Singapore's long-serving prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, has stepped down and has been replaced by the deputy leader, Lawrence Wong.

Wong was sworn in on Wednesday. In his inauguration speech, he stressed that a generational shift has taken place, saying that his leadership style will differ from that of previous generations.

Wong highlighted diplomatic and domestic issues faced by the government, including worsening US-China relations and the rapidly aging Singaporean population. He called for national unity as he asked his fellow Singaporeans to join him and his team and their journey forward.

The new prime minister, a former bureaucrat, is 51 and grew up in a middle-class family.

He captured the spotlight as co-chair of the COVID-19 task force. Wong was named deputy prime minister in 2022.

He succeeded Lee, the eldest son of the first prime minister and the country's late founding father, Lee Kuan Yew. His high profile and leadership helped him remain in power for almost two decades.

The outgoing prime minister will serve in Wong's cabinet as senior minister.

Wong's inauguration comes as Singapore faces growing domestic and international challenges. Attention is focused on how Wong will lead the country amid a declining birth rate and US-China tensions.