Interview with Lee Hsien Loong: Two decades as Prime Minister | Part 1 - Foreign policy, economy

After two decades in office, Mr Lee Hsien Loong sits down for one last interview as Prime Minister of Singapore, reflecting on policies, his stewardship, the challenges faced, and his plans post-handover. In part 1 of the series, he talks about Singapore's foreign policy and how it has evolved, as well as his thoughts on the economy.
Watch part 2: • Interview with Lee Hsi...
More videos on Singapore's leadership handover:
• Singapore leadership h...
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Q&A on foreign policy
31:50 Q&A on economy
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[@jiarayqa2181]

I am from China. I always admire that Singpore has wise people to lead the country throughout the time. Not only the PMs but also other government officials who demonstrated and are demonstrating brilliant wisdom on the stage of international communities. Good luck to you!

[@JimJ-ju5lx]

China is better. You have Xi

[@s.7980]

The young in singapore certainly have advantages and privileges the previous generations never had. Thank you SM Lee for pointing these important facts.

[@LeeHsienLoong-yn4wr]

Hello thanks for your comment on KZbin page you guys are the reason why I’m who I’m today much love ❤

[@k2cheng]

Thank you PM Lee, Singapore is very fortunate to have a dedicated, honest, competent and far-sighted leader as yourself

[@LeeHsienLoong-yn4wr]

Hello thanks for your comment on KZbin page you guys are the reason why I’m who I’m today much love ❤

[@eio1971]

A man who leads with wisdom. Singapore is blessed to have him.

[@LeeHsienLoong-yn4wr]

Hello thanks for your comment on KZbin page you guys are the reason why I’m who I’m today much love ❤

[@elohim7778]

His father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, has always been a household name in our family faraway from Singapore. LKY's iron-clad government has propped Singapore to be what she is today. With nil natural resources to back her up, the little red dot is undeniably a powerhouse of many things to come. God bless Singapore. 🎉❤🎉 Lee Hsein Loong has his late father's footprints. This serves him well during his tenure as the premier of Singapore. LKY must have schooled his son in many aspects of the government he wanted to pass over to his son at Singapore's helm. God bless you, Lee Hsein Loong. A blessed retirement as a Senior Minister. Your voice of wisdom, knowledge, experience and reason is still invaluable.❤😊🎉❤

[@pujadaflash1494]

Pm Lee is one leader who talks well, filled with intellect, wisdom, humility, and passion. He served his country very well. A true statesman. Bow

[@PerfectNightHere]

Thank you our Prime minister. Im 35 years old and our young generation too will always remember you too as our Prime Minister

[@LeeHsienLoong-yn4wr]

Hello thanks for your comment on KZbin page you guys are the reason why I’m who I’m today much love ❤

[@englianconnietan1931]

We are so lucky to have LKY ,GCT and now LHL. Thank you very much. Welcome L W. Thank you for being you ,we trust in You an everyone else in Parliament. Our future rest on your shoulders. Thank you.

[@lemongreensg]

Sorry, GCT is a failure

[@deschan2246]

​@lemongreensg how many years hv u live in Singapore? 😂 if u hv sufficient history in Singapore u will know Goh Chok Tong is the best !!! Current PM is the worst.

[@deschan2246]

​@@lemongreensg share y gct is a failure

[@sychoxxxx]

Depend on how u measure good and bad

[@englianconnietan1931]

Have you ever earned $2 a day? Have you ever earned 150 a month as a Kdgn teacher? Have your family lived in one small room and your cousins family ,each family occupy one room ,have you ever need to ask your mum " is there milk to drink " before you dare to ask for some? I have. Now you know why I thank God and all our very capable ministers.

[@marranr6057]

A very refined PM , who speaks from his heart and cares for his citizens,he is firm where needs to be for the benefits of the nation and his people.

[@deschan2246]

😂 u know him so well? 😂 how many years r u in Singapore? 😂

[@marranr6057]

@deschan2246 origin Singaporean, my friend ,merdeka

[@deschan2246]

​@@marranr6057 merdeka? 😂 share what he did is for good of Singaporeans?

[@marranr6057]

@deschan2246 it doesn't matter,whatever I need to do, my beloved country I did, and still doing ,no need publicity. Thank you.some sacrifices are best to remain in yourself.thank you

[@robtucker6303]

@@deschan2246Take a look around the world… Singapore has done well, especially with the covid pandemic and insane globalist propaganda.

[@ssvegeto1610]

Ty PM Lee for all ur service and contributions. Ordinary sinkies like me can lead rich and fulfilled lives thanks to you and your policies

[@deschan2246]

When u migrate to Singapore? 😂

[@auntyp]

Singaporeans should be proud of their Government. Even with all the griping, criticisms and jokes about them, their Leaders speak with experience, knowledge and diplomacy. I was impressed when the Premier LHL made the distinction between China nationals and Singaporeans. Malaysians should learn this.

[@namsingbirdnestco5014]

In a class of his own best Prime Minister in Asia by far.

[@anoynmanonymous8304]

There may or may not be an optimal/textbook way of running a country. But as a Singaporean who have been under the Lees' dominant spirit all my life, it's refreshing to have a change in the dominant spirit overlooking Singapore, be it foreign affairs or economy.

[@herrpasz1151]

in current world, best prime minister period

[@deschan2246]

Best? What has he done for u?

[@desaturated6049]

@@deschan2246 what have u done to yourself? don't depend on someone to spoon-feed you.

[@pings007]

It's a close race with Narendra Modi!

[@edwardallangabor850]

One of the world’s greatest statesman with an excellent point of view on what makes ASEAN work- many lessons for other countries and for those of us in business as well. Thank you.

[@pbmatty272]

Thank you PM Lee for your selfless dedication to bring Singapore to the next level of growth. We are indebted to your leadership.🙏

[@areeshafatima6099]

Appreciable personality who talks about the lives of people with clarity&wisdom which contributed for rapid development & prosperity of Singaporeans! Stay calm,preacul &blessed in your rest of life!

[@natureadventurist956]

What PM LHL said was about older workers whose skills are becoming obsolete and thus have to upskill themselves to stay relevant to be employable. However, there is another group of older workers whose skillsets are still relevant but they have to switch job for whatever reasons e.g. dynamics with supervisor, company's future is unstable etc. It is an uphill task for this group of older workers to gain employment in another company even though they have met the requirements in areas of skills, competencies and experience. This is because the hiring managers are very likely to be younger who do not wish to work with older supervisee for reasons such as generation gap issue, fear of managing someone older than him/her, concerns that the older worker is strong-headed, high salary etc. Hope that govt can take the lead in employing older workers and also educate the general public esp employers the value n benefits of employing older workers and also perhaps come up with policy/schemes that can entice employers to employ older workers. Older workers should be no different as younger ones with equal reasons to change job and be given equal fairness and opportunities to work in another company and stay employed.

[@tankahkie8830]

Your's respectful leadership will be highly appreciated by our Singaporean . Thanks We are always Closely with you. 💝💝 🇸🇬 🇸🇬 🇸🇬 🇸🇬 🇸🇬 🇸🇬 💝💝 💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝

[@mariagolnaraventura4976]

Mabuhay ka, PM Lee Hsien Long! Your dedication to the welfare of your countrymen is most edifying. The results of your good work they now reap the rewards. What a way to step down. Job well done, PM Lee! Prayers and well wishes to you on your next endeavors.

[@honestyfirst2165]

Great leader, son of great leader. I read about your history, i admired how you and your father led Singapore to great height. Greetings.

[@philiphan9085]

We are so blessed to have such a wise leader. Thank you PM

[@EsTher-re9uy]

Thank you Mr Prime Minister, we Singaporeans are very grateful for leading us and bringing us forward to a best future possible❤❤

[@arunkant124]

Thank you PM Lee. You and your family created a great country and I am very grateful to SG for making my life better. Have a great life ahead.

[@munsurali8873]

He is the best PM of Singapore, the best of your next life, May Allah bless him. More and more congratulation for next PM of Singapore.

[@deschan2246]

Where u migrated from?

[@Tinbron4e]

@@deschan2246Be nice

[@user-gs7sg2ex7k]

Best pm in SEA pms around should emulate.GBU on ur well earned retirement.

[@LeeHsienLoong-yn4wr]

Hello thanks for your comment on KZbin page you guys are the reason why I’m who I’m today much love ❤

[@lyl5602]

The best and most capable pm I have ever seen.

[@deschan2246]

Give 1 example

[@stevenandrean2661]

What an amazing 2 decades of pm Lee.

[@uwattan6275]

Best PM as far as I know ...nothing is perfect..but He is good for Singaporean..From Indonesia . God Bless you PM

[@deschan2246]

When u migrate to Singapore?

[@lydiat5819]

Thank you, Sir.

[@aaliyahsims64]

@@deschan2246 I'm far across the waters but genuinely want to know: what are your opinions since you find fault with others?

[@dsoh244]

Thank you for dedication, honesty and sincerity in bringing Singapore further. Enjoy taking a back seat!

[@LonganLee]

I like watching state media. Feel Good

[@alvinchua3518]

Hahaha only censored version?

[@LonganLee]

@@alvinchua3518I watch it whenever I need some feel good sensation

[@Kilimanjaro5896]

Without the foresightedness of previous selfless leaders, SG would never have achieved such success. May God bless Singapore 🇸🇬 ❤.

[@h.l6849]

PM LHL, like his late dad, former PM LKY, is easily one of the most respected leaders in the region. Incoming PM LW, has a big shoe to fill, especially since he has a much shorter run way.

[@deschan2246]

Really? Give one thing he done right?😂

[@nocturnally879]

Best Wishes to next PM L W...

[@wugigi8872]

Thank you Mr LeeHL.

[@wellnessbyMOO]

The great thing about the Singapore government is they have very good leaders who think about the next generation- what they will leave behind for the future generations, what will be good for the future. They are true nationalists. There is no perfect government and of course, sometimes, they stumble but for the greater part, they have worked for the benefit of the majority of its citizens and ensures that this little red dot will survive all storms. I am privileged to be living in this country and to be a citizen.

[@robtucker6303]

His stance on immigration is spot on! The western countries have failed protect their own citizens… be thankful Singapore.

[@Mari_Selalu_Berbuat_Kebaikan]

Let's always do alot of good ❤️

[@FrankSchwerdtfeger-oo4kt]

why can't we have such an eloquent, wise and competent leader in the West. I love Singapore for many things and their leaders were always true and focussed. they build & lead an amazing country.

[@JuanCollao-qs6vl]

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[@PeterGualtieri]

As a beginner, it's essential for you to have a mentor to keep you accountable.

[@JuanCollao-qs6vl]

I appreciate the professionalism and dedication of the team behind Kerrie’s trade signal service...

[@JasonGavino-dj6ze]

Kerrie Farrell program is widely available online...

[@swayhulio]

Investing with an expert is the best strategy for beginners and busy investors, as most failures and losses in investment usually happen when you invest without proper guidance. I'm speaking from experience..

[@TedStalets]

The fact that i got to learn and earn from her program is everything to me think about it, it's a win win for both ways...

[@SG1285B]

thank you for your service, mr lee 🫡

[@phooichunlau7827]

Thank you for your excellent services to Singapore and the wide world🙏🥰💜

[@kms-sl3ot]

great Questions and perspectives from PM Loong. best wishes and kind regards from the UK

[@tenga3tango]

Very insightful view of how this small but very propsperous , highly effective country works. I think highly of Singapore leadership and quality of its people.

[@Marcel-kn2mh]

His command of the difficult English Language is very impressive, just like his personal dignity and universal concern for humanity 👍

[@user-in8se8ir6f]

You should also watch the Chinese version of this interview where he speaks in mandarin, equally impressive

[@Jtnn713]

English is far from difficult

[@Marcel-kn2mh]

@Jtnn713 If that is so, how can native Americans identify an Indian born speaker, a Chinese born speaker, a Philippines born speaker, a German born speaker, or a Polish born speaker from a few sentences uttered from their mouth? As a government worker, I evaluate English Accents daily and then decide what level of English Grammer I will use in reply ....

[@Jtnn713]

@@Marcel-kn2mh ???? Where did identifying different speakers of the same language from different accents come from? I'm saying he had to put more effort during his interviews in other languages. What you just said is also applicable every other language, just that their core is likely way harder than english. I'm sure you know these languages have a category in terms of difficulty.

[@ts94913]

谢谢你和你的团队，你们的用心和付出带领新加坡克服了这几年艰难时刻。很开心你将留下当我们的资政继续为国服务，谢谢你我们的总理先生祝你身体健健康康家庭和乐。❤❤❤

[@NPSi]

So serious...can they smile a little Singapore 😊

[@deanzaZZR]

Respect

[@siew-khintang2799]

Good interview, well executed with hope for new generation. Your Aunty Happy.

[@shermanlo1880]

LOVE YOU PM LEE ❤

[@hash9863]

If you have such class of Pm belive me you are paradise..❤

[@Sal-fn1pm]

Such a brilliant man! Wish we had at least some bits of that among politicians and officials in Sweden. But we do not. Good panel also.

[@freshyip]

Am not Singaporean n from HK I thank you for your service ❤

[@user-fi6fl2mi5n]

Thanks for the update on the

[@mayteng71128]

Thank you, Mr Lee HL. I thank God for you. I thank God for giving us very good PM and ministers, who have served us well all these years and appreciate the sacrifice you made which we do not often talk about. Singaporeans, we must be thankful and stop grumbling or even slandering, for God will be watching us & He will decide whether blessings or curses will follow us. Be careful and live prudently, and our children will learn from you. Watch your mouth & heart, esp you ungrateful! God will be our judge!

[@LeeHsienLoong-yn4wr]

Hello thanks for your comment on KZbin page you guys are the reason why I’m who I’m today much love ❤

[@mra2010]

I really admire this gentleman

[@fatehahafa]

a wonderful democracy peacefully country ❤Singapore 🇸🇬

[@subramani1073]

Thank you Mr Lee.

[@LeeHsienLoong-yn4wr]

Hello thanks for your comment on KZbin page you guys are the reason why I’m who I’m today much love ❤

[@marenlee3003]

Thanks PM Lee n Happy Retirement💕💕

[@alvinchua3518]

Happy retirement need this $$$$ especially in SG when essential items are so expensive.

[@pangmeihua8044]

WE LOVE YOU PM LEE ❤️ THANK YOU❤

[@Facts..Checker]

On geopolitical issues, every country should fight for the best for their country. They are no such things as best friend forever. But on hypocrisy, double standard, bully and military threats, especially towards smaller or weaker nation. It ain't hard to know which country fits he description well and well documented too. Might = Right!

[@patgreenshc]

Cheers to one of the founders of Singapore.

[@danrunjin8004]

i like it

[@Tinohn1958]

Do you consider / or plan establishment of ASEAN Bank ?

[@wampastompastomp]

I wish we had politicians like lee and his father in the us

[@rubeihayovincent7298]

Quite Resourceful.

[@luisbuenaventura771]

Mabuhay, PM. You’re truly an icon of SEA!!!

[@user-yb9dl6ok9r]

i will miss you :( ❤

[@Myra-wf6pl]

Singapore is very lucky to have him as a leader, I hope Philippines will have a leader like him too someday because at the minute Marcos administration is corrupt.

[@cedricchow8594]

I used to have doubts on PM Lee's ability basing my perception from other media sources. However, over the years, my opinion has turned from skepticism to conviction that PM Lee is a capable leader. His actions have inspired the country & brought us as a country to greater heights! There will always be haters & there will always be admirers, no matter how good one is. Rest assured that I'm an admirer of PM Lee! ❤❤❤ Good work, PM Lee!

[@deschan2246]

🤣😂🤣😂 share one of his achievement? 😂

[@cedricchow8594]

@@deschan2246 That you are able to live peacefully for the past 15 years of your life.

[@deschan2246]

​@@cedricchow8594 peacefully? 😂 where did u migrated from that is not peaceful? 😂 share?

[@ssuwandi3240]

I think the right word is orderly living. Not constant chaos after chaos. Like in some US cities...

[@Jack-hy2ki]

​@deschan2246 where u migrated from?

[@milroynishantha6458]

Singapore's President And All Good 🙏🇱🇰💛🧡💙⚓

[@milroynishantha6458]

Singapore's President My Hero 🙏🇱🇰🌟🥇🌟

[@milroynishantha6458]

Singapore's President My Hero 🙏🇱🇰🌟🥇🌟

[@shawnwang8755]

Thanks to Mr. PM, Singapore has built a robust system!

[@shirleytam2248]

GOD BLESS PM LEE ALWAYS

[@baybayufirmansyah9932]

Even as Indonesia citizen, I'm so jealous to Singaporean in fact that you have a great leader leading your country. He's an old man, but his vision about future very strong. He can take a move to anticipate every possible problem that can affect to Singapore. The great man, great leader. ✨👏🏻🔥🔥

[@joergstrate9345]

Your Excellency, I have followed you for being a very outspoken and transparent leader. Your comment on Singapore-USA relations makes me nervous. How are we going to make progress as a global community if we fail to do what national systems demand us to do locally: name criminals and put barriers in place to protect the community. I will continue with a separate comment due to heavy CIA interference

[@user-yt7gm1pn6k]

Quoting the late Dr Carl Sagan, a pale blue(red) dot - very classy sir!

[@danrunjin8004]

how about the relation with dpm wong

[@QuZhongle]

感谢李总理

[@LeeHsienLoong-yn4wr]

Hello thanks for your comment on KZbin page you guys are the reason why I’m who I’m today much love ❤

[@SCNGAI]

dear PM, maybe youu don't know , those Bank Teller job become Tele Customer service Help desk job may not be in Singapore, it is in other developing countries , or in local company but not answered by local 😄

[@susanmulford]

Not many world leaders know MEME. PM Lee is one of the few. 👍🏻

[@guillaumeroy7528]

Where is part 2?

[@danrunjin8004]

about jesen huang

[@danrunjin8004]

what do comment about malaysia

[@Tinohn1958]

His face is sweeter than his father.

[@deschan2246]

Just that only?😂 smiling tiger

[@sleepy_dobe]

45:32 Yes, like me. I just turned 52, live alone, and have been receiving treatment for two mental disorders, and have been unemployed for about 4 years. I have two diplomas with a technical background, but have not been able to find a job where the boss or the environment is accepting of my disorders. My CPF savings is almost down to zero and I still have years of a home mortgage to pay for. How to live for the rest of my life? Am I going to lose my home? Don't even talk about settling down and getting married or having kids. Society has cast people like me out of it.

[@AtanAtan-rk2vk]

Singapore people thing they all rich ..one day i one invite them come to my house n i want see they house n life in singapore ... This lee look nice n good ..

[@mrtienphysics666]

A very good leader, son and brother.

[@anoynmanonymous8304]

Sacarsm?

[@vincecarlo]

FANTASTIC Brother FIGHTING with Siblings ALL the Way Into PARLIAMENT

[@mrtienphysics666]

@@anoynmanonymous8304 He deserves to be paid the best pay.

[@francistoh474]

I would consider PM LHL’s biggest achievement has been settling the Malayan Railways Land issue. It would not have happened if Dr M was the PM. PM Lee KY and PM Goh were not able to settle the above issue during their reign. Both had a difficult time with Dr M on the Msian side.

[@kentokugawa2495]

Dear PM: Good luck sir

[@teras.dr.ari-oo7]

You are expected to be the next General Secretary of United Nations

[@MJLStudios]

Please solve the crowding issue that Ah Gong once said.... Paraphrase.... Ah Gong said that Singaporeans need breathing space & some quiet time to destress and prevent burn out. Really miss the times when marine parade... Punggol is quiet empty and nice... Like a upstate feeling.

[@charmaine8512]

Singapore is focused on it's people and unlike colonial countries that are distracted, very slow progress is made.

[@Tinohn1958]

I think forthcoming PM is the first English first name person . Am I right ?

[@hiroyukishinichi9873]

❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍

[@ZimmonArm7]

❤🎉

[@ImperialArmour]

Very impressive on foreign policy, can't say the same for domestic. Let's hope your COMPASS policy prevents the build up of certain nationalities per industry.

[@danrunjin8004]

about helt

[@danrunjin8004]

about asean

[@user-nq2sw6sg8q]

Notice that when PM talk about US - China relations with Singapore, he talked about economic cooperation with China, but when he mentioned about US, it is all about security and military cooperation.

[@catinbootsnow4267]

That isa dedicated balance of surviving and thriving between superpowers.

[@jamesliu4008]

This so called smart strategy imposed in US-China with Singapore, causing many Singaporean shrinking their assets upon investment in China. Giving wrong signal to them, its time to choose side.

[@Kilimanjaro5896]

So what. SG had already established a security arrangement with US long before China came into the picture. Remember that LKY was afraid of the Mao inspired communist insurgency that plagued SEA. Read his book ' Hard Truths to keep Singapore going '.

[@user-nq2sw6sg8q]

@@Kilimanjaro5896 The difference is when embark on economic cooperation like RCEP, Singapore benefits from trade. US security cooperation with Singapore during LKY and Goh era was to protect the sea trade in our region and act as 'talisman' to protect Singapore from bigger neighbours or pirates. During then, US still promotes free trade as they are the dominant hegmon in the world. Now, they are ditching free trade and breaking agreement. The security agreements were now used to create trouble in SCS and Asia region. It is entirely different.

[@catinbootsnow4267]

@@Kilimanjaro5896 LKY is a leader with vision and courage who severed ties with Taipei and switched diplomatic relations to Beijing in 1992 right after the Tiananmen square crackdown in 1989.

[@LeavethePhilippines2]

The Singaporeans are very fortunate to have very good and visionary leaders like LSL. How I wish we Filinos can make the similar claim. We have a president who is not capable - all he only cares is his foreign junkets, as well as cleaning up the Marcos family corrupt reputation.

[@goodbeing9629]

4 more years

[@mcgaretse77]

❤❤❤

[@tancolvis5240]

sg can only make friends to every countries as we sg is only a tiny island no raw materials and all imported in so we sg hv to defend our shore to be safe for business to take place

[@NPSi]

Wonder how and who will run Singapore 🇸🇬, in 50 years time.

[@Anonymous_Pers0n]

life of sg ppl is more than just measured against pencil-pushing outdated KPIs. The new PM needs to look at SG beyond the numbers, the intangibles that cannot be captured. Much needs to be calibrated, especially your foreign policy in bringing in ppl, where safety and security of sg that is born out of the blood and sweat of sg ppl are given handouts to foreigners that occupy our land, housing, etc... driving our cost of living higher than before. KPIs are impt in SG cause bonus right, but at what cost?!! How much is too much ?? what is 'feel the way forward' ?! Can CNA Do one episode on this sensitive area?? Heart of the matter or something ? Why we need so many foreigners for some outdated pencil-pushing KPI that indicates sg's competitiveness to the world?

[@yqweqwun7390]

the way PAP didnt become a monarchy of Lee Kwan family is impressive. In other countries the cult of the founder perhaps and no proper way of deciding and training sucessors,perhaps favouritism as well made parties dynastic.