Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.

[jw5]

Lawrence was delighted to welcome His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah to Singapore.

Lawrence Wong​

23h ·
Delighted to welcome His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah to Singapore, for the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP).
The 10th edition of the YLP takes place amidst a milestone year - 40 years of diplomatic relations. His Royal Highness and I reaffirmed our commitment to the special relationship between our countries, discussed existing and new areas of cooperation, and unveiled commemorative stamps for the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
I was also glad to host Their Royal Highnesses to dinner and to tour the Impressions of Monet Exhibition at Gardens by the Bay.
I am confident that our partnership will continue to be robust, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial.
(

: MDDI Photos by [1,3] Lim Sin Thai [2] Ngau Kai Yan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wishes everyone joy and warmth this Mid-Autumn Festival.

Lawrence Wong​

Yesterday at 04:54 ·
Wishing everyone joy and warmth this Mid-Autumn Festival.
Celebrated the Festival with Our Limbang residents over the weekend— we had an enjoyable time with lanterns, carnival games, and mooncakes!
月圆人团圆，祝大家中秋节快乐!

(

: MDDI Photos by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence enjoyed meeting many grassroots leaders and community partners.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Enjoyed meeting many grassroots leaders and community partners at the People's Association Appreciation Reception.
For over 60 years, the dedicated staff and volunteers of PA have focused on building strong community bonds. These connections have been invaluable in overcoming challenges like the COVID pandemic, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and shared responsibility. Together, we've shaped a community where everyone plays a part in helping one another, addressing local issues, and defining the spirit of our society.
In our next phase of nation-building, the work of PA is more crucial than ever. I look forward to working closely with our grassroots leaders and volunteers to forge our new way forward, and create a better Singapore for all.
(

: MDDI Photos by Lim Sin Thai)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was happy to catch up with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Great to catch up with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. We’ve known each other since our time at the Harvard Kennedy School, and stayed connected and continued our friendship through the years.
Our two countries share a warm friendship too, underpinned by our strong people-to-people ties. We also share many common interests as small states, including a shared commitment to sustainability. Bhutan is blessed with abundant hydro power, and is one of the few countries in the world that is carbon negative, ie it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits from all activities. That’s why we are looking at further collaboration on carbon credits. This will build on the cooperation we already have in various areas like skills development and healthcare.
As two small nations navigating an uncertain world, we will continue to work together, leveraging on our shared values and strengths.

(

: MDDI Photo by Lim Sin Thai)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was delighted.

Lawrence Wong​

12h ·
When I was Chief Executive of EMA, I had the chance to visit New Zealand on a fellowship programme and called on then-PM John Key. So I was delighted to catch up with him, and to discuss regional and international developments affecting our two countries. Our bilateral ties are in excellent shape, underpinned by our close people-to people links, and shared strategic perspectives of the world.
(

: MDDI Photo by Ngau Kai Yan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was happy to meet Rwanda President Paul Kagame at the Istana today.

Lawrence Wong​

1h ·
Happy to meet Rwanda President Paul Kagame at the Istana today. Rwanda and Singapore are far apart geographically. But as small nations with limited resources, we have much in common. We work together on the multilateral front, including at the United Nations and the Forum of Small States.
Bilaterally the links between our countries have increased over the years. During our meeting, we discussed ways to enhance cooperation in areas like digitalisation, Fintech, and sustainable development. I look forward to strengthening our bilateral relationship further.

(

: MDDI Photo by Ngau Kai Yan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence visited Woodlands Primary School.

Lawrence Wong​

·
I mentioned at the National Day Rally that our schools are embarking on “play-based learning”. That means incorporating elements of play into lesson time, so that students can learn through play.
I visited Woodlands Primary School and joined one of their classes to experience this firsthand. This was a math lesson for P4 students. But instead of doing worksheets, they refreshed their understanding of fractions through a game. The students loved it! They actively engaged one another, and learnt in a fun and engaging environment.
I’m glad to see the positive changes taking place in our classrooms and schools. We aim to instill the joy of learning in all our students!

:
Ministry of Education, Singapore
(

: MDDI Photo by Terence Tan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wants to stand together to reinforce the multilateral system and uphold international law.

Lawrence Wong​

·
As small states, we must stand together to reinforce the multilateral system and uphold international law. By working in unity, we can amplify our voices and shape a more stable and prosperous future for all.
Watch my full video message for the IPI-RSIS Report (Small States and the Future of Multilateralism) here:
(

: MDDI Photo by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence enjoys Sunday morning at Bird Paradise with our Marsiling-Yew Tee residents!

Lawrence Wong

is with Hany Soh and Zaqy Mohamad.​

·
Sunday morning at Bird Paradise with our Marsiling-Yew Tee residents! It was the first time here for many. They have fond memories of the old Jurong Bird Park; and I’m glad they can now create new ones with their family and loved ones at this new attraction!
Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC Mandai Wildlife Reserve

 

[jw5]

Lawrence congratulates Lando Norris and McLaren.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Congratulations to Lando Norris and McLaren for clinching victory at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix!
It was a spectacular night of racing under the Marina Bay lights. Beyond the excitement of the race track, the F1 in Singapore is also a useful platform to engage partners and stakeholders, and forge meaningful connections.
Kudos to Ministry of Trade & Industry, Singapore Tourism Board, government agencies, and all the organisers for another unforgettable night. Your dedication made this event possible for fans and participants alike.

#F1NightRace #SingaporeGP
(

: Photos by [1] ST / Mark Cheong, [2-6] MDDI / Chwee)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was happy to catch up with former Australian PM Scott Morrison.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Good to catch up with former Australian PM Scott Morrison at the Istana today. We got to know each other at a G20 Finance Ministers meeting some years back, and have kept in touch since then.
Singapore and Australia share close and longstanding relations underpinned by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). During Mr Morrison’s term as PM, we established the Singapore-Australia Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) — the first such bilateral DEA for Singapore. I thank him for his contributions to our bilateral ties, and wish him all the best in his endeavours.
(

: MDDI Photo by Terence Tan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wishes Temasek Happy 50th birthday.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Happy 50th birthday, Temasek!
Singapore’s economic success has been built on an ethos of self-reliance, being open to the world, and a boldness to push frontiers. This mindset has also guided Temasek over the past 5 decades. From a motley collection of 35 companies which it took over from the government in 1974, Temasek has grown its portfolio, invested abroad, and become a leading global investment firm.
A big “thank you” to everyone in Temasek and its portfolio companies — past and present— who have contributed to this remarkable journey. Special thanks to former Temasek Chairmen Mr J.Y. Pillay, Mr Lee Ek Tieng, and Mr S. Dhanabalan for their leadership.
We face new challenges ahead. We will have to find our own path forward in a more troubled global environment. Even as Temasek embarks on its next phase of transformation, it should hold firm to certain fundamentals — its adherence to exemplary standards and values; ability to think long-term, and add to the Singapore brand of quality, reliability and integrity. These are attributes for which Temasek is already well-known for, and which will ensure Temasek remains a valued and trusted long-term partner. I wish Temasek continued impact and success. Together we can build a lasting legacy — for a stronger Temasek, better Singapore and brighter future for many more generations to come.
(

: MDDI Photos by Ngau Kai Yan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence is honoured.

Lawrence Wong

is with Teo Chee Hean and
2 others
.​

·
25 years ago, the Republic of Singapore Navy started on a journey to build our submarine capability.
Today, we are honoured to commission the first two Invincible-class submarines. We are grateful to our pioneer submariners who worked tirelessly to lay the foundations for today’s submarine force. Through steady and sustained investments, we have built up critical new capabilities to keep our sea lines open and secure.
To all our submariners - you are entrusted with the vital mission of defending our maritime nation. May you continue to live up to the submariners’ creed – to be Invisible and Invincible warriors of the undersea!
(

: Photos by [1] Republic of Singapore Navy, [2] MDDI / Betty Chua, [3,5] Ngau Kai Yan, [4] Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF))

 

[jw5]

Lawrence had a productive meeting with the First Mayor of Hamburg Dr Peter Tschentscher.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Singapore and Hamburg share a rich history. The links go back to 1840 when two friends from Hamburg arrived in Singapore, began trading spices, silk, cotton and tea, and set up the Behn Meyer company. The company still exists today and joins more than 2,300 other German companies operating out of Singapore.
Both Hamburg and Singapore are also port cities — we share a rich maritime heritage, with thriving economies driven by international commerce and logistics.
We are discussing ways to further strengthen cooperation, and I had a productive meeting with the First Mayor of Hamburg Dr Peter Tschentscher today. I look forward to further deepening our ties with Hamburg and Germany.

(

: MDDI Photo by Terence Tan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence enjoyed his Saturday afternoon.

Lawrence Wong

is with Carrie Tan 陈澮敏 and
3 others
.​

·
Enjoyed my Saturday afternoon in Nee Soon, meeting and engaging many residents and volunteer groups. When we collaborate and work together, we create a stronger, more cohesive and more resilient community!
(

: MDDI Photos by Terence Tan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence is confident that PA and our grassroots leaders and volunteers will continue to empower the community to turn this vision into reality.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Since its establishment in 1960, the People's Association has been nurturing a more caring and cohesive Singapore.
Generations of grassroots leaders have served selflessly, contributing their time and efforts to solve problems on the ground, and to build stronger community bonds.
At today’s PA Community Seminar, we reaffirmed our commitment to this important work. While PA’s core purpose remains unchanged, we are refreshing our approach. In particular, we will sharpen our focus on community participation. We want to involve more residents, empower them, and work with them on ground-up solutions. We want to foster a greater sense of ownership and responsibility amongst our residents. Not all will join as grassroots leaders. But we welcome everyone’s participation as community volunteers, so that together we can build a better home for all.
I am confident that PA and our grassroots leaders and volunteers will continue to empower the community to turn this vision into reality.
Edwin Tong
(

: MDDI Photos by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wants to support our seniors to stay active, keep healthy and age well!

Lawrence Wong​

·
Today is the International Day for Older Persons.
In my National Day Rally, I shared the story of 78-year-old Mdm Leow. Like many in our Pioneer Generation, she embodies self-reliance and resilience — leading exercise sessions, organising community gatherings, and fostering connections among her neighbours.
We will continue to support our seniors to stay active, keep healthy and age well!

 

[jw5]

Lawrence congratulates Mr Ishiba Shigeru on his appointment as Prime Minister of Japan.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Congratulations to Mr Ishiba Shigeru on his appointment as Prime Minister of Japan.
Singapore and Japan enjoy warm, substantive and longstanding relations. We share common interests in maintaining regional peace and stability, upholding an open and inclusive regional architecture, and strengthening multilateralism.
I look forward to working with PM Ishiba to deepen our extensive ties.
My best wishes to former PM Kishida Fumio, whose leadership has greatly strengthened Singapore-Japan relations.
See link for my congratulatory letter: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/.../Congratulatory-Letter-Japan-PM...
(

: PM Ishiba Shigeru Facebook)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wants to reach even greater heights over the next decade.

Lawrence Wong

is with Singapore Institute of Technology and
3 others
.​

·
10 years ago we set an ambition to become a Smart Nation - to make Singapore an outstanding place where people can live meaningful and fulfilling lives, and where the human spirit flourishes.
We have made significant progress these last 10 years. But the operating environment is ever changing. Technology is rapidly advancing. Perhaps the biggest change is the recent breakthroughs in AI.
So we are refreshing our strategies for Smart Nation. We have three key goals in Smart Nation 2.0 - Growth, Community and Trust. They are the key building blocks for a thriving digital future.
There is no set formula to reach these goals. We have to experiment with new approaches, iterate quickly and innovate boldly. Then we can reach even greater heights over the next decade.
Ultimately Smart Nation is a call to all Singaporeans to take our nation forward. Together let us bring our shared vision to life, and turn our collective hopes into reality!
(

: MDDI Photos by Terence Tan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wants to keep the cost of living stable and improve the lives of all Singaporeans.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Inflation has been a significant concern for many, directly impacting our day to day expenses. My team and I are committed to doing everything we can to help cushion the impact. I’m also glad to see many Singaporeans are stepping forward to support one another, and the more vulnerable groups.
Together, we can keep the cost of living stable and improve the lives of all Singaporeans.

Watch the full video here on my YouTube: https://go.gov.sg/col2oct
(

: MDDI Photo by Betty Chua)