Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore will be stepping down on May 15 after leading the government for nearly two decades. At the age of 72, he is transitioning later than planned due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent changes in succession plans. The process of selecting his successor faced some uncertainties, eventually leading to Finance Minister Lawrence Wong being named as the next Prime Minister. This transition marks a significant shift in leadership for Singapore after Mr. Lee's long tenure, during which he navigated various crises and brought about substantial economic growth and social development.
Before entering politics, Mr. Lee had a promising academic career as a gifted mathematician, excelling in his studies at Cambridge University. However, he chose to return to Singapore and pursue a path in public service and military, eventually becoming a prominent figure in Singaporean politics. Despite facing health challenges in the past, he overcame them and rose through the ranks to become Singapore's third Prime Minister in 2004.
Throughout his leadership, Mr. Lee emphasized education, economic growth, and social welfare, steering Singapore through significant transformations and challenges. His tenure saw improvements in various sectors, a focus on narrowing income inequality, and effective management of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
If GDP figures were Mr Lee’s report card, he has certainly scored as the nation’s economic strategist, growing Singapore’s GDP from S$194 billion (US$144 billion) in 2004 to more than S$600 billion last year.
As Prime Minister and the Finance Minister from 2001 to 2007, Mr Lee succeeded in making Singapore’s economy even more sophisticated than it was, and turning the city into a more global city, as a political scientist put it in 2014, 10 years into Mr Lee’s premiership.
Despite facing personal and political challenges, Mr. Lee remains a respected figure in Singaporean politics.
As he prepares to step down and pass the reins to a new leader, Mr. Lee leaves behind a legacy of economic progress, social development, and enduring contributions to Singapore's growth. His decision to prioritize the well-being and advancement of Singapore's society has shaped the nation's trajectory and positioned it for continued success in the future.
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