). "DPM Lawrence Wong and his wife, and another new TikTok account: What politicians are up to this week | The Straits Times". The Straits Times. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  39. ↑ "Ms Loo Tze Lui". YMCA of Singapore. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  40. ↑ "8 things to know about Lawrence Wong". 14 April 2022.

Other websites

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Media related to Lawrence Wong at Wikimedia Commons

Political offices
Preceded by
New office 		Minister for Culture, Community and Youth
2012–2015 		Succeeded by
Grace Fu
Preceded by
Khaw Boon Wan 		Minister for National Development
2015–2020 		Succeeded by
Desmond Lee
Preceded by
New office 		Second Minister for Finance
2016–2021 		Succeeded by
New vacancy
Preceded by
Ong Ye Kung 		Minister for Education
2020–2021 		Succeeded by
Chan Chun Sing
Preceded by
Heng Swee Keat 		Minister for Finance
2021–present 		Incumbent
Preceded by
Lee Hsien Loong 		Prime Minister
2024–present
Preceded by
New vacancy 		Deputy Prime Minister
2022–2024
Serving with: Heng Swee Keat 		Succeeded by
Gan Kim Yong
Assembly seats
Preceded by
Ho Geok Choo 		Member of Parliament for
West Coast GRC (Boon Lay)
2011–2015 		Succeeded by
Patrick Tay
New constituency Member of Parliament for
Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC (Limbang)
2015–present 		Incumbent
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