Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the son of the country's founder and former leader Lee Kuan Yew, stepped down after nearly two decades in office on Wednesday.
Lee's resignation marked the end of a family dynasty as he formally handed over the reins to his deputy, Lawrence Wong.
During Lee's tenure, Singapore transformed into an international financial hub and top tourist destination, with its gross domestic product per capita more than doubling.
The government also successfully navigated several recessions and the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Lee's succession was planned for years but was delayed due to the pandemic.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 72, has announced that Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam will remain in his cabinet.
Former prime ministers have held senior roles after stepping down from the top job.
In his final major speech, Lee urged Singaporeans to support Tharman and praised the country's stable politics for enabling long-term planning.
Lee expressed satisfaction with his public service career and acknowledged the importance of a national team.
Anand Gopalan, a financial advisor, commended Lee for keeping Singapore up-to-date during his leadership.
The text discusses the economic growth and transformation of Singapore under the leadership of Lee Hsien Loong.
The city-state has seen an increase in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-ups, particularly in financial technology and artificial intelligence.
This has led to a diverse range of career options for citizens.
However, despite Singapore's wealth, it has become one of the most expensive cities to live in, with diminishing jobs and increased taxes and living costs being major concerns.
A 63-year-old Singaporean woman, Alice Rani, expressed her admiration for the government's achievements in transforming the country.
The text expresses satisfaction with the Singaporean government and its improvements, despite the expense of living.
Singaporeans have enjoyed better infrastructure, specifically transportation and pedestrian-friendly streets, which are among the best in Southeast Asia.
Artist Margaret Pereira highlights the benefits for Singaporeans, including improved roads, flats, and convenient hawker centers.
The government has provided subsidies and assistance, and there have been significant differences in the past 20 years, with more trains and train lines being built.