Tharman Shanmugaratnam: From Economist to Singapore's 9th President
In a historic turn of events, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an Indian-origin economist and former senior minister, secured a resounding victory in the 9th presidential election of Singapore. The election results were officially announced on September 1, 2023, marking a significant moment in the nation's political landscape. This article delves deep into Tharman Shanmugaratnam's remarkable journey, from his early life to his accomplishments in the world of finance and international diplomacy, culminating in his election as Singapore's 9th President.
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| Indian-origin economist Tharman Shanmugaratna became the 9th President of Singapore |
An Unprecedented Victory
Tharman Shanmugaratnam achieved a landslide victory by securing over 70.4 percent of the vote for the People's Action Party (PAP) in the presidential election. His triumph came as the six-year term of the incumbent President, Halimah Yacob, was set to conclude on September 13, 2023. Tharman's ascent to the presidency marked a significant moment not only for himself but also for the Indian-origin community in Singapore. He became the third person of Indian descent to lead the nation, following in the footsteps of Sellapan Ramanathan and Chengara Veetil Devan Nair.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam: A Brief Overview
Early Life and Family
Born on February 25, 1957, to Tamil ancestors of the Indian community in Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam's heritage played a pivotal role in shaping his life. His father, Emeritus Professor K. Shanmugaratnam, was a renowned medical expert known as the "Father of Pathology in Singapore." His contributions included establishing the Singapore Cancer Registry and leading numerous international organizations dedicated to cancer research and pathology.
Leadership in Financial Institutions
Tharman's journey in public service began in 2001 when he entered politics. His meteoric rise culminated in him serving as the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore from 2011 to 2019. During his tenure, he demonstrated astute leadership as the chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, effectively serving as the de facto central bank. Additionally, he held the position of deputy chairman of the Government Investment Corporation of Singapore (GIC) between 2019 and 2023.
Global Diplomacy
Beyond Singapore's borders, Tharman Shanmugaratnam made substantial contributions to international diplomacy and economics. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism. From 2011 to 2014, he chaired the Policy Advisory Committee for the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC).
A Pioneering Achievement
Tharman Shanmugaratnam's impressive resume extends to his role as the first Asian President of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His leadership from 2019 to 2022 left an indelible mark on the global financial landscape. Furthermore, he co-chaired the Advisory Board of the Human Development Report (HDR) of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) from 2019 to 2022, emphasizing his commitment to addressing critical development issues.
FAQs
Q: What is Tharman Shanmugaratnam's background?
Tharman Shanmugaratnam was born to Tamil ancestors in Singapore on February 25, 1957. His father, Emeritus Professor K. Shanmugaratnam, was a renowned medical expert known for his contributions to cancer research and pathology.
Q: What are some of Tharman Shanmugaratnam's notable positions in Singapore?
Tharman served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore from 2011 to 2019. He also held key roles, including chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore and deputy chairman of the Government Investment Corporation of Singapore.
Q: What international roles has Tharman Shanmugaratnam played?
Tharman has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism. He also chaired the Policy Advisory Committee for the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) from 2011 to 2014.
Q: What significant position did Tharman Shanmugaratnam hold at the IMF?
Tharman Shanmugaratnam made history by becoming the first Asian President of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), serving from 2019 to 2022.
Q: What role did Tharman play in the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)?
From 2019 to 2022, Tharman co-chaired the Advisory Board of the Human Development Report (HDR) of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), contributing to global development efforts.
Q: How does Tharman Shanmugaratnam's presidency impact Singapore's history?
Tharman Shanmugaratnam's presidency marks a significant moment in Singapore's history as he becomes the third Indian-origin person to lead the nation, following Sellapan Ramanathan and Chengara Veetil Devan Nair.
Conclusion
Tharman Shanmugaratnam's journey from being an Indian-origin economist to becoming the 9th President of Singapore is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and global diplomacy. His impressive career and groundbreaking achievements underscore his dedication to improving both Singapore and the world. As he takes on the role of President, his legacy is poised to leave an enduring impact on the nation and the international stage.
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