Lawrence Wong

Glad to join DBS CEO Tan Su Shan for a dialogue at the inaugural DBS Asia Future Forward Conference today.

Geopolitics and AI were major themes in our conversation. Both are reshaping the world and creating new challenges for countries everywhere, including Singapore.

We are entering a world where power and leverage increasingly shape how countries deal with one another. Smaller countries like Singapore will inevitably face greater pressures.

Our response must be to maintain good relations with all, while having the strength and confidence to stand our ground. We must also remain economically relevant, by offering something of value that others need. That way, other countries will have good reasons to engage us, listen to our views, and take our interests seriously.

The world ahead will be more dangerous and turbulent. But if we stay united, strengthen our capabilities and remain relevant to the world, we can face the challenges ahead with confidence, and continue to chart our own path forward.

Jungle training in Temburong is tough. But we learn to push our limits and become better soldiers!

🔗: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSbTum5tM/

Congratulations to Max Verstappen on his first-ever victory at the Singapore Grand Prix!

Beyond the excitement on the track, the Singapore Grand Prix is also a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and partners from around the world. I was especially glad to meet Singaporeans making their mark in different fields, including our athletes and aspiring young motorsport drivers.

A memorable weekend of thrilling racing and meaningful connections!

🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19JK5j9Sdz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Singapore has delivered four Light Fire Attack Vehicles to the Brunei Fire and Rescue Department. These vehicles are similar to our familiar Red Rhinos, and were customised by Singaporean company HOPE Technik to meet Brunei’s operational needs.

This is another example of how our close and special relationship translates into practical cooperation and tangible benefits for both countries!

🔗: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C3axjh8K8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

For generations of Singaporean soldiers, training in the jungles of Temburong has been a rite of passage. The rugged terrain and demanding conditions have tested us and pushed us to new limits.

I was last here as an officer cadet in the 1990s. It was good to be back after all these years, and to meet some of our soldiers undergoing training there today. Brought back many memories!

To our servicemen training in Brunei, make the most of your time there. Train hard, look out for one another, and take pride in what you accomplish together. The experience will stay with you for years to come!

🔗: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbDJxrD7W/?mibextid=wwXIfr

50 years ago, Singapore and Brunei took an important step towards defence cooperation. Today, our relationship is built on mutual trust, shared experiences and lasting friendships forged through training and working alongside one another.

I was honoured to join His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah for a Joint Parade marking 50 years of Singapore-Brunei Darussalam defence relations. The parade brought together personnel and assets from both countries across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

We also launched a commemorative gallery showcasing our partnership. It was good to catch up with His Majesty, HRH the Crown Prince Billah and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen over lunch.

My thanks to all Singaporean and Bruneian personnel who made today’s celebrations a success.

Singapore deeply values our special friendship with Brunei Darussalam. We look forward to building on our strong foundations and strengthening our ties for many years to come.

🔗: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSbWtLcNa/

Pleased to welcome Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman back to Singapore — her second visit in just two months!

We had a good discussion on global economic developments, including how our two countries are navigating the challenges posed by the ongoing energy crisis. She also shared updates on developments in India, and the many new opportunities opening up for investment and cooperation.

Singapore and India enjoy strong and substantive ties, with our partnership continuing to grow across many areas. I look forward to building on this momentum and doing even more together in the years ahead.

🔗: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F8S6v7iLr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Good to catch up with former Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Singapore! We last met in Tokyo in March, so it was nice to reconnect.

We exchanged views on regional developments and how Singapore and Japan can work more closely together, including in areas like AI safety and clean energy.

Japan is a longstanding and valued partner of Singapore. We look forward to deepening our cooperation, and working together to strengthen ASEAN-Japan ties as Singapore prepares to chair ASEAN in 2027.

🔗: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DGUTVyWkz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It was great to be back at the Forbes Global CEO Conference for its 24th edition, and to have a wide-ranging conversation with Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes.

We are living through a time of profound change. This presents challenges for countries everywhere, including Singapore. But we are not without agency. We are strengthening our resilience, investing in new capabilities, and creating opportunities for the future. Above all, we will keep Singapore a stable and trusted place where businesses can invest and innovate with confidence.

In a more fragmented and unpredictable world, stability and trust matter more than ever. We will continue to work closely with our partners, build bridges across regions, and navigate these changes together.

🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19yEcRsxSM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Had a good discussion with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva during her visit to Singapore, ahead of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok next week.

We exchanged views on the global economic outlook and the challenges facing economies in a more uncertain environment. In particular, we discussed how countries can harness AI and other emerging technologies to strengthen productivity, create opportunities for businesses and workers, and support sustainable growth.

We also discussed regional developments and Singapore's priorities as we prepare for our ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027. Strong cooperation among countries and institutions like the IMF will be important in helping our region remain open, resilient, and forward-looking.

Singapore shares a longstanding partnership with the IMF. I look forward to continuing our close cooperation in support of a stable international monetary and financial system.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is in Singapore for the Forbes Global CEO Conference, and I took the opportunity to host him to tea and catch up on recent developments.

No music this time — just a good chat between friends, and a chance to strengthen our ties and keep up the positive momentum in cooperation between our two countries.
🇸🇬🇹🇭

Visited three hawker stalls at Marine Terrace that have been around since the 70s, and are now being carried on by a new generation!

🔗: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeI6FQNPzAI/?stkn=bXQ3aDc3bjRqam8=

I was pleased to welcome President of Panama José Raúl Mulino Quintero to Singapore.

Singapore and Panama are both small, open economies and important gateways to our respective regions. We have each turned geography into opportunity — connecting oceans, markets and people. We also share a strong belief in the importance of a rules-based international order and multilateral cooperation.

Panama was the first country in Latin America which Singapore signed an FTA with. There is much more we can do together, especially in logistics, given our roles as major air and maritime hubs. We witnessed the exchange of an MOU between SATS and Tocumen International Airport to deepen cooperation in air connectivity and cargo logistics.

We also discussed expanding our partnership in areas such as trade and logistics. I look forward to building on these strong foundations and creating new opportunities for our businesses and peoples.

🔗: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CiDFVBYUy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A lovely encounter at Marine Terrace — I met Mary, who used to be our school clerk at Haig Boys’ School. She is 89 now, and still as energetic and cheerful as ever!

🔗: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeEpDWXvU-c/?stkn=aGQ2cnkwaWtrYW9h

A familiar tune and a familiar face! Nice to cross paths again in Marine Parade.

🔗: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeDk4hFPqkl/?stkn=MXJlMzd2NWppZzdlcg==

Joined Goh Pei Ming for a visit to Marine Terrace Market and Hawker Centre this morning.

Coming back here always feels special. I grew up in this neighbourhood, so it was heartening to see many familiar stalls and shops. It brought back many fond memories.

A lot has changed in Marine Parade over the years, but the warmth and sense of community remains. No matter how much the neighbourhood evolves, it will always feel like home.

🔗: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19wjzKjH3X/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Hosted His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah to dinner at the Singapore Oceanarium, where our team arranged an underwater banner: “Deepening our friendship.”

It’s a fitting message for the close and enduring ties between Singapore and Brunei. At the heart of this special relationship are the strong personal bonds built up over many years.

I always value the chance to catch up with His Royal Highness, and look forward to many more exchanges, as we continue to strengthen the ties between our countries.

🔗: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSbPP9UE4/

Happy Children’s Day! 🎈

To all our children — keep dreaming, discovering, and staying curious about the world around you. As you learn and grow, have the confidence to try new things, explore what interests you, and enjoy the journey.

And let’s all do our part to give every child the support and encouragement they need to grow and thrive.

🔗: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd-KODnvs8P/?stkn=MXZnb3R6MjVlcDNoaw==

Today marks a new chapter for the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as it becomes the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Energy is increasingly critical to Singapore’s economic competitiveness and long-term resilience. The new name reflects this growing priority, alongside METI’s continued work to strengthen our economy and create good opportunities for Singaporeans.

My thanks to everyone in the METI family for your dedication and service to Singapore. As METI begins this new chapter, I look forward to the team building on its strong foundations and working together to power Singapore’s next phase of growth.

🔗: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd716KJPlc2/?stkn=MWdmNWY0cG91a3djcw==

It was a pleasure to join the Economist Service to mark its 25th anniversary.

I was part of the founding cohort of economists back in 2001. There were only five of us then. Today, there are more than 100 economists across over 20 government agencies and two international organisations.

The Economist Service has come a long way. We now have more advanced tools to support our work. But what matters most is the discipline that economics brings — to question assumptions, weigh costs and trade-offs, and think clearly about choices and consequences. These are essential to making better decisions and designing better policies for Singapore.

Thank you to all our economists, past and present, for your contributions. Happy 25th anniversary to the Economist Service!

🔗: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19SwcZpiFw/?mibextid=wwXIfr