Singapore PM Lee to Hand Reins to Wong After Two Decades

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Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 72, will step down May 15 as part of a long-planned succession, ending a two-decade run and ushering in a new era led by his deputy Lawrence Wong.

Quick Facts

  • Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong to step down on May 15 after two decades in office.
  • Deputy Lawrence Wong, 51, will succeed Lee as the city-state’s fourth premier.
  • Wong has the unanimous support of the ruling party lawmakers for the leadership transition.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, aged 72, will step down on May 15, marking the end of a two-decade tenure. His deputy, Lawrence Wong, 51, will succeed him as the city-state’s fourth premier. Wong has garnered the unanimous support of ruling party lawmakers for the leadership transition, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday.

Under Lee’s leadership, Singapore’s gross domestic product per capita more than trebled to nearly $92,000, positioning the nation as one of the world’s highest. The island has also endeavored to enhance its attractiveness as a destination for foreign investors in an increasingly competitive region.

Singapore’s leadership succession is a meticulously orchestrated event that has been years in the making. Lee’s earlier aspiration to hand over the reins before turning 70 was disrupted by Covid-19 and the unexpected decision in 2021 by then-designated successor Heng Swee Keat to step aside, citing his age.

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