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An economy transformed: Lee Hsien Loong’s 20 years as Singapore’s Prime Minister

He will soon hand the reins to his deputy Lawrence Wong at a time of looming domestic challenges and a rapidly changing world order

Sharon See,

Ng Wei Kai

Published Wed, Apr 17, 2024 · 05:32 PM

Singapore economy

WHEN Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was sworn in as Singapore’s third leader in 2004, he sought to build a vibrant and competitive economy as a means to create good jobs and improve citizens’ lives.

“Without the resources that come from growth, we cannot achieve much,” he said at his inauguration. “But prosperity is not our only goal, nor is economic growth an end in itself.”

Those words helped shape his leadership style and frame his government’s priorities as he guided the nation into the modern and thriving economy that it is today.