Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is a ‘decisive’ and ‘consultative’ leader: Gan Kim Yong – Mothership.SG

The appointment of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong signifies “continuity and stability”, with no major changes to government policy planned in the near future, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said.

However, over time, the new prime minister will develop his own leadership style.

Gan, who is also the minister of trade and industry, spoke at the 29th Nikkei International Forum in Tokyo on May 24.

The transfer of leadership is a generational change

Asked whether the transformation would mean any change in Singapore’s foreign policy, Gan said the new leadership was a “generational change”.

The fourth generation of leaders takes over, led by a new prime minister.

For now, however, the change means “continuity and stability” as the Council of Ministers remains largely unchanged.

“So I wouldn’t expect any major changes in government policy and our approach to international relations,” Gan said.

However, he noted that as the world changes, Singapore will need to renew its approach and policy considerations “so that we can catch up with changes in the world.”

On Prime Minister Wong’s leadership style

Gan added that Prime Minister Wong “will evolve his own leadership style over time.”

Still, his time in politics showed what kind of leader he would be.

Gan cited the example of Forward Singapore, a nationwide engagement exercise that Prime Minister Wong led when he was deputy prime minister.

“It was a process through which he engaged people on the ground to understand their needs, concerns and aspirations, and also allowed them to better understand who he is as a fourth-generation leader,” Gan said.

His approach to exercise “reflects his consultative approach to leadership and government.”

Moreover, his experience on the multi-ministerial task force on Covid-19 indicates a decisive leadership style.

This is especially the case with difficult choices where he would “make up his mind and move on.”

“This decisiveness and consultative approach will likely shape his leadership style in the future,” he said.

Best photo from NTUC/Facebook and Gan Kim Yong/Facebook