Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai (born December 18, 1972) is the fourth Prime Minister of Singapore, assuming office in 2024. He has served as Minister for Finance since 2021 and represents the Limbang division of the Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC in Parliament since 2015.

Before entering politics, Wong worked in various ministries, including Trade and Industry, Finance, and Health. He was also the Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Market Authority from 2009 to 2011. Wong made his political debut in the 2011 general election and has held multiple ministerial roles, including Minister for National Development and Minister for Education.

Wong co-chaired a multi-ministerial committee for managing the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw increases in the Goods and Services Tax. He became Deputy Prime Minister in June 2022 and was appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the PAP later that year. He has held significant roles in financial governance, including Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Deputy Chairman of GIC. Wong is noted for being the first prime minister born after the establishment of modern Singapore.

Early Life and Education

Lawrence Wong was born on December 18, 1972, in eastern Singapore. He grew up in a public Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat in Marine Parade. His father, a Hainanese sales executive, and his mother, a teacher at his primary school, instilled in him a strong educational foundation. Inspired by his father, who gifted him a guitar, Wong developed a passion for music from a young age.

Wong attended Haig Boys’ Primary School (now Tanjong Katong Primary School), Tanjong Katong Technical School (now Tanjong Katong Secondary School), and Victoria Junior College. He later pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1994 through a Public Service Commission scholarship. He went on to complete a Master of Arts in Applied Economics from the University of Michigan in 1995, followed by a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University in 2004.

Civil Service Career

Lawrence Wong began his professional journey as an economist at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) in August 1997, during the onset of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. His first assignment involved analyzing regional economies and their impact on Singapore, a challenge he found daunting, remarking that “nothing I learned in school prepared me for such an assignment,” and emphasized the importance of learning on the job.

In January 2002, Wong transitioned to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and later joined the Ministry of Health (MOH) in July 2004, where he served as Director of Healthcare Finance until May 2005. From May 2005 to August 2008, he held the position of Principal Private Secretary to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In September 2008, Wong was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Market Authority, eventually becoming CEO on January 1, 2009, a position he held until April 1, 2011.

Political Career

Lawrence Wong entered politics during the 2011 general election, contesting as part of a five-member People’s Action Party (PAP) team in West Coast GRC. The PAP team secured 66.66% of the vote, and Wong was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Boon Lay ward.

Minister of State

On May 21, 2011, Wong was appointed Minister of State for Defence and Education, and he joined the board of directors of the Monetary Authority of Singapore on June 10, 2011. He was promoted to Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts and Education on August 1, 2012. Later, he served as Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information from November 1, 2012. Wong led initiatives like the bid for the Singapore Botanic Gardens to gain UNESCO World Heritage status and the introduction of free museum entry for all Singaporeans in May 2013, alongside launching a S$100 million National Youth Fund.

Minister

Wong was promoted to Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Communications and Information on May 1, 2014. He coordinated Singapore’s Golden Jubilee celebrations as Head of the SG50 Programme Office and oversaw the Civic District’s transformation, a historic area in Singapore. He introduced the S$200 million Cultural Matching Fund to boost arts and heritage donations.

In the 2015 general election, Wong contested in the newly formed Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC, winning with 68.7% of the vote. He became Minister for National Development on October 1, 2015, and later served as Second Minister for Finance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-chaired a multi-ministerial committee to manage the crisis, earning recognition for his heartfelt addresses in Parliament.

Wong retained his parliamentary seat in the 2020 election and became Minister for Education on July 27, 2020. He transitioned to Minister for Finance in May 2021, implementing significant financial support measures during the pandemic, including a S$500 million stimulus package and the Assurance Package to offset GST expenses.

Deputy Prime Minister

On April 14, 2022, Wong was named leader of the PAP’s fourth-generation team and was appointed Deputy Prime Minister on June 6, 2022. He launched the “Forward Singapore” movement, focusing on inclusivity and social progress.

Prime Minister (2024–Present)

Wong was confirmed as Prime Minister on April 15, 2024, succeeding Lee Hsien Loong. He was officially sworn in on May 15, 2024, becoming the first prime minister born after Singapore’s independence in 1965. In his inaugural speech, he pledged to serve Singaporeans wholeheartedly and to seek continuous improvement for the nation.

Foreign Policy

Wong made his first overseas trips as Prime Minister to Brunei and Malaysia from June 11 to 12, 2024.

Personal Life

Wong previously married at 28 but divorced after three years due to incompatibility. His current wife, Tiffany Loo Tze Lui, is a former banker now in wealth management. He has no children and is a Methodist Christian. His interests include playing guitar and riding motorcycles, and he has an elder brother who is an aerospace engineer.