'I am deeply grateful to my fellow citizens': PM Wong at swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet on the evening of May 23, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong spoke on the recently concluded General Election, the current global climate, and the future of Singapore.

Reflecting on the clear mandate he got during GE 2025, PM Wong said he and his team were humbled and honoured by the trust Singaporeans had placed in them.

He said the outcome reflected the collective desire of Singaporeans, which was to have leaders they could trust and rely on for Singapore's next phase of development, adding that the international community and investors would have taken note.

"The outcome leaves no room for doubt – no one in the world can question the resolve of Singaporeans or the government they have chosen. This is a clear advantage for Singapore, especially in the conduct of our foreign policy.

For that, as your Prime Minister, I am deeply grateful to my fellow citizens."

Fresh team

That performance also meant PM Wong was able to assemble a team with experienced ministers and new office holders.

"I have done my utmost to assemble the strongest team I could for Singapore. 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 Cabinet members that would oversee four critical areas: economy, national security, public services, and social policies.

These four members are DPM Gan Kim Yong, and coordinating ministers Shanmugam, Chan Chun Sing, and Ong Ye Kung.

Uncertain and unpredictable world

PM Wong then touched on the world at large.

He noted that this new term of government was taking place in a more "uncertain and unpredictable world".

A world where major powers were reassessing their strategies and shifting positions to secure the upper hand.

He warned that smaller nations were at risk being "caught in the crossfire, or being cut out of the conversation altogether".

PM Wong then laid out the first priority for his team: to secure an assured place for Singapore in this changed world.

He spoke of deepening relations with major powers, especially the U.S. and China. Staying friends with both while not getting caught in their rivalry.

"Where our interests align, we will work with them. Where they do not, we will stand firm and protect Singapore’s security and sovereignty."

It wasn't just the major powers that PM Wong was looking at either.

He also talked of strengthening ties with old friends and seeking new ones in places like Africa and South America, where Singapore did not yet have much presence.

PM Wong had a meeting today with President of Paraguay Santiago Peña on his first ever state visit 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 said.

Economic and social strategies

With a changing world, comes a changed landscape.

To stay ahead of these changes, PM Wong says he will work with tripartite partners to develop a "new economic blueprint" that will sustain Singapore's competitive edge and create good jobs for Singaporeans.

While this would be a long game, PM Wong said they would work closely with NTUC to support workers and jobseekers as global growth slows in the near term.

Turning his attention to Singapore's social compact, PM Wong said it was critical to strengthen that compact because a society torn by inequalities would not be able to stand resilient in this turbulent world.

That strengthening comes in a variety of ways, according to PM Wong.

Enhancing social support systems, keeping essential services like education, healthcare and housing accessible and affordable, and creating more flexible pathways for Singaporeans in how they can seek happiness, prosperity and progress.

He also touched on the importance of mutual understanding and respect between Singaporeans of different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds.

"We will endure"

PM Wong finished his speech by providing a glimpse into the future of Singapore.

While he acknowledged that history had not been "kind" to small nations like Singapore, Singapore had "defied the odds".

He says this is not just a matter of "good luck" but a result also of the courage, conviction and collective will of Singaporeans.

"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."

Image from Azrizal/ Mothership