The composition of the People's Action Party's (PAP) new central executive committee marks the formal beginning of Singapore's next phase of political renewal that will see fourth-generation leaders rise to the top. Previous transitions, from the first to the second and the third generation of national leaders, have thankfully been smooth, but no one should take for granted that this is the natural order of such handovers.

Popular expectations continue to rise, given the ruling party's track record on the economy, internal resilience and external defence. While there will continue to be challenges, both old and new, the responses to them cannot be the same. They will need to reflect the timbre and tone of the times. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's ability to build on the legacy of his predecessors, and yet create new space for the politics identified with his leadership, is something his successor will have to emulate when Mr Lee steps down.