Lawrence Wong says GE2025 result reflects collective desire of Singaporeans as new Cabinet sworn in

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s new Cabinet was officially sworn in at the Istana on the evening of 23 May, 2025. This is his first Cabinet since taking office in 2024, and it follows the People’s Action Party’s victory in the 2025 General Election. In his speech following the ceremony, Wong called the election result a clear demonstration of Singaporeans’ collective desire for trustworthy leadership. He said it offered a mandate for the next phase of national development. “The outcome leaves no room for doubt – no one in the world can question the resolve of Singaporeans or the government they have chosen,” he said. “This is a clear advantage for Singapore, especially in the conduct of our foreign policy.” He added that the international community and investors would be paying close attention to the stability and direction affirmed by the electorate. Wong attributed his ability to form a robust Cabinet to the confidence shown by voters in the General Election, where the PAP secured 65.57 per cent of the vote. “I have done my utmost to assemble the strongest team I could for Singapore,” he said. “My new team comprises both experienced ministers who will provide steady hands and new ministers who will provide fresh perspectives and ideas.” He highlighted four key leaders tasked with overseeing Singapore’s most critical policy areas: economy, national security, public services, and social policies. These roles are held by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, and coordinating ministers Shanmugam, Chan Chun Sing, and Ong Ye Kung.

Securing Singapore’s global position amid shifting geopolitical tides

Addressing the broader geopolitical environment, Wong said his government begins its term in a world marked by instability. He spoke of a shifting global order where major powers are recalibrating strategies and competing for influence, noting that small nations such as Singapore risk being marginalised. Wong’s first stated priority is to secure Singapore’s position on the international stage by deepening ties with major powers – particularly the United States and China – while maintaining independence in policy. “Where our interests align, we will work with them. Where they do not, we will stand firm and protect Singapore’s security and sovereignty,” he said. He also pledged to forge new international friendships, including with countries in Africa and South America where Singapore’s presence has traditionally been limited. Earlier in the day, Wong met with Santiago Peña, the President of Paraguay, marking the first-ever state visit by a Paraguayan leader to Singapore. “In a world of shifting alliances, we will be a steady and constructive partner – one willing and able to contribute to peace and stability, advance dialogue and fraternity, and to support a rules-based international order,” he affirmed.

Building a future-ready economy through renewed tripartite collaboration

On the domestic front, Wong emphasised the need to reshape Singapore’s economy in light of a changing global environment. He outlined plans to work with tripartite partners – government, unions, and employers – to develop a new economic blueprint that ensures long-term competitiveness and creates quality jobs for Singaporeans. He acknowledged that global growth was expected to slow, and said the government would collaborate with the National Trades Union Congress to support jobseekers and workers through the transition. Turning to social policy, Wong said strengthening Singapore’s social compact would be central to his administration’s agenda. He cautioned that in a world marked by growing inequality, a divided society would lack the resilience needed to face future challenges. Key areas of focus include strengthening social support, ensuring access to essential services such as education, healthcare and housing, and enabling more diverse pathways to success and fulfilment. He also stressed the need for stronger mutual understanding between people of different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds.

Reinforcing the social compact to foster unity and resilience

In concluding his speech, Wong reflected on Singapore’s historical trajectory as a small nation that has repeatedly defied the odds. He said Singapore’s endurance was not simply a result of good fortune, but of unity, conviction, and collective effort. “As long as we continue to believe in ourselves, have faith in one another, and work together, we will endure. Singapore will endure. Be it SG100, or even beyond, there will still be Singaporeans – standing strong and free,” he said. Alongside Wong, most Cabinet ministers, senior ministers of state, and ministers of state also took their oaths of office on the same day. Their appointments came into effect from 23 May, 2025. The new Cabinet comprises 40 political office-holders, up from 37 in the previous term. The increase signals a broader renewal of governance under Wong’s leadership. Among the updates is the retention of experienced ministers in key portfolios such as economic strategy and foreign affairs, ensuring policy continuity. The lineup includes 15 full ministers and two acting ministers, across the Prime Minister’s Office and 16 ministries. Nine new political office-holders have joined the Cabinet, seven of whom are newly elected MPs from the recent General Election – a record number for any Cabinet reshuffle in recent years. Two senior parliamentary secretaries – Syed Harun Alhabsyi and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim – are due to take office on 1 October, 2025, and 1 February, 2026, respectively. Wong’s move to centralise leadership within four senior roles, including DPM Gan and the three coordinating ministers, has been interpreted as a consolidation of executive strength within the government.