Lawrence Wong

We have arranged several commercial flights to help Singaporeans who wish to return home from the Middle East. But some locations are not accessible through commercial flights. That is why we deployed an RSAF A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to bring Singaporeans home safely. We are deeply grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and our partners in the region for their strong support in facilitating this and ensuring safe passage for our flights. To our fellow Singaporeans who remain in the region: please stay vigilant, look out for one another, and ensure you are eRegistered with MFA so that we can reach you quickly if needed. (📸: Photo by MINDEF)

We just had our annual Chap Goh Mei gathering at the Istana with MPs, community leaders and guests — later than usual this year because of the Budget and Committee of Supply debates. Although the Chinese New Year celebrations are over, it was still nice to do one more round of “lo-hei” and catch up with one another. As is the tradition at these gatherings, I shared my reflections on the global environment and what it means for Singapore. We are navigating a very different world — one where there are fewer restraints, and where the strong no longer always feel bound by rules. We must brace ourselves for more challenges ahead. But in a harsher world, our internal strength matters even more. As long as we remain calm, cohesive and united, Singapore will continue to hold its own — and we will emerge stronger together.

Joined leaders from the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) for a Teochew porridge lunch today. We discussed how we can continue working together to promote and preserve our Singaporean Chinese culture and heritage. For generations, clan associations have played an important role in preserving our traditions and strengthening bonds of mutual support and belonging within the community. As Singapore evolves, their work remains just as important. Last year, I presented the SFCCA with a plaque bearing the words “同行绘新” — moving forward together to shape the future. This spirit continues to guide our partnership. We will keep working closely with the SFCCA and the wider Chinese community to carry our traditions forward and keep Singapore’s unique Chinese heritage vibrant for generations to come. 同行绘新 - 这是我去年赠送给新加坡宗乡会馆联合总会的牌匾，纪念它们的40周年纪念。 今天我到宗乡总会的大厦，和总会领袖一边吃潮州粥，一边讨论未来的计划。政府会继续和宗乡总会和各会馆密切合作，携手同行，保留新加坡独特的华族文化。 🔗: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVqNYbPD6FZ

As the conflict in the Middle East enters its second week, I spoke with the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday to discuss the rapidly evolving situation. A prolonged conflict would pose serious risks not only to the region, but also to the wider international community. His Highness shared an update on the latest developments, and I conveyed Singapore’s support for ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the region. The safety and well-being of Singaporeans remains our priority. I thanked His Highness and the Qatari authorities for their continued care of Singaporeans in Qatar. Our officials are coordinating closely to ensure our citizens are well looked after and to support any necessary travel arrangements. Singapore deeply values our strong ties with Qatar. It was good to speak with His Highness again, and we will continue working closely together during this challenging time.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the many contributions of women across Singapore — at home, in our workplaces, and in our communities. In Parliament too, women play an important role in shaping our nation’s future. Today, Parliament has more women MPs than ever before. Their voices and perspectives enrich our debates and help us craft better policies for Singapore. We will continue working with community partners and across government to support women and families, and to build a Singapore where every woman can pursue her aspirations with confidence — and be supported at every stage of life. Happy International Women’s Day. 🔗: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSuFCvoeG/

I spoke earlier with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan about the escalating situation in the Middle East. I thanked His Highness and the UAE authorities for their support and assistance to Singaporeans in the UAE. Our officials are working closely to ensure Singaporeans remain safe and to assist those who wish to return home. We hope all parties will find ways to de-escalate and restore stability to the region. Singapore stands in solidarity with the UAE and its people. 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/1K51VzTLke/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Committee of Supply debates for Budget 2026 concluded today after two weeks in Parliament. MPs examined the plans and spending of every Ministry, discussing how we can better support businesses, workers and families, and seize opportunities from AI. As Leader of the House Indranee Rajah noted, we must always plan ahead and be ready for the unexpected. The situation in the Middle East underscores global uncertainty. Our fiscal strength allows us to respond decisively while continuing to invest in our people and future. I thank fellow MPs, our public officers across government, and the team at Parliament who ensured that the proceedings ran smoothly. Together, we’ll keep working to secure a brighter future for Singapore in a changed world. 🔗: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DKoRpJmoD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I have received messages from Singaporeans overseas who are concerned about returning home amid the situation in the Middle East. The safety and well-being of Singaporeans remain our top priority. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our overseas missions are working around the clock to assist those affected. We are arranging a repatriation flight from Oman on 7 March for Singaporeans in the region who have registered for assistance. We are working to mount a second flight after that. In the coming days, we are also organising assisted overland departures from Bahrain and Qatar to Riyadh, where the airport remains open and commercial flights are available. We will continue doing everything we can to help Singaporeans in the region who wish to return home come back safely. 🔗: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVf3XesD6UZ/?igsh=aDN0anZ5bDVoa2Yz

元宵节 marks the final day of the Chinese New Year — a special occasion for family and friends to gather in reunion. Amidst a full day of Parliamentary sittings, I was glad to join fellow MPs for a “lo-hei” to mark the occasion. As the festive season draws to a close, let us carry forward the spirit of goodwill and unity into the year ahead. Wishing everyone a joyful Yuan Xiao. 祝大家元宵节快乐，阖家团圆，幸福安康！ 🔗: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVbCBCijzRp/?igsh=MXN0c2NuNThydHJlYQ==

A shared lo-hei to usher in the new year and stronger Korea–Singapore ties! 🔗: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSm3nob5u/