On Wednesday night, after 20 years in office, Mr. Lee will formally turn over the reins to deputy prime minister and finance minister Lawrence Wong.
Only three prime ministers have led Singapore since its independence in 1965, and they are all members of the People’s Action Party (PAP), which is currently in power.
The first was Lee Kuan Yew, the father of Mr. Lee, who oversaw Singapore for 25 years and is largely regarded as the country’s creator.
Despite Mr. Lee’s continued role in cabinet, many say the change represents a shift in Singapore’s political leadership as it emerges from the Lee family’s shadow.
