New Delhi: Indian descent Economist Tharman Shanmugaratnam officially assumed office as Singapore’s ninth President on Thursday, following his resounding victory in the recent elections, as reported by The Strait Times.
As per reports, Shanmugaratnam (66), an economist and longtime civil servant primarily based at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, transitioned into politics in 2001.
Over the years, he held key positions, including Minister for Education and Finance, and held the role of Deputy Prime Minister from 2011 to 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Tharman after his victory and said he looks forward to working with Shanmugaratnam to further strengthen the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership, as per an ANI report.
Shanmugaratnam secured an impressive 70.4 percent of the vote, marking a landslide victory, while the former GIC chief investment officer, Ng Kok Song, trailed behind with 15.72 percent.
This election was particularly significant as it marked Singapore’s first contested presidential election in over a decade.