Singapore PM Lawrence Wong’s Salary To Rise Over 60% To $2.8 Million, Highest For Any World Leader

Last Updated:September 09, 2026, 08:42 IST

Wong said he planned to donate the entire increase in his salary to “suitable good causes” during his term.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaks during a joint press conference with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto. (AFP)

Singapore will increase the pay of its political leaders, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s benchmark annual salary set to rise by more than 60% to $2.8 million from $1.7 million.

Wong announced the revision in Parliament on Tuesday, saying Singapore needed to ensure it continued to attract capable political leaders and maintain good governance.

The deputy prime minister’s benchmark annual salary will increase from $1.48 million to $2.42 million, while cabinet ministers will receive between $1.42 million and $2.28 million, depending on their seniority and the weight of their portfolios.

Wong said he planned to donate the entire increase in his salary to “suitable good causes” during his term.

Singapore has long defended its high salaries for political leaders, arguing that they help attract talent and ensure good governance. However, the issue remains politically sensitive as cabinet members earn considerably more than most ordinary citizens.

“Political salaries are a difficult and emotive issue,” Wong said.

He acknowledged that the sums involved were much higher than what most citizens earn and said he understood why Singaporeans scrutinised the salaries closely.

The prime minister, however, argued that the issue was ultimately about ensuring Singapore had the quality of political leadership needed to take the country forward.

“Good government depends on good leadership,” Wong said.

Even before the revision, Singapore’s prime minister was among the world’s highest-paid political leaders, with his salary far exceeding that of many other leaders, including in the United States and other G7 nations.

The Southeast Asian nation last adjusted ministerial salaries 15 years ago and is regularly ranked among the world’s least corrupt countries.

Wong said the latest increases had been recommended by an independent committee. Existing office holders, however, will not immediately move to the new salary benchmarks.

Instead, they will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9% from October 15, depending on individual circumstances, including performance.

“Any subsequent changes will be based on individual performance and responsibilities,” Wong said.

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What is Singapore PM Lawrence Wong’s new annual salary after the increase?

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s benchmark annual salary is set to rise by over 60% to $2.8 million, up from $1.7 million. This makes him the highest-paid world leader.

Why did Singapore increase the salaries of its political leaders?

The salary increase was announced by PM Lawrence Wong to ensure Singapore continues to attract capable political leaders and maintain good governance. An independent committee recommended the increases.

What will PM Lawrence Wong do with the increase in his salary?

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong plans to donate the entire increase in his salary to “suitable good causes” during his term. He also announced he would donate the full increased amount to charity for the next five years.

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Abhro Banerjee

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even…Read More

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