Who is Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Indian-origin man who could be next Singapore President?

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Indian-origin minister, has officially launched his Presidential campaign in Singapore. The election is set to take place on September 23, 2023.

He has pledged to evolve the country's culture to keep it a "shining spot" in the world.

Tharman, 66, had stepped down from active politics after 22 years last month.

Lets delve into who Tharman Shanmugaratnam is and his journey so far:

Early life and education

Tharman Shanmugaratnam was born on February 25, 1957, in Singapore. Tharman attended the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Economics.

He later pursued further studies at the University of Cambridge, earning a Master's degree in Economics.

Political career

Shanmugaratnam is a member of the People's Action Party (PAP), which has been the ruling party in Singapore since the country's independence.

He entered politics in 2001 when he was appointed a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC). Since then, he has won re-election several times.

Shanmugaratnam has been serving as Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies since 2015. He was also the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore from 2011 to 2015.

In 1988, he was appointed as a Senior Economist at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

He was later appointed as the Chief Executive of the Monetary Authority of Singapore in 1998.

Beyond politics

Tharman Shanmugaratnam has been commended for his economic expertise and served as the Chairman of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) from 2011 to 2019. He was the first Asian to hold this position.

He is known for his advocacy of social welfare and policies aimed at reducing income inequality in Singapore. He has been instrumental in implementing schemes to support low-income families and enhance social safety nets.

He is highly respected by both the public and his political peers for his dedication to public service and ability to articulate complex economic issues in a relatable manner.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam's India connection

Tharman Shanmugaratnam's India connection is rooted in his Tamil heritage and ancestral ties to India. Despite being born in Singapore, he belongs to an ethnic Indian family and traces his roots to Tamil Nadu.

Tharman's grandparents were immigrants from India who settled in Singapore, and his parents continued the family's cultural legacy. Growing up in a multicultural environment in Singapore, he remained deeply connected to his Indian heritage, customs, and traditions.

Over the years, Tharman has visited India on numerous occasions and engaged with Indian leaders and officials to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Achievements

Shanmugaratnam has been credited with steering Singapore's economy through the global financial crisis of 2008-09. He has also been an advocate for social policies that promote equality and inclusivity.

Shanmugaratnam has earned praise both domestically and internationally for his economic expertise and leadership.

He is often regarded as one of the driving forces behind Singapore's successful economic development and stability.

Presidential campaign

The official launch comes more than a month after Tharman first announced his intention that he will run for President.

Shanmugaratnam has pledged to evolve the country's culture to keep it a "shining spot" in the world. He has also promised to focus on issues such as climate change, mental health, and education.

"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.

Singapore elections

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, reported PTI. Halimah was named President then as there were no other candidates.

There are three prospective candidates who have publicly announced their intention to contest the polls.