As it happened: Singapore’s new PM Lawrence Wong sworn in, pledges to ‘lead in our own way’

While Wong previously said “every leader has to adapt” their style to the needs of their time, his policy rhetoric has largely centred on maintaining the principles of the long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). Most recently, he said he was prepared to “re-examine all assumptions” if necessary.

Observers earlier told This Week in Asia they expected Lee to continue to play a major role as senior minister after stepping down, in line with the tradition of former premiers serving a few terms as elder statesmen to offer advice to the younger team.

Wong has inherited a Singapore faced with major challenges both at home and abroad, as critics raise doubts on whether he is up to the task given his shorter-than-usual runway. He also has to forge a path ahead for Singapore’s developed economy and ageing population, amid a society growing accustomed to greater political constestation.

He was finally chosen by 14 out of 19 of his peers in April 2022, following a period of uncertainty in the party after anointed successor and deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat dropped out of the running for the top job.

Follow our live coverage below for the handover ceremony.

Reporting by Kimberly Lim, Amy Sood and Sophie Chew