02 September,2023 11:48 AM IST | Singapore | mid-day online correspondent
President-elect Tharman Shanmugaratnam/ Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Indian-origin Tharman Shanmugaratnam on his election as President of Singapore. He took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and said that he looks forward to strengthening the India-Singapore partnership. He said, "Hearty congratulations Tharman S on your election as the President of Singapore. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership."
The 66-year-old economist will be Singapore's ninth president; he won the polls with a vote share of 70.4 per cent. Tharman S defeated two Chinese-origin contenders in the country's first contested presidential polls since 2011. His rivals Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian received 15. per cent and 13.88 per cent votes respectively.
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According to agency reports, Tharman addressed his supporters at Taman Jurong Food Centre expressing his gratitude and humility. He said that he was humbled by the vote and that it was a vote for Singapore's future, a future of optimism and solidarity. He said that his campaign was one of optimism and solidarity and "I believe that's what Singaporeans want".
Tharman Shanmugaratnam pledged to honour the trust placed in him by Singaporeans, promising to respect all citizens, including those who did not vote for him.
The outgoing President, Madam Halimah Yacob, Singapore's first female president, is set to conclude her six-year term on September 13. Tharman Shanmugaratnam's victory ushers in a new era for Singapore, with expectations high for his leadership to steer the nation towards continued prosperity and global prominence.
Who is Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Tharman Shanmugaratnam is an accomplished Singaporean economist and politician of Indian descent. Born on February 25, 1957, in Singapore, he has made significant contributions to both the economic and political landscape of the country. He holds a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.
Shanmugaratnam's political career began in 2001 when he entered Singaporean politics. He has held various key positions in the government, including serving as the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore from 2011 to 2019. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's economic policies and strategies.
