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2023 Singapore President Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Tharman Shanmugaratnam is a Singaporean politician who was recently elected as the ninth president of Singapore. He is a well-known figure in Singaporean politics, having held various high-level positions in the government over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his role as president.
About Tharman Shanmugaratnam:
Tharman Shanmugaratnam was born on February 25, 1957, in Singapore. Tharman is a multi-generational Indian Singaporean of Ceylonese Tamil ancestry from the 19th century. He is the son of Emeritus Professor K. Shanmugaratnam, a medical scientist known as the “father of
pathology in Singapore”, who founded the Singapore Cancer Registry and led a number of international organizations related to cancer research and pathology. Tharman attended the National Junior College and later went on to study economics at the London School of
Economics. After completing his studies, he returned to Singapore and began his career in the civil service. He held various positions in the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Monetary Authority of Singapore before being appointed as the Senior Minister of State for Education in 1997.
Tharman’s Career:
Tharman’s career in politics began in 2001, when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Jurong Group Representation Constituency. He was later appointed Minister for Education in 2003 and held this position until 2008. During his tenure as Minister for Education, Tharman implemented several reforms to the education system, including the introduction of the Integrated Programme and the expansion of polytechnic education.
In 2007, Tharman was appointed Minister for Finance and held this position until 2015. During his tenure as Minister for Finance, Tharman implemented several policies to strengthen Singapore’s economy, including the introduction of the Productivity and Innovation Credit Scheme and the SkillsFuture initiative. His focus on improving the education system and labor market policies helped Singapore develop a skilled workforce. In 2023, Tharman was elected as the ninth president of Singapore. He won 70.4% of the votes, making him the first president to be elected with such a high percentage of the vote. In his inauguration speech, Tharman vowed to be “scrupulous and independent” in his decisions on reserves and promised to weigh carefully the use of Singapore’s reserves to tackle future crises.
How Mr. Tharman’s elected as a president in Singapore?
Mr. Tharman’s Role as President:
As president, Tharman’s role is largely ceremonial. He is the head of state and represents Singapore at official functions and events. He also has the power to veto certain government decisions, such as the appointment of key public officials and the use of Singapore’s reserves.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam has been passionate about creating a fair society, reducing income inequality, and supporting social mobility. His efforts have received recognition both within Singapore and internationally. Many admire his dedication to social justice and his deep
understanding of economic matters.
Key Achievements of Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam:
- Tharman Shanmugaratnam has had a long and successful career in Singaporean politics, with many notable achievements. Tharman has been serving as the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies since 2015.
- In this role, he has overseen several initiatives to improve the lives of Singaporeans, including investments in KidSTART and the expansion and upgrading of preschool education.
- Tharman has been the Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) since 2011. Under his leadership, the MAS has implemented several policies to strengthen Singapore’s financial sector, including the introduction of the productivity and innovation credit scheme.
- Tharman has been serving as Senior Minister of Singapore since 2019. In this role, he advises the Prime Minister on economic and social policies.
- In 2017, Tharman was awarded the Medal of Honor by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) for his varied contributions to labor.
What is Istana?
The Istana is the official residence of the president of Singapore. It is located in the central business district of Singapore and was built in 1869. The Istana is used for official functions and events, and the public is allowed to visit the grounds on certain days of the year. It is also a venue for hosting events. Located in Singapore’s central business district, it represents the nation’s sovereignty and is an integral part of the country’s history and heritage.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam is a well-respected figure in Singaporean politics, having held various high-level positions in the government over the years. As president, Tharman will continue to represent Singapore at official functions and events and will play an important role in safeguarding Singapore’s reserves. Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s leadership will continue to inspire future generations of leaders in Singapore. His legacy is one of progress, equality, and a genuine concern for the welfare of all citizens.
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