Who is Singapore’s new Indian-origin president Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Tharman Shanmugaratnam began his education at the Anglo-Chinese School in his hometown. He later pursued higher education at the London School of Economics (LSE), earning a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. Notably, LSE recognised his achievements by awarding him an Honorary Fellowship in 2011.

Following his time at LSE, he continued his academic pursuits at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, where he completed a Master of Philosophy in economics. Tharman then moved to the United States as a student at the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University. There, he completed his Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree and received the prestigious Lucius N. Littauer Fellows Award, an honour given to MPA students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and leadership.

During his time studying in the United Kingdom in the 1970s, he was involved in student activism. Although he initially held socialist beliefs, his views on economics underwent a transformation as he progressed in his professional career.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam embarked on his professional journey at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which serves as the central bank and financial regulator of Singapore. Over time, he rose to the position of chairman at MAS. Additionally, he held the role of deputy chairman at GIC, the sovereign wealth fund of Singapore. Tharman earned widespread recognition for his profound economic expertise and his pivotal role in steering Singapore through the challenges posed by the global financial crisis of 2008.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam started his political career in 2001 by participating in the general election in Jurong GRC. He was part of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and won with a 79.75 percent vote share. Over the years, he held various ministerial roles, including Minister for Education and Minister for Finance.

In 2011, after the general election, he became Deputy Prime Minister while still overseeing the finance portfolio. He also briefly served as Minister for Manpower. Tharman stepped down as Minister for Finance in 2015.

In 2019, he became a Senior Minister, advising on economic and social policies. He also held the role of Coordinating Minister for Social Policies.

In July 2023, Shanmugaratnam resigned from all government positions and the PAP to run for the 2023 Singaporean presidential election, which he won.