Global Leaders Have Much to Learn From Singapore PM Lawrence Wong's Speech on US Tariffs

On April 8, 2025, as Lawrence Wong stood before Singapore’s Parliament to address the economic tremors of the tariffs imposed by the US, the world was watching. Global leaders had spent weeks tip-toeing around the issue, their statements heavy on platitudes but light on substance.

Meanwhile, citizens from Brussels to Hanoi grappled with unanswered questions: Would their jobs survive? Would prices spiral? Would the global trading system collapse? Into this leadership vacuum stepped in Wong, Singapore’s fourth prime minister, whose speech became an example of clarity in a climate of geopolitical uncertainty.

His proactive, transparent, and unflinchingly honest approach offered a masterclass in crisis communication, underscoring why some leaders shine when others retreat.

Global response to Trump’s tariffs has been muted

The global response to Trump’s tariffs has been muted. The European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen warned of “uncertainty spirals,” while China vowed “countermeasures." But neither detailed how citizens or industries should prepare.

Italy’s Giorgia Meloni called the tariffs “a mistake” but deferred to diplomatic negotiations. Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto urged calm but offered no roadmap. Even business titans like Jamie Dimon and Elon Musk critiqued the tariffs’ logic but proposed no solutions.

In India too, initial reactions echoed this cautious sentiment. For example, when questioned about the tariffs’ impact, the Ministry of Trade stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts,” without providing specifics on how the government would support affected industries.

Similarly, a statement from the Finance Ministry emphasised the need for “vigilance and adaptability” in the face of global economic shifts. Still, it lacked concrete plans for mitigation or strategic response, continuing a pattern of reactive rather than proactive engagement with global economic shifts. The External Affairs Minister acknowledged the uncertainty of the tariffs’ economic impact, stating, “I don’t think it is possible to speak about the impact because we don’t know”.

The silence of ruling politicians, particularly in moments of crisis, underscores a concerning tradition where leaders often avoid direct engagement with complex issues. This tendency is especially troubling given the nation’s growing economic and geopolitical relevance, which demands proactive and transparent leadership communication. Unfortunately, it seems to run across party lines and states in India.

This leadership vacuum left citizens adrift. A 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer revealed that 67% of people globally distrusted institutions to address economic crises effectively. Anxiety festered – not just about tariffs, but the erosion of the rules-based order that had underpinned decades of stability. Against this backdrop, PM Wong’s speech resonated far beyond Singapore’s borders.

Wong’s address was remarkable not for its optimism but for its candour

Wong’s address was remarkable not for its optimism but for its candour. He began by acknowledging what many leaders avoided: Singapore’s 2025 growth forecast of 1% to 3% would likely be revised downward.

“We do not yet know the full extent of the impact,” he admitted, “but we are preparing for scenarios where growth slows more sharply than anticipated.”

This admission was strategic. A 2023 Harvard study found that leaders who acknowledge uncertainty are perceived as 40% more trustworthy than those who project false certainty.

Drawing parallels to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, Wong warned that protectionism could trigger a global recession. He explained complex concepts like “Most Favoured Nation” (MFN) status under WTO rules in plain language, bridging the gap between technocracy and public understanding.

“When one major economy disregards these rules,” he said, “it undermines the system that has lifted millions out of poverty.” By framing tariffs as a systemic risk rather than a transient policy, he prepared Singaporeans for long-term turbulence.

What set Wong apart was his willingness to name the unknowns. He revealed that his government was debating balancing short-term relief for electronics industries with long-term structural reforms. “These are not easy decisions,” he said, “and there are valid arguments on all sides.”

This transparency demystified policymaking, inviting citizens into the deliberation process. Studies in organisational behaviour show that teams led by transparent leaders report 35% higher engagement – a principle Wong extended to the national stage.

His approach mirrored his leadership during COVID-19 as Health Minister when he broke down complex science into actionable guidance. Whether explaining vaccine efficacy or viral mutations, he avoided jargon without diluting complexity. This same ethos permeated his tariff speech: he respected citizens’ intelligence, fostering a sense of collective agency.

Wong’s style is deeply rooted in Singapore’s political tradition. From Lee Kuan Yew’s pragmatic speeches on independence to Goh Chok Tong’s “kinder, gentler” engagement, Singaporean leaders have long prioritised clarity over charisma. Lee Hsien Loong, Wong’s predecessor, mastered the art of using National Day Rally addresses to explain everything from pension reforms to geopolitical threats.

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According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), this legacy of trust-building has tangible results: Singapore consistently ranks among the top three nations in terms of public confidence in government.

Wong’s COVID-19 tenure cemented this trust. As co-chair of Singapore’s pandemic task force, he fronted press conferences that blended data with empathy. When cases surged, he didn’t downplay risks but explained containment strategies in real-time. A 2022 IPSOS poll found 89% of Singaporeans trusted his handling of the crisis – a stark contrast to the global average of 56%.

Beyond rhetoric, Wong paired warnings with concrete measures. He announced a task force led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong to help businesses adapt, alongside targeted relief: cost-of-living vouchers, upskilling programs, and tax rebates for affected sectors. These actions reinforced his message that while challenges were inevitable, Singapore had the tools to navigate them.

A balance of realism and resolve

This balance of realism and resolve is critical. Research from the McKinsey Global Institute shows that nations combining transparent communication with decisive action recover 20% faster from economic shocks. Wong’s strategy exemplified this: he turned anxiety into agency by preparing citizens for downturns while offering tangible support.

In an era where crises – economic, climatic, geopolitical – transcend borders, Wong’s approach offers a blueprint. Leaders who prevaricate or patronise erode trust; those who confront complexity foster resilience.

His speech underscored universal principles: proactive communication disarms panic, transparency about unknowns builds credibility, and empowering citizens with knowledge transforms them into partners.

Moreover, Wong’s leadership during this crisis highlights the importance of historical context in framing current challenges. By drawing parallels to past economic downturns, he underscored that while the current situation is daunting, it is not unprecedented – and can be navigated with foresight and unity. This approach informed and reassured citizens, providing a sense of continuity amid uncertainty.

Wong declared, “The predictable, rules-based order we once knew is fading.” In this new era, leaders who emulate his clarity, humility, and resolve will not only navigate crises but redefine what leadership means. The world may be volatile, but as Singapore’s fourth prime minister has shown, the antidote to chaos isn’t control – it’s communication.

Furthermore, Wong’s speech also underscored the critical role of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. He emphasised Singapore’s commitment to working with other nations to preserve the multilateral trading system despite its unprecedented threats.

This commitment to international engagement reflects Singapore’s long-standing tradition of diplomatic pragmatism, which has allowed the nation to thrive despite its small size. In a world where uncertainty is the new norm, Wong’s approach offers hope – a reminder that clarity, transparency, and collective action can illuminate the path forward, even in the darkest moments.

Sunoor Verma is the president of The Himalayan Dialogues and an international expert in leadership, crisis and strategic communication.

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