Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will make a State Visit to India from 14 to 18 January 2025, at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. Watch this report for more details!

Singapore President Tharman to visit India from January 14-18

<p>Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Indian-origin Singapore-born economist, was sworn in as the ninth president of the Asian city-state on Thursday (September 14). The 66-year-old will serve a six-year term. He has succeeded President Halimah Yacob, Singapore's first female president. Her term ended on September 13.</p>

<p>Tharman has served Singapore all his life in public service. He found overwhelming support from the city-state's predominantly Chinese society in presidential election.</p>

<p>Tharman served as a senior minister between 2019 and 2023. He was co-ordinating minister for social policies between 2015 and 2023. He was also chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore between 2011 and 2023. Between May 2011 and May 2019, Tharman Shanmugaratnam served as deputy prime minister of Singapore.</p>

<p>Before this, Singapore has had two Indian-origin presidents.</p>

<p>The recently concluded elections in Singapore were largely seen to be indicative of support for the ruling party. The polls were closely watched after rare spate of scandals in Singapore politics. However, Tharman won more than two-thirds of the votes against two rivals. He won 70.4 per cent of the vote.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Vote of confidence in Singapore’</strong></h2>

<p>"I believe that it's a vote of confidence in Singapore. It's a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans," the former finance minister said in a speech before the results were announced earlier this month.</p>

<p>"I'm humbled by this vote. It is not just a vote for me, it is a vote for Singapore's future."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Singapore unveils $5 billion retirement plan for those above 50</strong></p>

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<p>His main rival was Ng Kok Song, who is a former chief investment officer of Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GTC. The fund manages Singapore's foreign reserves.</p>

<p>Ng Kok Song conceded defeat after winning only 15.7 per cent of the vote.</p>

<p>There are stringent requirements for the position of Singapore president. The post formally oversees city's financial reserves and also holds power to veto some measures and approve anti-graft probes.</p>

<p><strong>Video | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-air-china-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-singapore-nine-injured-634542">Air China flight makes emergency landing in Singapore, nine injured</a></strong></p>

<p>The presidency is non-partisan post under Singapore's constitution. However, political lines were drawn ahead of the election to replace Halimah Yacob. She ran unopposed for her six-year term in 2017.</p>

<p>During the elections this time, Shanmugaratnam was widely seen as a favourite to win the post of president. He had resigned as a member of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and also as a senior minister in the cabinet. This was necessitated as all presidential candidates in Singapore must be independent.</p>

<p>Singapore's government is run by the prime minister. Currently, Lee Hsien Loong of the PAP is the prime minister. The party has ruled Singapore continuously since 1959.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Indian-origin Singapore-born economist, was sworn in as the ninth president of the Asian city-state on Thursday (September 14). The 66-year-old will serve a six-year term.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Indian-origin Singapore-born economist, was sworn in as the ninth president of the Asian city-state on Thursday (September 14). The 66-year-old will serve a six-year term. He has succeeded President Halimah Yacob, Singapore's first female president. Her term ended on September 13. Tharman has served Singapore all his life in public service. He found overwhelming support from the city-state's predominantly Chinese society in presidential election. Tharman served as a senior minister between 2019 and 2023. He was co-ordinating minister for social policies between 2015 and 2023. He was also chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore between 2011 and 2023. Between May 2011 and May 2019, Tharman Shanmugaratnam served as deputy prime minister of Singapore. Before this, Singapore has had two Indian-origin presidents. The recently concluded elections in Singapore were largely seen to be indicative of support for the ruling party. The polls were closely watched after rare spate of scandals in Singapore politics. However, Tharman won more than two-thirds of the votes against two rivals. He won 70.4 per cent of the vote. ‘Vote of confidence in Singapore’ "I believe that it's a vote of confidence in Singapore. It's a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans," the former finance minister said in a speech before the results were announced earlier this month. "I'm humbled by this vote. It is not just a vote for me, it is a vote for Singapore's future." Watch | Singapore unveils $5 billion retirement plan for those above 50 × His main rival was Ng Kok Song, who is a former chief investment officer of Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GTC. The fund manages Singapore's foreign reserves. Ng Kok Song conceded defeat after winning only 15.7 per cent of the vote. There are stringent requirements for the position of Singapore president. The post formally oversees city's financial reserves and also holds power to veto some measures and approve anti-graft probes. Video | Air China flight makes emergency landing in Singapore, nine injured The presidency is non-partisan post under Singapore's constitution. However, political lines were drawn ahead of the election to replace Halimah Yacob. She ran unopposed for her six-year term in 2017. During the elections this time, Shanmugaratnam was widely seen as a favourite to win the post of president. He had resigned as a member of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and also as a senior minister in the cabinet. This was necessitated as all presidential candidates in Singapore must be independent. Singapore's government is run by the prime minister. Currently, Lee Hsien Loong of the PAP is the prime minister. The party has ruled Singapore continuously since 1959. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Indian-origin economist, sworn in as Singapore president

<p>Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an Indian-origin former Singaporean deputy prime minister, was elected president Friday (September 1), the official results showed. This was the city-state's first contested vote for the largely ceremonial position in more than a decade. He replaces incumbent Halimah Yacob who ran unopposed for her six-year term in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Elections Department declared Shanmugaratnam of the People's Action Party (PAP) as the winner over two rival candidates after securing 70.4 per cent of votes cast. The other two candidates, Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian, effectively conceded the race.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 66-year-old economist won 70.4 per cent of the vote in a landslide victory in the republic's three-way presidential contest. The result came in the backdrop of recent political scandals involving his ex-colleagues, but they didn't hurt his political aspirations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scorching-summer-japan-records-highest-average-temperature-in-125-years-631360">Scorching Summer! Japan records highest average temperature in 125 years</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Election returning officer Tan Meng Dui said: "I declare Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam as the candidate duly elected as the president of Singapore."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by media reports, he said that the results were humbling. "It's a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans," he said.</p>

<p>In a speech before the results were announced, Shanmugaratnam said: "I believe that it's a vote of confidence in Singapore. It's a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fortifies-new-delhi-over-130000-officers-air-support-to-ensure-safety-at-g20-summit-631318">India fortifies New Delhi: Over 130,000 officers, air support to ensure safety at G20 Summit</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Ahead of G20 summit, India's Chief Coordinator Shringla emphasises on global South focus&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Truly humbled:&nbsp;Tharman Shanmugaratnam&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the Election Department released the final sample count, Tharman spoke to the media stating that he was "truly humbled" by the strong support Singaporeans had shown for him. He said a vote for him was a "vote for Singapore".</p>

<p>He added that "it's a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans" and added that "that has been my platform, and I believe it has received strong endorsement by Singaporeans. So it's not just about me … this is about Singapore and confidence in Singapore".&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Tharman will be Singapore's third Indian-origin president&nbsp;after Sellapan Ramanathan and Chengara Veetil Devan Nair.</p>

<p>Sellapan Ramanathan,&nbsp;popularly known as S R Nathan, a politician and civil servant of Tamil descent, served as the president after&nbsp;defeating Benjamin Sheares in 2009&nbsp;and was Singapore's longest-serving president.</p>

<p>Chengara Veetil Devan Nair, better known as Devan Nair, served as the third president of Singapore from 1981 until his resignation in 1985. Nair was the son of a rubber plantation clerk, who was originally from Thalassery, Kerala</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an Indian-origin former Singaporean deputy prime minister, was elected president Friday (September 1), the official results showed. This was the city-state's first contested vote for the largely ceremonial position in more than a decade.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an Indian-origin former Singaporean deputy prime minister, was elected president Friday (September 1), the official results showed. This was the city-state's first contested vote for the largely ceremonial position in more than a decade. He replaces incumbent Halimah Yacob who ran unopposed for her six-year term in 2017. The Elections Department declared Shanmugaratnam of the People's Action Party (PAP) as the winner over two rival candidates after securing 70.4 per cent of votes cast. The other two candidates, Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian, effectively conceded the race. The 66-year-old economist won 70.4 per cent of the vote in a landslide victory in the republic's three-way presidential contest. The result came in the backdrop of recent political scandals involving his ex-colleagues, but they didn't hurt his political aspirations. Also read: Scorching Summer! Japan records highest average temperature in 125 years Election returning officer Tan Meng Dui said: "I declare Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam as the candidate duly elected as the president of Singapore." As quoted by media reports, he said that the results were humbling. "It's a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans," he said. In a speech before the results were announced, Shanmugaratnam said: "I believe that it's a vote of confidence in Singapore. It's a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together." Also read: India fortifies New Delhi: Over 130,000 officers, air support to ensure safety at G20 Summit Also read: Ahead of G20 summit, India's Chief Coordinator Shringla emphasises on global South focus × Truly humbled: Tharman Shanmugaratnam After the Election Department released the final sample count, Tharman spoke to the media stating that he was "truly humbled" by the strong support Singaporeans had shown for him. He said a vote for him was a "vote for Singapore". He added that "it's a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans" and added that "that has been my platform, and I believe it has received strong endorsement by Singaporeans. So it's not just about me … this is about Singapore and confidence in Singapore". Tharman will be Singapore's third Indian-origin president after Sellapan Ramanathan and Chengara Veetil Devan Nair. Sellapan Ramanathan, popularly known as S R Nathan, a politician and civil servant of Tamil descent, served as the president after defeating Benjamin Sheares in 2009 and was Singapore's longest-serving president. Chengara Veetil Devan Nair, better known as Devan Nair, served as the third president of Singapore from 1981 until his resignation in 1985. Nair was the son of a rubber plantation clerk, who was originally from Thalassery, Kerala (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Singapore: Indian-origin ex-deputy PM Tharman Shanmugaratnam elected president

<p>Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Indian-origin minister in Singapore, is among three people who have qualified to run for the city-state’s presidential election, reported news agency PTI, on Friday (August 18). This comes weeks after the 66-year-old formally launched his presidential campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About Tharman and other candidate’s selection</strong></h2>

<p>Tharman (66) and two Chinese-origin former executives of government-linked companies have qualified to run for the upcoming presidential elections. The Elections Department (ELD) said that the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) received a total of six applications for the certificate of eligibility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two Chinese-origin candidates&nbsp;who have also qualified as candidates for the presidential election are Chief Investment Officer Ng Kok Song and former NTUC Income Chief Executive Tan Kin Lian, reported PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency citing the department also said that Tharman submitted his bid under the public sector service track while Ng and Tan applied under the public sector deliberative track and private sector deliberative track, respectively.</p>

<p>Under requirements laid out in Singapore’s Constitution, public sector presidential candidates must have held office for at least three years as a minister, chief justice, attorney-general or other high-level posts.</p>

<p>In line with this, since Tharman held office as a minister for at least three years, he qualified for the public sector service track. The 66-year-old launched his bid for the presidency on July 26. Therefore, he has since resigned from public and political posts last month.</p>

<p>The six-member PEC, headed by Public Service Commission chairman Lee Tzu Yang and also includes two supreme court judges, were satisfied that Ng, Tan and Tharman were men of “integrity, good character and reputation,” said ELD.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tharman’s campaign</strong></h2>

<p>Announcing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapores-former-indian-origin-minister-launches-presidential-bid-619794">launch of his campaign</a> last month, Tharman vowed to evolve Singapore’s culture as a “shining spot” in the world.</p>

<p>“I stepped into this race because I feel very strongly in the need to evolve Singapore’s culture, some of our norms and the way we go about working with each other so that we remain a shining spot in the world,” said the 66-year-old, during a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tharman was an economist and civil servant and worked predominantly at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, before joining politics in 2001. So far, he’s served as minister for education and finance and deputy prime minister from 2011 to 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Upcoming elections</strong></h2>

<p>Singapore had previously said it would hold the presidential election on September 1 if more than one person qualifies for the presidential run. Incumbent President Halimah Yacob’s six-year tenure will end on September 13.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Singapore will hold its first presidential election since 2011, after President Halimah announced on May 29 that she will not seek a second term. She is the country’s eighth and first female president.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Indian-origin minister in Singapore, is among three people who have qualified to run for the city-state’s presidential election, reported news agency PTI, on Friday (August 18).

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Indian-origin minister in Singapore, is among three people who have qualified to run for the city-state’s presidential election, reported news agency PTI, on Friday (August 18). This comes weeks after the 66-year-old formally launched his presidential campaign. About Tharman and other candidate’s selection Tharman (66) and two Chinese-origin former executives of government-linked companies have qualified to run for the upcoming presidential elections. The Elections Department (ELD) said that the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) received a total of six applications for the certificate of eligibility. The two Chinese-origin candidates who have also qualified as candidates for the presidential election are Chief Investment Officer Ng Kok Song and former NTUC Income Chief Executive Tan Kin Lian, reported PTI. The news agency citing the department also said that Tharman submitted his bid under the public sector service track while Ng and Tan applied under the public sector deliberative track and private sector deliberative track, respectively. Under requirements laid out in Singapore’s Constitution, public sector presidential candidates must have held office for at least three years as a minister, chief justice, attorney-general or other high-level posts. In line with this, since Tharman held office as a minister for at least three years, he qualified for the public sector service track. The 66-year-old launched his bid for the presidency on July 26. Therefore, he has since resigned from public and political posts last month. The six-member PEC, headed by Public Service Commission chairman Lee Tzu Yang and also includes two supreme court judges, were satisfied that Ng, Tan and Tharman were men of “integrity, good character and reputation,” said ELD. Tharman’s campaign Announcing the launch of his campaign last month, Tharman vowed to evolve Singapore’s culture as a “shining spot” in the world. “I stepped into this race because I feel very strongly in the need to evolve Singapore’s culture, some of our norms and the way we go about working with each other so that we remain a shining spot in the world,” said the 66-year-old, during a press conference. Tharman was an economist and civil servant and worked predominantly at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, before joining politics in 2001. So far, he’s served as minister for education and finance and deputy prime minister from 2011 to 2019. Upcoming elections Singapore had previously said it would hold the presidential election on September 1 if more than one person qualifies for the presidential run. Incumbent President Halimah Yacob’s six-year tenure will end on September 13. Singapore will hold its first presidential election since 2011, after President Halimah announced on May 29 that she will not seek a second term. She is the country’s eighth and first female president. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Singapore: Indian-origin former minister Tharman among 3 people qualified to run in presidential election

<p>Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Indian-origin minister in Singapore, formally launched his presidential campaign on Wednesday. The 66-year-old had stepped down from active politics last month after 22 years.</p>

<p>Tharman has vowed to evolve Singapore's culture as a "shining spot" in the world.</p>

<p>"I stepped into this race because I feel very strongly in the need to evolve Singapore's culture, some of our norms and the way we go about working with each other so that we remain a shining spot in the world,” he said at a press conference.</p>

<p>Tharman vowed to be "a president for a new era" after he officially launched his campaign for office.</p>

<p>Tharman outlined the supposed challenges faced by Singapore both globally and domestically and said that the nation's real challenge was to avoid becoming a divided society.</p>

<p>"If I'm fortunate enough to be elected as President, I pledge to bring my full experience and capabilities on the ground nationally and internationally, to serve as your President for this new and more challenging era," Channel News Asia quoted him as saying.</p>

<p>The politician said that his 22 years in politics had provided him with the experiential wherewithal to unify people.</p>

<p>"When we talk about being a unifying figure, I do not say this rhetorically or just as an aspiration but I speak from a real track record," he said.</p>

<p>"That includes the track record of respecting different views, including different political leanings and constantly trying to find common ground," he said.</p>

<p>He said he would bring a "more basic orientation" of integrity and that will define his presidency, once elected.</p>

<p>"I don't have to change my colours like a chameleon. I'm the same person with the same integrity and same independence of mind, and that remains critical for the role of the president," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-indian-origin-world-leaders-occupying-significant-positions-498639/#sr-nathan-singapore-498617">UK's Rishi Sunak joins Indian-origin world leaders. Here's a look at others</a></strong></p>

<p>Tharman was an economist and a civil servant, mainly at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, before joining politics in 2001.</p>

<p>He has served as the Minister for Education and Finance and was the Deputy Prime Minister from 2011 to 2019. He has also held prominent posts at international organisations including the International Monetary Fund, the World Economic Forum and the United Nations.</p>

<p>There are three prospective candidates who have publicly announced their intention to contest the polls.</p>

<p>The other two prospective candidates&nbsp;are businessman George Goh and investment manager Ng Kok Song.</p>

<h2><strong>Singapore presidential polls: Conditions and rules</strong></h2>

<p>Under requirements laid out in Singapore's Constitution, public sector presidential candidates must have held office for at least three years as a minister, chief justice, attorney-general or other high-level posts.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian-Origin Ajay Banga set to become World Bank Chief</strong></p>

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<p>Private sector candidates must have served for at least three years as chief executives of a company with an average of Singapore dollars 500 million in shareholders' equity.</p>

<h2><strong>When will Singapore go to polls?</strong></h2>

<p>Singapore will go to polls in September 2023. President Halimah Yacob's tenure will end on September 13.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Singapore will hold its first presidential election since 2011, after President Halimah announced on May 29 that she will not seek a second term.</p>

<p>She is the country's eighth and first female president. Her six-year term ends on September 13 this year.</p>

<p>The 2017 presidential poll was a reserved election, in which only members of the Malay community were allowed to contest. Halimah was named president then as there were no other candidates.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Indian-origin minister in Singapore, formally launched his presidential campaign on Wednesday. The 66-year-old had stepped down from active politics last month after 22 years.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Indian-origin minister in Singapore, formally launched his presidential campaign on Wednesday. The 66-year-old had stepped down from active politics last month after 22 years. Tharman has vowed to evolve Singapore's culture as a "shining spot" in the world. "I stepped into this race because I feel very strongly in the need to evolve Singapore's culture, some of our norms and the way we go about working with each other so that we remain a shining spot in the world,” he said at a press conference. Tharman vowed to be "a president for a new era" after he officially launched his campaign for office. Tharman outlined the supposed challenges faced by Singapore both globally and domestically and said that the nation's real challenge was to avoid becoming a divided society. "If I'm fortunate enough to be elected as President, I pledge to bring my full experience and capabilities on the ground nationally and internationally, to serve as your President for this new and more challenging era," Channel News Asia quoted him as saying. The politician said that his 22 years in politics had provided him with the experiential wherewithal to unify people. "When we talk about being a unifying figure, I do not say this rhetorically or just as an aspiration but I speak from a real track record," he said. "That includes the track record of respecting different views, including different political leanings and constantly trying to find common ground," he said. He said he would bring a "more basic orientation" of integrity and that will define his presidency, once elected. "I don't have to change my colours like a chameleon. I'm the same person with the same integrity and same independence of mind, and that remains critical for the role of the president," he said. Also read | UK's Rishi Sunak joins Indian-origin world leaders. Here's a look at others Tharman was an economist and a civil servant, mainly at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, before joining politics in 2001. He has served as the Minister for Education and Finance and was the Deputy Prime Minister from 2011 to 2019. He has also held prominent posts at international organisations including the International Monetary Fund, the World Economic Forum and the United Nations. There are three prospective candidates who have publicly announced their intention to contest the polls. The other two prospective candidates are businessman George Goh and investment manager Ng Kok Song. Singapore presidential polls: Conditions and rules Under requirements laid out in Singapore's Constitution, public sector presidential candidates must have held office for at least three years as a minister, chief justice, attorney-general or other high-level posts. Also watch | Indian-Origin Ajay Banga set to become World Bank Chief × Private sector candidates must have served for at least three years as chief executives of a company with an average of Singapore dollars 500 million in shareholders' equity. When will Singapore go to polls? Singapore will go to polls in September 2023. President Halimah Yacob's tenure will end on September 13. Singapore will hold its first presidential election since 2011, after President Halimah announced on May 29 that she will not seek a second term. She is the country's eighth and first female president. Her six-year term ends on September 13 this year. The 2017 presidential poll was a reserved election, in which only members of the Malay community were allowed to contest. Halimah was named president then as there were no other candidates. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Singapore's former Indian-origin minister launches presidential bid

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Singapore President Tharman to visit India from January 14-18

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Indian-origin economist, sworn in as Singapore president

Singapore: Indian-origin ex-deputy PM Tharman Shanmugaratnam elected president

Singapore: Indian-origin former minister Tharman among 3 people qualified to run in presidential election

Singapore's former Indian-origin minister launches presidential bid