Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong encourages everyone to read. *Video: Facebook Lawrence Wong*

On International Reading Day on 23/4, Lawrence Wong posted a video discussing the importance of reading. He stated that books are an indispensable part of his life. As a child, he visited the Marine Parade library almost weekly, borrowing as many books as possible. Today, the Prime Minister maintains this childhood hobby, transitioning from physical books to ebooks due to his busy schedule. Regardless of the format, he believes reading is the best way for people to reflect, learn, and grow.

According to CNA, the leader is known for his extensive reading habits. In 2024, Lawrence Wong met with Singaporean media two days before taking office as Prime Minister. During this meeting, he spoke about his reading routine, noting that most of his works are non-fiction, focusing on current affairs. Occasionally, he seeks out books on topics he wishes to learn more about, such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence.

Portrait of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, 54 years old. *Photo: YouTube Lawrence Wong*

Also during the 2024 discussion, the Prime Minister mentioned he does not follow a fixed reading list, stating that his ministers share a similar approach. Beyond non-fiction, he reads numerous biographies of Singapore's founding generation, including those about former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, and former Deputy Prime Ministers Goh Keng Swee and S. Rajaratnam. Wong also reads about various foreign leaders, exploring US Presidents from his university years.

"I remember one of the books I read was about Dwight Eisenhower. What he said about the concept of leadership always resonated with me. He distilled the essence of leadership into two points: knowing what to do and getting people to do the right thing. It sounds simple, but this perspective is truly wise," he said. Dwight Eisenhower (1899-1969) was the 34th US President, serving two consecutive terms from 1953 to 1961.

At the end of the year, the Prime Minister announces his favorite books from the past 12 months. In 2025, most of his preferred books focused on economics, technology, and global issues. In 2023, The Coming Wave by Google DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman, which explores the dangers of AI, made it onto his reading list.

Nine favorite books of the Singapore Prime Minister in 2025. *Photo: Instagram Lawrence Wong*

According to The Straits Times, Lawrence Wong grew up in the Marine Parade Housing Board estate. As a child, he often visited the local library to borrow books on science and guitar. Alongside his love for reading, he has a passion for music, once surprising the public with his guitar skills. In a 2022 video, he performed Chuck Berry's guitar solo from "Johnny B. Goode". In 2024, he drew attention by playing Taylor Swift's "Love Story" when the singer held concerts in Singapore.

The news outlet reported that the guitar is the Prime Minister's favorite instrument. At eight years old, his father gave him a guitar, and he has been involved with music ever since. While studying in the US, he once performed street music with his roommate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics.

Lawrence plays Taylor Swift's "Love Story" on guitar. *Video: TikTok Lawrence Wong*

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, born in 1972, graduated from the National University of Singapore with a bachelor's degree in economics and holds a master's degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School. He began his career in the public sector in 2000 at the Ministry of Finance, subsequently serving as Minister for Education, Minister for National Development, and Minister for Finance.

In 4/2022, he was chosen as the fourth-generation leader by former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the Central Executive Committee of the People's Action Party (PAP). From 6/2022 to 4/2024, he served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance. In 5/2024, he became Prime Minister, the youngest person to hold this office in Singapore's history.

By Phuong Thao (Source: CNA, The Straits Times)