Latest news with #Istana
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Govt will always put S'poreans at the centre of all it does, says PM Wong
SINGAPORE – The newly formed Government will press on with realising its road map for a fairer and more just society, and will work closely with Singaporeans in shaping these plans, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledged on May 23. Besides moves to strengthen Singapore's social compact, it will also look beyond immediate concerns to prepare Singapore for the future, he said in a speech at the Istana following the swearing-in of his refreshed Cabinet. 'Together, as a team, we pledge to serve Singaporeans to the best of our abilities, with commitment and integrity, with sincerity and humility,' he said. He added: 'Our mission is clear: To always put Singaporeans at the centre of all we do, to listen to your concerns, and to respond decisively.' PM Wong said Forward Singapore – a blueprint for the next phase of Singapore's growth drawn up through consultations with over 200,000 citizens – is especially critical today, as a society torn by inequalities cannot be resilient in the face of a more turbulent world. That is why the Government will enhance the country's social support system to provide greater assurance to Singaporeans across all life stages, from early childhood to retirement. This means keeping essential services like education, healthcare and housing accessible and affordable, and strengthening support for seniors so they can live with dignity, purpose and fulfilment, he said. More diverse and flexible pathways will be created for Singaporeans to seek happiness, prosperity and progress, whether they are a student exploring career options, a mid-career worker seeking to upskill, or a senior who wishes to continue contributing, said PM Wong. 'Our aim is for every Singaporean to thrive and flourish on their own terms,' he said. The mutual understanding and respect between people of different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds will also be deepened to strengthen the bonds that unite Singaporeans, he added. He noted that Singaporeans did not allow issues of race and religion that surfaced during the general election to divide them. This showed how far society has come, but was also a reminder for the country not to take its harmony for granted. 'We will continue to guard these fault lines carefully, and redouble our efforts to build a society where everyone feels respected and valued, and knows they truly belong,' he said. Speaking in Malay, PM Wong said he had strengthened his team with the promotion and appointment of several new office-holders who are from the Malay community, and that the Government will continue to strengthen its relationship with the Malay/Muslim community. Looking further ahead, the Government will also accelerate Singapore's transition to cleaner energy, and adapt to the realities of climate change. Infrastructure will be transformed to create smarter, more connected and greener homes for all Singaporeans, and PM Wong gave the assurance that the city will be dynamic and vibrant, yet distinctly Singaporean – 'a great place to live, and one we are all proud to call home'. Above all, the Government will work shoulder to shoulder with all Singaporeans to write this next chapter of the nation's story, he said. This means continuing to engage Singaporeans from all walks of life to hear their hopes and concerns, and actively involving the people such that their voices are reflected in government policies, said PM Wong. PM Wong said in his Mandarin remarks that he and his team will henceforth ramp up their engagement with Singaporeans, with the aim of together achieving a common vision and goals. 'This is how my team and I will govern – in partnership with Singaporeans,' he said. 'Everyone will have a say in shaping our way forward and building our shared future.' A more open and engaged society will strengthen, not weaken, Singapore, he stressed. 'We are not afraid of differing views – we welcome constructive debates. They push us to think harder, plan better, and serve Singaporeans more effectively,' he said. 'But at the same time, we must always respect one another, and remember that even with our differences, we share more in common with each other.' While history has not been kind to small nations like Singapore, and the Republic has always been vulnerable, caught between the interests of greater powers, PM Wong noted that Singapore has defied the odds for 60 years. It has done so not just because of good luck, but because of Singaporeans' courage, conviction, and collective will as one people, he added. As long as the people continue to believe in themselves, have faith in one another, and work together, Singapore will endure, he added. 'So be it SG100, or even beyond, there will still be Singaporeans – standing strong and free,' he said. 'And not only will we survive – we will prevail.' The Prime Minister called on Singaporeans to once again muster the courage, imagination and new resolve to build a country that is open, inclusive and full of opportunities. 'Let us secure a brighter future for ourselves, our families and for generations to come,' he said. Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Singapore PM Lawrence Wong, new Cabinet sworn in after PAP election victory
SINGAPORE, May 24 — Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong led the swearing-in of the Cabinet for the new term of government at the Istana yesterday, following the People's Action Party's (PAP) resounding victory at the May 3 general election. The ceremony, broadcast live on television and streamed on social media platforms, began at about 8 pm with the national anthem, Majulah Singapura, followed by a speech from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Wong, who also serves as Finance Minister, took and signed the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for the Due Execution of Office before President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon. The Prime Minister was then presented with the instrument of appointment by the President. Next to be sworn in were Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, and the three coordinating ministers. They are Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. Subsequently, nine Ministers, 12 Senior Ministers of State and eight Ministers of State were also sworn in. All ministers took and signed the Affirmation of Allegiance and the Affirmation for the Due Execution of Office and received their instruments of appointment from the President. One additional Minister of State, Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, will be sworn in at a later date, as his appointment takes effect from Feb 1, 2026. The senior parliamentary secretaries will also be sworn in at a later date. Wong announced his new Cabinet lineup on Wednesday (May 21). — Bernama
CNA
23-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
PM Wong and new Cabinet sworn in
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his Cabinet team have been sworn in as the country's 15th term of government. They include 15 full ministers and three acting ministers. Speaking at the ceremony, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam urged Singaporeans to work with the new team to address issues of today and tomorrow. Mr Wong also pledged that his team will serve Singaporeans and work to improve their lives. More than 600 guests witnessed the event at the Istana.
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Singapore cabinet sworn in as PM Lawrence Wong vows to steer country through new world order
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledged to chart a course through a world order he described as turbulent and uncertain, while promising a more consultative style of governance as his new cabinet was sworn in on Friday night. Addressing 600 guests who gathered at the Istana lawn for the ceremony, Wong said that amid a turbulent world, 'Singaporeans voted for a strong and stable government while re-electing opposition MPs in the constituencies they held'. He described the result of the May 3 election as a 'clear mandate', with his People's Action Party (PAP) returning to power with a 'strengthened majority' from the last election. 'This outcome reflects the collective desire of Singaporeans in these uncertain times – you understood what was at stake, our vulnerability and our future. You chose leaders you could trust, a government you could rely on and a steady course for our nation's next phase of development,' he said. This will serve as a 'clear advantage' for the country when conducting foreign policy,' he added. Earlier this week, Wong announced his new cabinet line-up, with key changes including former education minister Chan Chun Sing filling the defence spot, and two newly elected faces, former senior civil servant Jeffrey Siow and ex-chief of army David Neo, becoming acting ministers for transport and culture, respectively.
CNA
23-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Watch: Swearing-in ceremony for PM Lawrence Wong and Cabinet
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his new Cabinet were sworn into office at a ceremony at the Istana on Friday (May 23). Mr Wong had announced his Cabinet on Wednesday, with Mr Gan Kim Yong as his sole deputy prime minister. There are also three new coordinating ministers. Mr K Shanmugam will serve as coordinating minister for national security and continue as home affairs minister. Mr Chan Chun Sing will be coordinating minister for public services and take on a new portfolio as defence minister. And Mr Ong Ye Kung will take on the role of coordinating minister for social policies on top of being health minister.
