'Strategic thinker, introverted yet approachable': Singapore's next PM Lawrence Wong in the eyes of those who worked with him

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Lawrence Wong

SINGAPORE: When he was in the Ministry of Finance (MOF) back in the early 2000s, Mr Lee Kok Fatt remembered how his boss Lawrence Wong, then still a young public servant, would reply to emails even while in camp for reservist training.

'Strategic thinker, introverted yet approachable': Singapore's next PM Lawrence Wong in the eyes of those who worked with him'Strategic thinker, introverted yet approachable': Singapore's next PM Lawrence Wong in the eyes of those who worked with him

“He was probably one of the first to be in office, and the last to leave,” said Mr Lee, who now chairs the Chandler Institute of Governance. PM-to-be Lawrence Wong willing to make 'hard decisions' but will listen to all views: Economist interview Mr Wong was a Public Service Commission scholar who earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in economics in the United States before he began working in the public service.

Mr Tan was deputy secretary at the Ministry of National Development from 2014 to 2018. Mr Wong headed the ministry from 2015 to 2020. With strong arguments both for and against the proposal, the issue was further complicated by the implications it would have on students, teachers, schools and even parents.

Before he made his decision, the professor asked to speak to someone about some concerns he had and was told to meet Mr Wong. Commentary: Lawrence Wong's priorities as new Singapore Prime Minister and the two key milestones to watchMs Zing Lim Tse Yin, former deputy director in the MND Housing Division from 2015 to 2020, said: “He would not take input at face value, and would seek to understand the underlying rationale and sentiment. This encouraged healthy discussions and robust outcomes.”

“He is always willing to coach. That has been his trademark since about 20 years ago,” said Mr Ong.Ms Prema Suresh, chairperson of the Indian Activity Executive Committee at Limbang, where Mr Wong is the Member of Parliament, said that while it was common for organisers to feel nervous when a high-profile guest of honour graces an event, Mr Wong never made them feel that way.

Agreeing, Mr Tan said Mr Wong would listen to views from people regardless of their seniority - “often actively asking for views or other ideas” - before making a decision or giving guidance. What has remained constant though, is that Mr Wong is someone who “has no airs around him”, they said.“He himself said: ‘Hey, let’s come and join the residents and dance’. It was a very memorable thing, not just for me but for those at the event,” she said.

Source: News Formal (newsformal.com)

Lawrence Wong

 

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