Navigating a World in Flux: PM Lawrence Wong on Forging a Future for Singapore Amidst Global Tides

Singapore's new Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, has articulated a clear-eyed vision for his nation's path forward, one that champions steadfast partnerships, strategic adaptation, and a deep-seated belief in the potential of his people. In a wide-ranging interview, the recently elected leader delved into the intricacies of Singapore's relationship with China, the challenges of a fragmenting global order, and the core values that will guide his "4G" leadership team in writing the next chapter of the Singapore story.

Just over a year since assuming the premiership and fresh from a general election that delivered a clear mandate, Prime Minister Wong is navigating a world he describes as being in a "messy and unpredictable transition." His first official visit to China as Prime Minister, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations, underscores the significance he places on this enduring partnership.¹

A Partnership "All-Round, High-Quality, and Future-Oriented"

The relationship between Singapore and China, elevated in 2023 to an "all-round, high-quality, future-oriented partnership," is a cornerstone of Singapore's foreign policy.² For Wong, this is more than just a diplomatic tagline; it's a reflection of a deep-seated mutual trust and respect that has been carefully cultivated by successive generations of leaders, from the founding fathers Lee Kuan Yew and Deng Xiaoping to the present day.³

"I hope to do the same in my visit with Chinese leaders, especially with President Xi and Premier Li," Wong stated, emphasizing the importance of personal rapport at the highest levels. This close relationship, he explained, sets the tone for a multifaceted collaboration overseen by the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), a body he once co-chaired.⁴ The ever-expanding agenda of the JCBC is a testament to the dynamism of the partnership, with ongoing and evolving projects in Suzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing serving as platforms for wider cooperation.⁵

These initiatives are not static, Wong clarified. The Suzhou Industrial Park, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, is exploring new frontiers of collaboration, while the Tianjin Eco-City, which has transformed a barren wasteland into a model for green living, is embarking on a new chapter focused on sustainable growth.⁶ Beyond these established platforms, Singapore and China are actively exploring new avenues of cooperation in areas like the digital economy, green energy, and biomedical sciences.⁷

Wong's confidence in the future of China is palpable. "Never bet on the decline of China," he has stated, a conviction rooted in the nation's remarkable track record of economic transformation and the caliber of its leadership.⁸ Having interacted with Chinese officials at all levels over the years, he has been consistently impressed by their competence, deep understanding of challenges, and willingness to learn and adapt.⁹However, his greatest source of confidence, he revealed, lies in the "tremendous ingenuity and resourcefulness" of the Chinese people.

Championing Multilateralism in a Turbulent World

This optimism for bilateral relations is tempered by a sober assessment of the global landscape. At the upcoming Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, also known as the Summer Davos, Wong intends to deliver a strong message on the importance of upholding a rules-based multilateral order.¹⁰

"Without rules, without long-standing norms of cooperation, countries everywhere will be worse off," he asserted, highlighting the particular vulnerability of small states like Singapore.¹¹ However, he was quick to add that even large nations suffer in a fragmented and mistrustful world, which breeds uncertainty, slower growth, and higher inflation. The solution, he argued, is not to abandon the imperfect system of multilateralism but to "reform, change, improve, and make the system work better for the benefit of all countries."

This commitment to an open and rules-based global order is also reflected in Singapore's economic strategy. Acknowledging that the era of unfettered free trade may be over, a "seismic change" he attributes in part to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Wong remains resolute that trade will continue, albeit in different configurations.¹²

Singapore's response is multifaceted: deepening economic integration within ASEAN, strengthening partnerships with key Asian economies like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, and forging new trade links with countries in the EU, Latin America, and Africa.¹³ The city-state is also a strong proponent of regional trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).¹⁴ A significant step in this direction is the recently concluded negotiations for the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0, an upgrade that Singapore fully supports and hopes to see signed later this year.¹⁵

The 4G Leadership: Continuity and a New Approach

At home, Prime Minister Wong leads a "4G" or fourth-generation leadership team that is committed to the core values that have long underpinned Singapore's success: incorruptibility, meritocracy, multiracialism, and self-reliance.¹⁶ While these foundational principles remain unchanged, Wong is also clear that his leadership style will be his own.

"Every leader has to be himself; you cannot pretend to be someone else," he said. His approach is one of openness, a willingness to listen to diverse viewpoints, and a desire to engage and involve as many people as possible in the nation-building process.¹⁷ "But at the end of the day," he affirmed, "the government must decide."

The narrative he and his team aspire to create is one of a "shining red dot," a small nation that continues to defy the odds and add value to the world. It's a vision of a Singapore where every citizen can aspire to a better life, a sentiment deeply informed by his own experiences, including his time as the Principal Private Secretary to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. He was, he recalled, always struck by Lee's "obsession" with keeping Singapore going, a feeling of vulnerability that comes with being a small nation. "Now that the leadership baton has been passed to me," Wong reflected, "this has become my obsession."

This sense of responsibility is leavened by a personal touch. Famously a guitar enthusiast, a passion sparked by a gift from his father some four decades ago, Wong sees music as a way to "break barriers" and "bring people together."¹⁸ It is also, he admits, a vital way to unwind from the immense pressures of his office.

As Prime Minister Lawrence Wong embarks on this new chapter, both for himself and for Singapore, his message is one of cautious optimism and unwavering resolve. In a world fraught with challenges, his leadership will be defined by a commitment to enduring partnerships, a pragmatic approach to global shifts, and an unshakeable belief in the ability of Singapore to not just survive, but to shine.