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'{{short description|Singaporean politician}} {{Distinguish|Lawrence Wong (actor)}} {{family name hatnote|[[Huang (surname)|Wong]]|lang=Chinese}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific-prefix = [[The Honourable]] | name = Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai | birthname = Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai | native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|zh-hans|黄循财}}}} | native_name_lang = zh-sg | honorific_suffix = | image = Lawrence Wong.jpg | image_size = 250 | caption = Lawrence Wong at the [[Singapore International Energy Week]] in 2010 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|12|18|df=yes}} | birth_place = Singapore | citizenship = | nationality = | party = [[People's Action Party]] | education = [[Victoria Junior College]] | alma_mater = [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]]<br />[[University of Michigan–Ann Arbor]]<br/>[[Harvard University]]<ref name="2015 new Cabinet">{{cite web | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/prime-minister-lee-hsien/2154802.html | title=Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announces Singapore's new Cabinet | publisher=Channel NewsAsia | date=28 September 2015 | access-date=28 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928215945/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/prime-minister-lee-hsien/2154802.html | archive-date=28 September 2015 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> | office = [[Ministry of Finance (Singapore)|Minister for Finance]] | term_start = 15 May 2021 | term_end = | predecessor = [[Heng Swee Keat]] | successor = | primeminister = [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | constituency = [[Marsiling–Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency|Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC]] | office1 = [[Ministry of Education (Singapore)|Minister for Education]] | term_start1 = 27 July 2020 | term_end1 = 14 May 2021 | predecessor1 = [[Ong Ye Kung]] | successor1 = [[Chan Chun Sing]] | primeminister1 = [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | constituency1 = [[Marsiling–Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency|Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC]] | office2 = [[Ministry of National Development (Singapore)|Minister for National Development]] | term_start2 = 1 October 2015 | term_end2 = 26 July 2020 | predecessor2 = [[Khaw Boon Wan]] | successor2 = [[Desmond Lee (Singaporean politician)|Desmond Lee]] | primeminister2 = [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | constituency2 = [[Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC]] | office3 = [[Ministry of Finance (Singapore)|Second Minister for Finance]]<ref name="National Day Rally 2016">{{cite web | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/live-updates-national-day/3061528.html | title=Live updates: National Day Rally 2016 | publisher=Channel NewsAsia | date=22 August 2016 | access-date=21 August 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822065930/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/live-updates-national-day/3061528.html | archive-date=22 August 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> | primeminister3 = [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | minister3 = [[Heng Swee Keat]] | alongside3 = [[Indranee Rajah]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yuen Sin |title=Cabinet reshuffle: Indranee Rajah promoted, new Cabinet now has 3 women ministers |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/cabinet-reshuffle-indranee-rajah-promoted-to-full-minister-new-cabinet-will-have-3-women |access-date=3 December 2018 |work=The Straits Times |publisher=Singapore Press Holdings |date=24 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203202740/https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/cabinet-reshuffle-indranee-rajah-promoted-to-full-minister-new-cabinet-will-have-3-women |archive-date=3 December 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> | term_start3 = 22 August 2016 | term_end3 = 14 May 2021 | predecessor3 = ''Position established'' | successor3 = | constituency3 = [[Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC]] | constituency_MP4 = [[Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC]] <br/> (Limbang) | parliament4 = Singapore | term_start4 = 11 September 2015 | term_end4 = | majority4 = 29,081 (26.36%) | office5 = [[Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth|Minister for Culture, Community and Youth]] | primeminister5 = [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | term_start5 = 1 May 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/changes-in-cabinet-other/1089278.html|title=Tan and Wong promoted to full Minister|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=29 April 2014|access-date=2 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501234110/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/changes-in-cabinet-other/1089278.html|archive-date=1 May 2014}}</ref> | term_end5 = 30 September 2015 <br/><small> Acting: 1 November 2012 - 30 April 2014 </small> | predecessor5 = [[Chan Chun Sing]] (<small>as Acting Minister of Community Development, Youth and Sports</small>) | successor5 = [[Grace Fu Hai Yien]] | constituency5 = [[West Coast GRC]] | office6 = [[Ministry of Communications and Information|Second Minister for Communications and Information]] | primeminister6 = [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | minister6 = [[Yaacob Ibrahim]] | term_start6 = 1 May 2014 | term_end6 = 30 September 2015 | predecessor6 = ''Office created'' | successor6 = ''Office abolished'' | constituency6 = [[West Coast GRC]] | constituency_MP7 = [[West Coast GRC]] <br/> (Boon Lay) | parliament7 = Singapore | term_start7 = 7 May 2011 | term_end7 = 24 August 2015 | signature = Lawrence Wong signature.svg }} '''Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai''' (born 18 December 1972) is a [[Singaporean]] politician. A member of the governing [[People's Action Party]] (PAP), he currently serves as the [[Ministry of Finance (Singapore)|Minister for Finance]]. He co-chairs the Multi-Ministry task force in charge of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore]] alongside [[Ong Ye Kung]] and [[Gan Kim Yong]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=7 ministries get new ministers in major Cabinet reshuffle|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cabinet-reshuffle-lawrence-wong-chan-chun-sing-ong-ye-kung-14678730|access-date=2021-04-23|website=CNA|language=en}}</ref> Wong has served as Minister in the Ministries of [[Minister for Education (Singapore)|Education]]; [[Minister for National Development (Singapore)|National Development]]; and [[Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (Singapore)|Culture, Community and Youth]], and was Second Minister in the Ministries of [[Ministry of Communications and Information (Singapore)|Communications and Information]] and Finance.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/lawrence-wong-to-lead-national-development|title=Lawrence Wong to lead National Development|last=Au-Yong|first=Rachel|date=2015-09-29|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-08-16|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816152707/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/lawrence-wong-to-lead-national-development|archive-date=2017-08-16|url-status=live}}</ref> He is a member of the fourth-generation leadership of the [[People's Action Party|PAP]] and a central executive committee member and advisor to the PAP policy forum. He has served as the [[Member of Parliament]] (MP) representing [[Marsiling–Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency|Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC]] for Limbang since 11 September 2015 and represented [[West Coast Group Representation Constituency|West Coast GRC]] for Boon Lay from 7 May 2011 to 24 August 2015 and was put in charge of leading [[Marsiling–Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency|Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Member's CV: Lawrence Wong|url=http://www.parliament.gov.sg/mp/lawrence-wong?viewcv=Lawrence%20Wong/|website=Parliament of Singapore|access-date=2015-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924070529/http://www.parliament.gov.sg/mp/lawrence-wong?viewcv=Lawrence%20Wong%2F|archive-date=2015-09-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==Education== Wong was educated at the Haig Boys' Primary School, [[Tanjong Katong Secondary School]] and [[Victoria Junior College]].<ref>{{cite web|title=VJC News|url=https://victoriajc.moe.edu.sg/vjc-news/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326080640/http://victoriajc.moe.edu.sg/vjc-news/|archive-date=26 March 2018|access-date=5 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=“I ran my first marathon in 1997. I have done two” – an interview with Lawrence Wong (Part 8)|url=https://www.redsports.sg/2014/12/06/lawrence-wong-red-sports-interview-part-8/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804222226/https://www.redsports.sg/2014/12/06/lawrence-wong-red-sports-interview-part-8/|archive-date=4 August 2016|access-date=5 August 2020}}</ref> After graduating from junior college, he earned a [[Public Service Commission (Singapore)|Public Service Commission]] scholarship to study at the [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]], where he completed a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in [[Economics]] in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web|title="Inspiring Excellence, Celebrating Distinction, Raising Competencies in the Financial Sector" - Speech by Mr Lawrence Wong, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth; Board Member, Monetary Authority of Singapore at the FICS Distinction Evening on 28 May 2013|url=https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/speeches/2013/speech-by-mr-lawrence-wong-acting-minister-mcys-and-mas-board-member-at-fics-distinction-evening|access-date=2021-01-19|website=www.mas.gov.sg|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-01-18|title=Traditional degree route not a must before going out to work: Lawrence Wong|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/traditional-degree-route-not-a-must-before-going-out-to-work|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-19|website=The Straits Times|language=en}}</ref> He subsequently obtained a [[Master of Arts]] degree in Economics at the [[University of Michigan|University of Michigan–Ann Arbor]], and a [[Master of Public Administration]] degree from the [[John F. Kennedy School of Government|Kennedy School of Government]] at [[Harvard University]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lawrence Wong|url=http://www.pmo.gov.sg/cabinet/mr-lawrence-wong|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820131421/http://www.pmo.gov.sg/cabinet/mr-lawrence-wong|archive-date=20 August 2015|access-date=18 August 2015|website=Prime Minister's Office Singapore|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ==Career== Wong began his career as a [[Singapore Civil Service|civil servant]] at the [[Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore)|Ministry of Trade and Industry]]. He served as the Ministry's Assistant Director (Research and Planning) from 1997 to 1999, as a secretary to [[Ong Teng Cheong]] (who was Singapore's first elected president). He then moved to the [[Ministry of Finance (Singapore)|Ministry of Finance]], where he served as Assistant Director (Fiscal Policy) from 1999 to 2001, before becoming the Deputy Director (Budget) and Head of Economic Programmes. In 2004, he moved to the [[Ministry of Health (Singapore)|Ministry of Health]] as the Director of Healthcare Finance. From 2005 to 2008, Wong served as the [[Principal Private Secretary]] to Singapore's [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]], [[Lee Hsien Loong]]. In 2008, Wong became the [[Chief executive officer|Chief Executive]] of Singapore's [[Energy Market Authority]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Appointment to MAS Board of Directors|url=http://www.mas.gov.sg/news-and-publications/media-releases/2011/appointment-to-mas-board-of-directors.aspx|website=Monetary Authority of Singapore|access-date=18 August 2015}}{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ===Political career=== Wong was elected to Parliament at the [[2011 Singaporean general election|2011 general election]] representing [[West Coast Group Representation Constituency]]. On 21 May 2011, he was appointed a Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education. Wong was also appointed to the Board of Directors of the [[Monetary Authority of Singapore]] on 10 June 2011.<ref name="MAS">{{cite web | url=https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/changes-to-mas-board-of-directors-lawrence-wong-steps-down-ong-ye-kung-appointed | title=Changes to MAS board of directors: Lawrence Wong steps down, Ong Ye Kung appointed | access-date=25 April 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107080327/http://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/changes-to-mas-board-of-directors-lawrence-wong-steps-down-ong-ye-kung-appointed | archive-date=7 November 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> On 1 August 2012, he was appointed a Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Information, Communications & the Arts and Senior Minister of State for Education. On 1 November 2012, he was appointed Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} Wong led a team to bid for the [[Singapore Botanic Gardens]] to be recognised as Singapore's first [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-optimistic/1956108.html|title=Singapore optimistic about World Heritage bid for Botanic Gardens: Lawrence Wong|website=Channel News Asia|publisher=Channel News Asia|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819001112/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-optimistic/1956108.html|archive-date=19 August 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/unesco-delegates-laud-spores-nomination-botanic-gardens-world-heritage-site|title=UNESCO delegates laud S'pore's nomination of Botanic Gardens as World Heritage Site|website=TODAY|publisher=TODAY|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707000952/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/unesco-delegates-laud-spores-nomination-botanic-gardens-world-heritage-site|archive-date=7 July 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-botanic-gardens/1960028.html|title=Singapore Botanic Gardens declared UNESCO World Heritage Site|website=Channel News Asia|publisher=Channel News Asia|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820171111/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-botanic-gardens/1960028.html|archive-date=20 August 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Wong also spearheaded the free museum entry policy for all Singaporeans and permanent residents, to all national museums and heritage institutions from 18 May 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/budget-2013-free-museum-entry-from-may-for-all-singaporeans-prs|title=Budget 2013: Free museum entry from May for all Singaporeans, PRs|website=Straits Times Online|publisher=Singapore Press Holdings|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924165633/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/budget-2013-free-museum-entry-from-may-for-all-singaporeans-prs|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2013, Wong also announced the setting up of a new $100 million National Youth Fund for youth to champion community and social causes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/parliament/news/new-national-youth-fund-to-be-set-up--lawrence-wong/606212.html|title=New National Youth Fund to be set up: Lawrence Wong|website=Channel News Asia|publisher=MediaCorp Pte Ltd|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924014321/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/parliament/news/new-national-youth-fund-to-be-set-up--lawrence-wong/606212.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 1 May 2014, he was appointed [[Minister for Culture, Community and Youth]] (MCCY) & Second Minister for Communications and Information.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/tan-chuan-jin-lawrence-wong-promoted-full-ministers | title=Tan Chuan-Jin, Lawrence Wong promoted to full ministers | access-date=25 April 2019 | archive-date=20 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920181320/https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/tan-chuan-jin-lawrence-wong-promoted-full-ministers | url-status=live }}</ref> He is also a member of the PAP's Central Executive Committee.<ref>{{cite web|title=Central Executive Committee (CEC)|url=http://news.pap.org.sg/about-pap/whos-who/central-executive-committee|website=People's Association Party|publisher=People's Association Party|access-date=20 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901095902/http://news.pap.org.sg/about-pap/whos-who/central-executive-committee|archive-date=1 September 2015}}</ref> Wong was also appointed as the Head of the SG50 Programme Office that coordinates the work of five Committees for the nation's Golden Jubilee Year celebrations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/sg50-celebration-fund/1843898.html|title=SG50 Celebration Fund almost doubled with S$4m cash injection: Lawrence Wong|website=Channel News Asia|publisher=Channel News Asia|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808071855/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/sg50-celebration-fund/1843898.html|archive-date=8 August 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Wong is also the co-chair for the SG50 Culture and Community Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.singapore50.sg/Press/Steering%20Committee%20for%20SG50/Steering%20Committee%20for%20Singapore50.aspx|title=Steering Committee for Singapore50|website=Singapore50|publisher=Singapore50|access-date=20 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807110051/http://www.singapore50.sg/Press/Steering%20Committee%20for%20SG50/Steering%20Committee%20for%20Singapore50.aspx|archive-date=7 August 2014}}</ref> As the Minister of the MCCY, Wong was involved in the transformation of [[Civic District, Singapore|Singapore’s Civic Distric]]t – the birthplace of modern Singapore, containing many institutions that have witnessed important turning points in Singapore's history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-budget-2015-740-million-invested-on-civic-district-revamp|title=Singapore Budget 2015: $740 million invested on Civic District revamp|website=Straits Times|publisher=Singapore Press Holdings Pte Ltd|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924170445/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-budget-2015-740-million-invested-on-civic-district-revamp|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/parliament/news/a-s-740-million-plan-to/1710664.html|title=A S$740 million plan to restore and revive heritage-rich Civic District|website=Channel News Asia|publisher=MediaCorp Pte Ltd|access-date=20 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924014312/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/parliament/news/a-s-740-million-plan-to/1710664.html|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> In August 2016, the [[National Arts Council (Singapore)|National Arts Council]] attracted criticisms over the high consultation fees paid for a bin centre, as flagged by the Auditor-General's Office. Lawrence Wong addressed the issue in parliament saying that the project was at acceptable cost due to the need for extensive study of the location and technicality involved with the building of the refuse centre in the [[Civic District]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/parliament-victoria-bin-centre-delivered-satisfactorily-and-at-acceptable-cost-says|title=Consultant's study on bin centre part of extensive feasibility study|last=Yong|first=Charissa|date=2016-08-15|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816152840/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/parliament-victoria-bin-centre-delivered-satisfactorily-and-at-acceptable-cost-says|archive-date=2017-08-16|url-status=live}}</ref> Under his charge, Wong also introduced the $200 million Cultural Matching Fund (CMF), a dollar-for-dollar matching grant for cash donations to arts and heritage charities and Institutions of Public Character in Singapore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/s200-million-fund-match-donations-arts-heritage-sector-launched-0|title=S$200-million fund to match donations to arts & heritage sector launched|website=TODAY|publisher=MediaCorp Press Ltd|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204022/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/s200-million-fund-match-donations-arts-heritage-sector-launched-0|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stjobs.sg/career-resources/hr-updates/200m-arts-fund-to-help-drive-sustainability/a/141991|title=$200m Arts Fund To Help Drive Sustainability|website=ST Jobs|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813225449/http://www.stjobs.sg/career-resources/hr-updates/200m-arts-fund-to-help-drive-sustainability/a/141991|archive-date=13 August 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community-node-at-jurong-library-aims-to-bring-arts-to-youth-in-heartland|title="Community node" at Jurong library aims to bring arts to youth in heartland|website=Straits Times|publisher=Singapore Press Holdings|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924165709/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community-node-at-jurong-library-aims-to-bring-arts-to-youth-in-heartland|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In August 2015, it was reported<ref> {{cite web|title=Lawrence Wong and Halimah Yacob to co-anchor Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/lawrence-wong-and-halimah-yacob-to-co-anchor-marsiling-yew-tee-grc|website=Straits Times|publisher=Singapore Press Holdings|access-date=18 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816004008/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/lawrence-wong-and-halimah-yacob-to-co-anchor-marsiling-yew-tee-grc|archive-date=16 August 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} </ref> that Wong would be contesting in the [[Marsiling–Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency]] for the [[2015 Singaporean general election|2015 general election]]. His GRC team won against the [[Singapore Democratic Party]] with 68.7% of the votes.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} Wong was also the Chairman of the Steering Committee<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seagames2015.com/about/steering-committee|title=Steering Committee|website=SEA Games 2015|publisher=SingTel|access-date=18 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702033213/https://www.seagames2015.com/about/steering-committee|archive-date=2 July 2015}}</ref> for the [[2015 Southeast Asian Games]]. Singapore's performance of 259 medals was its best ever showing in [[Southeast Asian Games]] history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/sea-games-team-singapore/1918476.html|title=SEA Games: Team Singapore breaks records in best performance yet|website=Channel News Asia|publisher=MediaCorp Pte Ltd|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829155126/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/sea-games-team-singapore/1918476.html|archive-date=29 August 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Wong had also announced several key initiatives to get more Singaporeans involved in sports.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/sports/mccy-get-more-sporeans-play-sports|title=MCCY to get more S'poreans to play sports|website=TODAY|publisher=MediaCorp Press Pte Ltd|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318075618/http://www.todayonline.com/sports/mccy-get-more-sporeans-play-sports|archive-date=18 March 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This includes a national movement called ActiveSG, which gives all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents ActiveSG$100 to sign up for sports programmes, and enter into swimming pools and gyms at the various Sports Centres island-wide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/sports/activesg-100-credits-sporeans-prs-get-sporty-healthy-says-lawrence-wong|title=ActiveSG: $100 credits for S'poreans, PRs to get sporty & healthy, says Lawrence Wong|website=Asia One|publisher=Singapore Press Holdings Pte Ltd|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501130600/http://news.asiaone.com/news/sports/activesg-100-credits-sporeans-prs-get-sporty-healthy-says-lawrence-wong|archive-date=1 May 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Wong also chairs the Singapore High Performance Sports Steering Committee, which provides strategic guidance on identifying and nurturing high performing sporting talents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsingapore.gov.sg/newsroom/media-releases/2013/2/singapore-high-performance-sports-steering-committee|title=Singapore High Performance Sports Steering Committee|website=Sport Singapore|publisher=Singapore Sports Council|access-date=20 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092653/https://www.sportsingapore.gov.sg/newsroom/media-releases/2013/2/singapore-high-performance-sports-steering-committee|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Wong said that the accomplishments of Singapore athletes at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games indicate that Singapore's investment in sports is paying off.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/seagames2015/sea-games-success-shows/1926806.html|title=SEA Games success shows investment in sports is paying off: Lawrence Wong|website=Channel News Asia|publisher=MediaCorp Pte Ltd|access-date=20 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810223604/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/seagames2015/sea-games-success-shows/1926806.html|archive-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> On 28 September 2015, it was announced that Wong will be the [[Ministry of National Development (Singapore)|Minister of National Development]] from 1 October 2015.<ref name="2015 new Cabinet" /> He also chairs the steering committee for the development of [[Jurong Lake District|Jurong Lake Gardens]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/jurong-lake-gardens-to-have-community-gardening-and-cycling-tracks|title=Jurong Lake Gardens to have community gardening and cycling tracks|last=Yeo|first=Sam Jo|date=2015-10-25|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816154408/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/jurong-lake-gardens-to-have-community-gardening-and-cycling-tracks|archive-date=2017-08-16|url-status=live}}</ref> During the National Day Rally on 21 August 2016, it was announced that Wong will also be appointed Second Minister for Finance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pmo.gov.sg/mediacentre/changes-cabinet-and-other-appointments|title=Changes to Cabinet and other appointments|last=Singapore|first=Prime Minister‘s Office|date=2016-08-24|website=Prime Minister‘s Office Singapore|access-date=2016-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824121501/http://www.pmo.gov.sg/mediacentre/changes-cabinet-and-other-appointments|archive-date=2016-08-24|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 August 2016, Wong stepped down from the board of Monetary Authority of Singapore, replaced by [[Ong Ye Kung]].<ref name="MAS" /> On 27 January 2020, it was announced that Wong, along with Minister for Health, [[Gan Kim Yong]], would co-chair the COVID-19 Multi-Ministerial Task Force (MTF) to combat the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore|COVID-19 pandemic]].{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} On 26 March 2020, while paying tribute to frontline workers in Singapore helping in the country's fight against COVID-19, he turned emotional and teary-eyed while delivering his address. He thanked healthcare workers, as well as those working in cleaning, transport and security sectors for providing much-needed services to keep Singapore going during this difficult time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapore-coronavirus-task-force-chief-lawrence-wong-weeps-in-parliament|title=Parliament: Teary-eyed Lawrence Wong pays tribute to front-line workers and other unsung heroes in coronavirus fight|date=2020-03-25|website=The Straits Times|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-date=2020-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327042457/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapore-coronavirus-task-force-chief-lawrence-wong-weeps-in-parliament|url-status=live}}</ref> After the [[2020 Singaporean general election|2020 general elections]]. Wong presented his party's analysis of their performance in the election.<ref>{{Cite web|last=hermesauto|date=2020-07-18|title=GE2020 results a ‘clear mandate’ although 61.2 per cent vote share lower than 65 per cent PAP hoped for: Lawrence Wong|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapore-ge2020-results-a-clear-mandate-though-61-2-per-cent-vote-share-was-lower-than-65|access-date=2021-06-04|website=The Straits Times|language=en}}</ref> On 25 July 2020, 15 days after the [[2020 Singaporean general election|2020 General Elections]], and the resulting Cabinet reshuffling, Prime Minister Lee announced that Wong will succeed Ong Ye Kung as the Education Minister in the new Cabinet line-up.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PM Lee announces new Cabinet; 6 office holders promoted, 3 retirements|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-singapore-new-cabinet-parliament-ge2020-12962844|access-date=2020-07-25|website=Channel News Asia|archive-date=2020-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725183434/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-singapore-new-cabinet-parliament-ge2020-12962844|url-status=live}}</ref> On 8 November 2020, Wong, along with Minister for National Development, [[Desmond Lee (Singaporean politician)|Desmond Lee]], were elected into the PAP's Central Executive Committee for the first time after performing in various roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yuen |first1=Sin |last2=Lim |first2=Min Zhang |title=PAP conference: Lawrence Wong, Desmond Lee elected to party's top committee for first time |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/pap-conference-lawrence-wong-desmond-lee-elected-to-partys-top-committee-for |website=The Straits Times |access-date=14 February 2021 |date=8 November 2020}}</ref> On 23 April 2021, Prime Minister Lee announced a cabinet reshuffle that would result in Wong becoming the next Finance Minister.<ref>{{cite web|title= Changes to Cabinet and Other Appointments (April 2021) |url=https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/Changes-to-Cabinet-and-Other-Appointments-April-2021 |website=Prime Minister’s Office |access-date=23 April 2021 |date=23 April 2021}}</ref> On 28 May 2021, Wong was reappointed to the [[Monetary Authority of Singapore]] board as the deputy chairman, replacing [[Lim Hng Kiang]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Changes to MAS Board of Directors |url=https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2021/changes-to-mas-board-of-directors |website=MAS |access-date=28 May 2021 |date=28 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Subhani |first1=Ovais |title=MAS appoints finance minister Lawrence Wong as deputy chair of its board |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/business/banking/mas-appoints-finance-minister-lawrence-wong-as-deputy-chair-of-its-board |website=The Straits Times |access-date=28 May 2021 |date=28 May 2021}}</ref> == Personal life == Wong's father was a sales executive and his mother was a teacher at his primary school. His elder brother is an aerospace engineer. Wong was previously divorced<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/issue/straitstimes20130215-2|title=Campaign country no more?|last=Long|first=Susan|date=2013-02-15|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-08-16|archive-date=2020-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920181353/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/issue/straitstimes20130215-2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/lawrence-wong-politics-policies-and-living-alone|title=Lawrence Wong on politics, policies, and living alone|date=2015-09-01|work=The New Paper|access-date=2017-08-16|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816152540/http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/lawrence-wong-politics-policies-and-living-alone|archive-date=2017-08-16|url-status=live}}</ref> and has since remarried.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vietmaz.com/2018/04/prime-minister-begins-official-visit-to-singapore/|title=Prime Minister begins official visit to Singapore|date=2018-04-25|work=Viet Maz|access-date=2018-04-28|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429024436/https://www.vietmaz.com/2018/04/prime-minister-begins-official-visit-to-singapore/|archive-date=2018-04-29|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Istana Bukit Serene |first1=Johor, Malaysia |title=Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar receives the audience of Singapore Ministers in conjunction with eid mubarak celebration |url=https://www.facebook.com/officialsultanibrahim/photos/a.456837507816281.1073741827.456817247818307/977008989132461/?type=3&theater |website=Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar (Facebook) |publisher=The Sultan Of Johor |date=2018-06-15 |access-date=15 June 2018 |archive-date=2020-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920181335/https://www.facebook.com/officialsultanibrahim/photos/a.456837507816281.1073741827.456817247818307/977008989132461/?type=3&theater= |url-status=live }}</ref> He is a Singaporean of [[Hainan people|Hainanese]] descent.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mccy.gov.sg/news/speeches/2013/Sept/New_Book_to_Honour_Nine_Hainanese_Who_Have_Contributed_Significantly_to_the_Society.aspx|title=Speech by Mr Lawrence Wong at the Hainan Culture and Heritage Centre's anniversary dinner cum book launch|last=MCCY - Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth|first=Speeches by Mr Lawrence Wong|date=6 November 2013|work=MCCY - Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth|access-date=1 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901115049/https://www.mccy.gov.sg/news/speeches/2013/Sept/New_Book_to_Honour_Nine_Hainanese_Who_Have_Contributed_Significantly_to_the_Society.aspx|archive-date=1 September 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ==Filmography== ===Television dramas=== {| class="wikitable" border="1" |- ! Year ! Network ! Title ! Notes |- | '''2014''' | [[Channel 8 (Singapore)|MediaCorp Channel 8]] | [[World at Your Feet (TV series)|World at Your Feet]] | Guest-of-honour for the [[futsal]] competition. <br />Special screen appearance featured in two episodes. |} == References == <!--- See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes on how to create references using <ref></ref> tags which will then appear here automatically --> {{Reflist}} == External links == {{Commons category}} * [https://www.pmo.gov.sg/cabinet/Mr-Lawrence-WONG Lawrence Wong] on Prime Minister's Office * [https://www.parliament.gov.sg/mps/list-of-current-mps/mp/details/lawrence-wong Lawrence Wong] on [[Parliament of Singapore]] *[https://mndsingapore.wordpress.com/ Lawrence Wong's blog at MND] * {{Facebook}} * {{Instagram}} {{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef | before = ''New office''}} {{s-ttl | title = [[Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth|Minister for Culture, Community and Youth]] | years = 2012 – 2015}} {{s-aft | after = [[Grace Fu]]}} |- {{s-bef | before = [[Khaw Boon Wan]]}} {{s-ttl | title = [[Ministry of National Development (Singapore)|Minister for National Development]] | years = 2015 – 2020}} {{s-aft | after = [[Desmond Lee (Singaporean politician)|Desmond Lee]]}} {{s-bef | before = ''New office''}} {{s-ttl | title = [[Ministry of Finance (Singapore)|Second Minister for Finance]] | years = 2016 – 2021}} {{s-non | reason = Position abolished}} {{s-bef | before = [[Ong Ye Kung]]}} {{s-ttl | title = [[Ministry of Education (Singapore)|Minister for Education]] | years = 2020 – 2021}} {{s-aft | after = [[Chan Chun Sing]]}} {{s-bef | before = [[Heng Swee Keat]]}} {{s-ttl | title = [[Ministry of Finance (Singapore)|Minister for Finance]] | years = 2021 – present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-par | sg}} {{s-bef | before = [[Ho Geok Choo]]}} {{s-ttl | title = Member of Parliament for <br /> [[West Coast GRC]] (Boon Lay) | years = 2011 – 2015}} {{s-aft | after = [[Patrick Tay]]}} {{s-new | constituency}} {{s-ttl | title = Member of Parliament for <br /> [[Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC]] (Limbang) | years = 2015 – present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-end}} {{Navboxes|title=Member of multiple Parliaments of Singapore|list= {{14th Parliament of Singapore}} {{13th Parliament of Singapore}} {{12th Parliament of Singapore}} }} {{COVID-19 pandemic|people}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Wong, Lawrence}} [[Category:Members of the Cabinet of Singapore]] [[Category:Members of the Parliament of Singapore]] [[Category:Ministers for Education of Singapore]] [[Category:People's Action Party politicians]] [[Category:Victoria Junior College alumni]] [[Category:University of Michigan alumni]] [[Category:University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Letters and Science alumni]] [[Category:John F. Kennedy School of Government alumni]] [[Category:1972 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Singaporean people of Chinese descent]]'