SINGAPORE, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will be promoted to Deputy Prime Minister of the city-state, the Prime Minister's office made a statement here Monday.
The promotion will become effective starting from June 13.
Wong will be the Acting Prime Minister in the absence of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong while continuing to serve as the Minister for Finance.
Lawrence Wong will also assume responsibility for the Strategy Group within the Prime Minister's Office.
Wong was earlier appointed as the leader of the ruling People's Action Party's (PAP) fourth-generation team, paving the way to become the next Prime Minister of the Asian country, if PAP wins the next general elections.
Besides Wong's promotion, Lee also made other cabinet changes.
"The next generation leadership is taking shape. I ask everyone to give your full support to this important transition, to steer Singapore safely out of the pandemic and into a brighter future," Lee said in a Facebook post Monday.
Wong, for his part, said in a Facebook post Monday that he will do his best and give every ounce of his strength to serve Singapore and Singaporeans.
"In turn, I seek your support, as I take on my latest appointment as DPM, and take another step forward in embracing my new responsibilities," Wong said. ■