Lawrence Wong
@LawrenceWongST · Asia
Lawrence Wong is followed by Storyz World for government and public service coverage connected to Singapore in the Asia chapter.
This is not about me, the present team, or the PAP Government. Whoever governs Singapore will face the same challenge: to assemble the strongest possible team for our country. We must keep that path open, so Singapore can continue to be well led for generations to come.
This reflects a shared recognition that Singapore needs a salary framework that can sustain a strong political leadership team, while preserving the ethos of public service. We do not believe higher pay should attract people into politics. We want people with the heart to serve.
There was broad agreement on the changes: updating MPs’ allowances for inflation, & raising ministerial (MR4) salaries initially to up to $1.2m, with performance-based increases to around $1.35m by term’s end, below what an inflation-indexed adjustment would have produced.
Thank you to all Members who took part in the debate on political salaries, and for the suggestions raised. There were different views on the formula for ministerial salaries, which we will continue to study. https://t.co/OdaL4Z1fGh
Deeply saddened by the passing of former Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa. Mr Tung was an old friend of Singapore. Under his leadership, cooperation between Singapore and Hong Kong deepened, laying the foundations for the close ties we enjoy today. https://t.co/19FxqdBQx2
An independent Review Committee recommended updating them, and the Government has accepted its recommendations. As PM, I carry ultimate responsibility for this decision. For five years, assuming I remain PM, I will donate the full increase in my salary to good causes.
Serving political officeholders will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9%, after which salaries will be adjusted according to performance and responsibilities. Political salary benchmarks have not changed for 15 years.
We had a good discussion on how we can deepen our longstanding partnership and agreed on the importance of boosting ASEAN-EU ties ahead of Singapore taking on the ASEAN Chairmanship next year. Looking forward to working together to take our relations to new heights!
Happy to welcome Luxembourg PM Luc Frieden on his first official visit to Singapore and Southeast Asia. Both Singapore and Luxembourg are small, outward-looking countries, committed to a rules-based global order. As financial hubs, we also want to stay connected to the world. https://t.co/2CyqtLR8Hy
Every country needs a strong intelligence service — men and women working quietly to keep their country safe. For six decades, the Security and Intelligence Division (SID) has done just that for Singapore. Last night, we marked its 60th anniversary with officers and alumni. https://t.co/aUTNlpQnVH
My warmest congratulations to Professor Tan Chorh Chuan on his appointment to the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA). He was sworn in by President @Tharman_S today. I am confident that his experience over the past two decades in various sectors will serve Singapore well. https://t.co/p2X2SmGXbv
Congratulations to Foo Cexiang on his swearing-in as Minister of State for Manpower and Trade and Industry. Cexiang spent 15 years in the Public Service, and subsequently joined PSA. I look forward to his contributions as we continue to create opportunities for Singaporeans. https://t.co/2CCrObScXy
Our relationship has come a long way, but there is still much more we can do together. I look forward to welcoming PM Anutin to Singapore for our next Retreat, and to working with him to bring our cooperation to greater heights.
Singapore and Thailand share a close, longstanding friendship, built on decades of trust and strong ties. The Retreat strengthened these connections and enabled a candid exchange on keeping our partnership strong and relevant as the world changes.
Concluded my first Singapore-Thailand Leaders’ Retreat with PM Anutin. I deeply appreciate his friendship and warm hospitality. https://t.co/SXtAcwzo3P
We also looked ahead to our ASEAN Chairmanships in 2027 and 2028. By aligning our priorities, we can provide greater continuity and sustain ASEAN’s positive momentum. I look forward to working with PM Anutin to deepen our cooperation and bring our countries even closer together.
We had good discussions on strengthening cooperation across a range of areas — from defence and security, to trade and investment, digital and emerging technologies, as well as food and energy security.
Glad to be back in Thailand for my first Leaders’ Retreat with PM Anutin. The Retreat gives our Ministers and us the opportunity to engage more informally, take stock of our longstanding partnership, and discuss how we can take it forward. https://t.co/OszfrL57Lb
We also discussed strengthening exchanges between our people and institutions, including our universities. I look forward to building closer ties between Singapore and Macao, and wish Chief Executive Sam a productive and fruitful visit to Singapore.
Glad to welcome Macao CE Sam Hou Fai for the first time today. As open economies committed to free trade and international cooperation, we explored deepening ties in healthcare, financial services, culture and tourism, and prospects in Hengqin and Greater Bay Area. https://t.co/9CgZWggkuF
Back at East Coast Park for Singapore’s first Paralympic Day. Great to see so many Singaporeans coming together to celebrate the grit, determination and resilience our para-athletes show in sport and in life. https://t.co/1yFk1qIguM
MFA is in close touch with the Nepali and Chinese authorities to assist affected Singaporeans and their families. Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal and China, and those working on rescue and recovery efforts. We hope for the safe return of those still missing.
Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and devastation caused by the floods along the Nepal-China border. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families and all affected.
Glad to hear that the inaugural dialogue had substantive and fruitful discussions. I look forward to building on this good start and taking Singapore-Vietnam relations forward.
The SVSD is a new platform that General Secretary and President To Lam and I agreed to establish under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It brings together our political leaders and officials to exchange views, address shared challenges, and deepen mutual understanding.