Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Takes the Rider’s Seat
In a recent twist that could only happen in Singapore, Lawrence Wong—the man who’s juggling roles as Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and a TikTok guitar legend—hired a Royal Enfield Classic 500 to help fight childhood cancer.
It’s a Convoy, Not a Car Meet
On Sunday, August 14th, a convoy of more than 700 motorcyclists darkened the streets of Tampines. The rally kicked off at the Tampines Heavy Vehicle Carpark at 1 pm, with the purpose of raising money for the Children’s Cancer Foundation, thanks to Rider’s Aid Singapore.
- Start line: Al‑Istighfar Mosque, Pasir Ris
- End line: Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple (just a kilometre away)
- Funds raised so far: Approximately $30,000 (as reported by Rider’s Aid president Suriya Kumar)
Wong’s 20‑Year Break from Biking
After a quick 15‑minute greeting, the smoldering leader hop‑scotched onto the convoy at 1:45 pm, riding with a gusto that made even the seasoned bikers blush.
“I’m not a newbie—my last motorbike adventure was in the 1990s, back when I was a student in America. I rode a Suzuki street bike around Madison, Wisconsin, before becoming a financial wizard,” Wong reminisced. “After returning to Singapore, I had a scooter for a bit, but that’s been 20+ years since I last actually rode a bike. So this was a chance to stir my mechanical soul for a good cause.”
He held a Class 2, 2A, and 2B license, and the last time he laughed with his pegs was a long time ago. Now, on those scenic backroads, he’s proving that even politicians can enjoy the wind beside their ears.
Legacy and Laughter
The DPM’s revival of his biking hobby also brightened the crowd’s mood. “I was thrilled to return to the saddle, thank you to Rider’s Aid Singapore for giving me this platform,” he shared, pulling on the shoulder of the crowd as the convoy wound its way to the temple.
When he paused at the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple, he thanked the organisers for reintroducing him to “the joys of racing wind.” He concluded with a jaded grin: “It was a decade ago I last rode, so I’m really glad I’ve been given an opportunity to ride again, for a worthwhile cause.”
And that’s a snapshot of how the man who can be at the front of a cabinet and at the front of a motorbike was just one honest, heartfelt way of saying: 20 years of waiting—worth the ride.
When The Dragon Got Its Wheels On
Lawrence Wong, the deputy PM, turns the city into a live‑action charity bazaar.
Picture this: a sweep of motorcycles revving along the streets, chanting, “For a brighter tomorrow!” And at the front of this speeder‑squad, none other than Lawrence Wong, the deputy premier, riding high to rally funds for the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
- August 14, 2022 – a day marked by the thrill of engines and the poignancy of a mission.
- Deputy PM Lawrence Wong leading the convoy like a grand marshal.
- A clutch of supporters, media chatter, and big smiles, all to boost the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
- Photo credit: The Straits Times
Mr. Wong’s Motorbike Moment: A Toast to the “Spin‑Savvy” Finance Minister
Finance Minister uplifts a Classic 500 at a recent street‑style event, leaving a whirlwind of motorbike fanfare in his wake. Whether you’re a biker or just a casual observer, his hands‑on ride shows that big‑money officials can still get down to earth—pun fully intended.
The Unlikely Guest of Honor
- Mr. Kumar, the mastermind behind the event, heard through a grassroots whisper that the minister used to ride motorcycles back when life was all about leather jackets and two‑wheel thrills.
- After reaching out, the surprise hit the squad: the minister declined the usual “ride‑as‑a‑passenger” gig and instead asked to twist the throttle himself.
- “Normally our guests of honor just hop on as pillions, but let’s be real—who can say no to a full‑on solo session?!” Mr. Kumar joked.
Autographs and Art
The bike was signed right by Mr. Wong, making it a unique, personal touch—think of it as a legacy souvenir. The dealership in Ubi will proudly keep the motorcycle on display, akin to a mini monument for commuters who love a good ride.
In thanks, Mr. Kumar gifted the finance minister a painting depicting the very moment: him with the two‑wheeled companion in all its glory. A symbolic blend of art and adrenaline, it’s a reminder that even top officials have a need for speed.
Why the Crowd Cheers
- It’s an unforgettable narrative of the minister steering through the city’s streets, rather than just its fiscal highways.
- Everyone agreed: a high‑profile guest riding solo breaks the monotony and shows that leadership can be both serious and adventurous.
- HP—half a page of excitement—proved that a footloose leader isn’t limited by policies, only by the freedom of a trusty cruiser.
Bottom line: Mr. Wong’s Classic 500 ride turned a routine event into a “two‑wheel” blockbuster, proving that sometimes the best way to steer the nation is with a hand on the handlebars.
Celebrating 30 Years of Empowering Young Cancer Warriors
Ms Ng Siao Sze, the assistant director steering community partnerships at the Children’s Cancer Foundation, threw in a heartfelt shout‑out to everyone who’s helped the foundation reach its three‑decade milestone.
“The foundation is blowing out 30 candles this year, and we couldn’t have made it this far without the endless generosity and spirit of all of you,” she said, grinning like you’d just discovered a hidden chocolate bar inside a gym bag.
She went on to say, “Thank you for leaving a positive ripple across the children and their families battling cancer.”
What made the day so special?
- Supportive Community – Friends, family, and volunteers rolled up to lift us.
- Gratitude Galore – A chorus of thanks from every corner, showing how tightly we’re bound.
- Future Focus – A look ahead to keep the momentum strong as we tackle the next 30 years.
Behind the Scenes
It’s the same story that the Straits Times first told: a snapshot of Rider’s Aid Singapore’s President Suriya Kumar handing a painting to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on that memorable August 14th, 2022, the day we all felt the vibe of collective purpose. The foundation’s 30th‑anniversary celebration felt like a family reunion where every guest had an important role in shaping an amazing legacy.
Thank You Note
“Thank you for helping make each day brighter for kids and their families living with cancer,” the message concluded, a little chuckle escaping as if we’re all in on a secret joke about life’s unstoppable resilience.
