AI Influence Profile
Lawrence Wong
Prime Minister of Singapore
Positioning
Chairs the National AI Council himself; under his lead, Budget 2026 elevated AI to a national priority.
Official channels
Parliamentary AI record (3)
Budget 2026 Acknowledgement to the Chair — AI as Strategic Centrepiece
2026-03-06 · Parliament 15
In his closing speech to the Budget debate, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong explicitly identified AI as the centrepiece of Budget 2026. Budget 2026 aims to make AI a strategic advantage, drive nationwide AI adoption, and allow Singaporeans to fully capture technology-driven opportunities. The speech positions AI as a key component of the national action plan against a backdrop of geopolitical fragmentation and a weakening multilateral order.
Use of AI and Technology Tools to Reduce Errors and Increase Efficiency in Government Contract Evaluation, Award and Management
2025-09-22 · Parliament 15
In light of AGO findings on contract management and tender evaluation errors, an MP asked whether the Public Service Division uses AI and other technologies to lift efficiency and reduce errors. The government replied that it has been actively exploring such use and has begun applying AI in suitable areas to ensure contract evaluations align with procurement principles. The core debate: how to effectively use AI to increase transparency and efficiency in government procurement.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Trading Platforms in Financial Markets
2023-08-02 · Parliament 14
The question focused on AI in financial trading platforms — risks of "herding" effects and conflicts of interest. The government replied that MAS uses technology-neutral regulation, applies FEAT principles for fairness and transparency, and views current AI use as still early-stage with relatively low risk — but will continue monitoring and collaborate with industry on responsible AI use.
Policies championed (3)
National AI Strategy Update 2026
2026-05
At ATxSummit 2026, Josephine Teo unveiled an update to NAIS — a "double-click" rather than a "system reboot". Three directions, ten refreshed priorities, four National AI Missions (Advanced Manufacturing, Financial Services, Connectivity, Healthcare), plus the National AI Impact Programme (10,000-SME target) and the Champions of AI programme.
National AI Strategy 2.0 (NAIS 2.0)
2023-12
Upgraded national AI strategy with twin tracks — AI for Public Good and AI for Growth — and nine priority sectors.
Budget 2026 — National AI Acceleration
2026-02
Establishment of the National AI Council, AI tax incentives, the one-north AI district, and the AI Mission programme.
AI videos (7)
PM Wong: Singapore can be an AI application hub
2026-06-08 · 01:34 · The Straits Times
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong discusses Singapore's approach to helping workers master AI and its strategic importance for city-states.
May Day Rally: PM Wong pledges 'new and better' jobs as AI transforms Singapore's economy
2026-05-01 · 04:15 · CNA
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledges better job opportunities amid AI-driven economic transformation, while calling on Singaporeans to learn and adopt the technology.
PM Wong's May Day Rally speech: 'No Singaporean will be left behind'
2026-05-01 · 48:14 · The Straits Times
PM Lawrence Wong stated at the May Day Rally that while the Government cannot protect every job amid AI disruption, it will protect every worker by scaling up company training committees across sectors.
Economic Strategy Review: Global Competitiveness Committee — AI reshapes the economy
2026-03-12 · 03:30 · govsg
The Economic Strategy Review lays out how Singapore stays competitive as AI reshapes the global economy — from tech hub status to taking homegrown firms global.
Budget 2026: a strong push on AI and jobs
2026-02-12 · 27:01 · CNA
CNA's in-depth read of AI-related Budget measures, including the National AI Council, AI tax incentives and workforce transformation.
PM Lawrence Wong's full Budget 2026 speech
2026-02-12 · 90:19 · govsg
PM Lawrence Wong delivers the Budget speech with AI as a core theme, announcing the establishment of the National AI Council, which he will personally chair.
PM Lawrence Wong interviewed by the Financial Times
2025-10-22 · 27:44 · Financial Times
In an FT interview, Lawrence Wong discusses the global order in a post-American era, including AI's strategic significance for Singapore's economy.