Mr Lee Hsien Loong

Mr Lee Hsien Loong

Prime Minister of Singapore

About The Speaker

Mr Lee Hsien Loong has been Singapore’s Prime Minister since 2004. Mr Lee was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1984, and has since been re-elected six times, most recently in 2011. He was elected to the Central Executive Committee of the People’s Action Party in 1986, and became its Secretary-General in 2004. Earlier, Mr Lee served in the Ministries of Trade and Industry and of Defence, and was Minister for Finance, Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and Deputy Prime Minister.

As Prime Minister, Mr Lee is focusing on building a competitive economy and an inclusive society. Mr Lee’s Government is also strengthening Singapore’s social safety nets through measures such as MediShield-Life, Workfare and ComCare. Mr Lee also chairs GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, and the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council, an international panel to oversee Singapore’s major efforts in promoting R&D.

Mr Lee was born on 10 February 1952. He studied at the University of Cambridge, graduating with a B.A. in Mathematics and a Diploma in Computer Science. He also obtained a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Singapore: The Past, The Present, and The Future

30 June 2015

We must uphold the spirit of our pioneers in thisnew era. The globalised world offers many opportunities for the bold and enterprising.

The speaker for the inaugural Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series in 2002 was Singapore’s first Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who spoke about the importance of an innovative and entrepreneurial culture in Singapore and called for a change in values and mindset towards encouraging that for continued economic growth.

As we celebrate Singapore’s 50th year of independence, Singapore is now at an exciting turning point with major transitions in economics and society. In the last 50 short years, we have established our presence on the world map and it is against this backdrop of solid foundation laid forth by our pioneers that we have to examine the transformations needed to maintain this competitive edge in an ever-changing and dynamic global landscape.

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Media Coverage

PM Lee paints stark reality of challenges in 3 critical areas

Speaking at the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong talked about the challenges Singapore will face in the future, pointing out three critical areas: the economy, population and identity. He acknowledged that the challenges are difficult and Singapore will need committed and responsible leaders to rally the country and work towards a brighter future for the next generation.

Staying nimble amid competition is vital

At the question-and-answer session after the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted the need to remain nimble in the competitive global landscape, citing Turkey and Australia as examples. He also encouraged students to work together amid rising competition and be ready to learn new skills.

Balancing family, career requires trade-off: PM

At the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that while existing measures lighten the burden of Singaporeans looking to juggle family and career, couples must realise that striking a balance between the two calls for a trade-off. Noting the benefits parents in Scandinavian countries receive, [SMU Chairman of Board of Trustees and] moderator Ho Kwon Ping asked if Singapore would consider such measures. In response, Mr Lee added that beyond benefits, society plays a role in encouraging people to start families.

PM Lee makes fresh plug on raising productivity

Speaking at the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that the way for Singapore to achieve the higher end of its economic growth forecast is to boost its productivity. He said that productivity has to be improved in the coming decade; and the issue of a rapidly ageing population has to be tackled. He also pointed out that as Singapore progresses, globalisation might dissolve the Singaporean identity.

S'pore unlikely to go Scandinavian way to up fertility rate

Speaking at the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that Singapore is unlikely to go the way of the Scandinavian countries in efforts to increase its fertility rate. He added that although the government will put in place pro-family measures, raising the fertility rate requires Singaporeans to change their norms and culture.

PM: Increasing productivity is the only way to improve lives of Singaporeans

At the 7 th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted the need to increase productivity so that Singaporeans can have good jobs and a secure future. He said that the SkillsFuture initiative is to help build the resilience of Singapore workers to meet challenges of the future. He warned of the various fault lines in Singapore, such as race and religion; newer ones such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues; and external influences such as the Islamic State, which could create schisms in Singapore.

Who will defend us? Singapore PM asks as society rapidly ages

At the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted that Singapore’s ageing population could have a serious impact on the economy and defence. He said that Singapore's population expanded at a mere 1.3 per cent last year, with the low trend likely to continue. High living costs, including education and lifestyle choices, have been cited as reasons for a low birth rate.

Singapore’s ‘key future challenges’: Economy, population, identity

Speaking at the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that Singapore will face critical challenges in the next 50 years in keeping the economy strong, raising total fertility rate and strengthening national identity. He added that Singaporeans must work together with the government to resolve the longer-term challenges brought about by a rapidly ageing population and globalisation.

Singapore feeling impact of rapidly ageing population

Speaking at the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that the ageing population would cause profound problems for the country and that the impact is already being felt today. He pointed out that the government has responded by helping seniors “age well and live fulfilling lives”, citing home ownership and good healthcare. He added that other policies such as the Central Provident Fund and Silver Support Scheme, which provides permanent handouts to eligible seniors, are also in place to provide them with a good foundation for retirement.

TPP pact among global issues raised at SMU dialogue

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke to students at a dialogue session after his speech at the 7 th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU. There were many questions on global issues even though his speech was centred on domestic challenges. An SMU School of Economics undergraduate asked Mr Lee whether a political or judicial solution would better address a “thorny issue” such as same-sex marriage. In response, Mr Lee said that the legislature would have to act very cautiously in Singapore because of strong views in society.

Marriage and fertility rates last year hit 10-year-high, Singapore to roll out more measures to improve rates

At the 7 th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU on Tuesday, June 30, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Government will be introducing more measures to encourage Singaporeans to start families, and highlighted the challenges of an ageing population.

10, 25, 50 years ahead

At the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU on Tuesday, June 30, Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong laid out the three challenges that Singapore will face in the short and long term. Apart from economic issues, Singapore will be facing population issues and issues on protecting its identity in the midst of globalisation. PM Lee stressed the importance of maintaining a sense of nationhood and strengthening the Singapore identity even as its people are becoming more comfortable living and working overseas.

Can Singapore overcome its future challenges?

At the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture organised by SMU, Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong argued that Singapore’s key challenge will change with time. Over a 10-year horizon, it will be the economy; in 25 years, demography; and in 50 years, identity. PM Lee said that ultimately, Singapore’s ability to confront these challenges would depend not only on policies or circumstances, but responsible and committed leaders who can win the support of the people and rally the country together.

PM Lee on “Singapore: The Past, The Present, and The Future”

Prime Minister (PM) Mr Lee Hsien Loong was the distinguished speaker at the 7th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series, organised by SMU and held on June 30. The programme features PM Lee addressing a 3,500-strong audience, and highlights from his wide-ranging speech entitled Singapore: The Past, The Present, and The Future on the challenges that Singapore faces in three critical areas: economy, population and identity.

Ho Rih Hwa Leadership
Lecture Series

Ho Rih Hwa Leadership
Lecture Series