Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reflected on his decision to enter politics nearly 15 years ago, describing it as a "complete leap of faith." Speaking on September 10 during a parliamentary debate on proposed changes to political salaries, Wong recalled that when he resigned from the civil service to contest the 2011 General Election, he had no clarity on the role he would assume, the electoral outcome, or the compensation package he would receive. At the time, Wong was chief executive of the Energy Market Authority and left before qualifying for a pension, which he narrowly missed by less than a year.

Wong was part of the five-member People’s Action Party (PAP) team contesting West Coast Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the 2011 election. The team secured 66.57 percent of the vote against the Reform Party. Since then, Wong has risen through the ranks to become Singapore’s Prime Minister.

In addressing concerns about his recent salary increase, Wong reiterated his commitment to donate the full amount of his salary raise to charity for the next five years. Under the latest adjustments announced on September 8, his annual salary will increase from S$2.2 million to S$3.6 million, including bonuses, resulting in an annual donation of approximately S$1.4 million. He also clarified that he would forgo any tax benefits arising from the donations.

Responding to questions about whether he regretted leaving the civil service—where he could have potentially become a permanent secretary, retained his pension, and avoided public scrutiny—Wong said he had no regrets. He expressed high regard for civil servants but emphasized that political service entails distinct responsibilities, including setting strategic direction, making difficult decisions, and being accountable for outcomes. Wong said this sense of responsibility motivated his career shift, a sentiment he said his colleagues share as they strive to serve Singapore.

Wong also shed light on the People’s Action Party’s candidate selection process, which includes “tea sessions” with party leaders and a requirement for prospective candidates to submit personal statements reflecting their motivations. He noted that when he entered politics, he wrote about the need for each generation to “throw up its own leaders” willing to take ownership of the country’s future. Wong reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to making a difference and encouraged others who feel the same sense of duty to step forward. He highlighted the importance of sustaining a political system that enables such committed individuals to serve Singapore effectively.