OUTLOOK 2026
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Transition in full swing: The 4G leadership’s direction and Budget 2026 priorities

With the election over, the focus may be on long-term issues such as climate change and the ageing population

Sharon See
Published Fri, Jan 2, 2026 · 07:00 AM
    • The priorities of Singapore's 4G leadership – led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong – should become clearer in 2026.
    • The priorities of Singapore's 4G leadership – led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong – should become clearer in 2026. PHOTO: BT FILE

    [SINGAPORE] The year 2025 may be remembered as solidifying Singapore’s transition to its fourth-generation (4G) leadership.

    This year should bring a clearer sense of the 4G team’s priorities, with its economic strategy review to be completed by mid-year.

    The city-state’s leadership transition officially began when Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took the reins in May 2024. But it was only a year later that he led the People’s Action Party (PAP) in his first general election (GE) as PM – and to an improved vote share of 65.57 per cent, bucking the trend of new prime ministers seeing lower vote shares.