Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will be officially sworn in as Singapore’s fourth prime minister on May 15, 2024, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on April 15. This transition follows the decision of current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to step down on the same day, after nearly two decades in office.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Istana at 8 PM on May 15. According to the PMO, Wong has received unanimous support from the People’s Action Party (PAP) Members of Parliament.

Wong’s rise to leadership was solidified in April 2022 when he was chosen by his peers to head Singapore’s fourth-generation (4G) team. This move came after Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced in 2021 that he would step aside as the expected successor, citing the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the demands of the role.

In a video message, Wong expressed his commitment to the new role with “humility and a deep sense of duty.” He reflected on his initial entry into politics in 2011, stating that he did not anticipate being asked to serve as prime minister. “I pledge to give my all and devote every ounce of my energy to the service of our country and our people,” he affirmed.

Outgoing PM Lee commended Wong and the 4G leadership team for their efforts to gain the trust of Singaporeans, particularly during the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of their work through the Forward Singapore initiative, which aims to refresh the social compact and develop a new national agenda. Lee urged citizens to support Wong and his team in creating a brighter future for the nation.

Wong, who is 51, has a robust political background, entering Parliament after the 2011 General Election. He has held various ministerial roles, including Minister of State for Defence and Education, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and most recently, Minister for Finance. His prominence increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, where he co-chaired the government’s multi-ministry task force, leading significant announcements in the nation’s response.

As Wong prepares to assume leadership, this change marks the conclusion of PM Lee’s lengthy tenure, which began in August 2004. Lee was appointed deputy prime minister in November 1990 under former prime minister Goh Chok Tong and succeeded Goh in 2004.