Congratulatory Statement by SINDA on Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s as Singapore’s Ninth President

SINDA takes pride in congratulating Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam on his inauguration as the ninth President of the Republic of Singapore.

Mr Tharman’s election to the presidency was a landmark moment for all Singaporeans, transcending divides and reaffirming unity. It was a momentous milestone that attested to Singaporeans’ belief in him, his exceptional leadership, and his ability to bridge communities and nurture inclusivity. His inauguration serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment and reinforces that opportunities and possibilities are available to every citizen striving to achieve his or her highest potential.

Throughout his four decades in Government, Mr Tharman has served Singapore with distinction and tireless commitment, charting the nation’s trajectory towards a promising future through sound economic and social policies. His firm belief in the importance of narrowing socio-economic gaps and improving social mobility has bettered the lives of countless Singaporeans.

Under Mr Tharman’s chairmanship, SINDA has grown from strength to strength, expanding its benefit and reach, and serving as a catalyst for the Singaporean Indian community’s progress. As a member of the Action Committee on Indian Education (ACIE) report in 1990, Mr Tharman put in motion efforts that resulted in SINDA’s founding in 1991; as Chairman of the SINDA Board of Trustees over the last 15 years, he played a leading role in advocating for the betterment of the Indian community.

Mr Tharman has stewarded numerous initiatives at SINDA, including the Project Athena programme, so that single Indian mothers were cared for and empowered in leading their lives; he also launched the Indian Business-leaders’ Roundtable (SINDA-IBR) in 2011, so that senior business leaders and captains of industry could contribute in meaningful and constructive ways towards community causes. Amid his busy schedule, he always made time for SINDA’s events and programmes, to engage beneficiaries and ensure that their voices were heard.

Welcoming Mr Tharman’s election to the presidency, Mr Anbarasu Rajendran, Chief Executive Officer, SINDA, shared: “Mr Tharman has played a very engaged and active role over three decades at SINDA, taking a keen interest in ensuring that the community is well-served. In working alongside him, I’ve seen that his every action and insightful perspective spoke of his genuine concern for people’s betterment and his hope for each one to do well and flourish in life. Now, as the people’s President, Mr Tharman will serve as a unifying figurehead for all Singaporeans, resonating with all segments of society. I’m confident that he will bring immense value to the presidency, in keeping Singaporeans’ interests close to heart, building an inclusive and progressive society, and flying our flag high on the international stage.”

As Mr Tharman embarks upon the presidency, SINDA looks to his continued guidance to the Indian community, as it grows the successes achieved over the last several decades.

On behalf of the Indian community and those we serve, SINDA extends its warmest congratulations to Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam on his inauguration as Singapore’s President. SINDA looks forward to his continued leadership in advancing Singapore’s interests abroad and in nurturing Singapore into a society of opportunities and compassion, where there is respect for all.