US Department of State Official Announcement
The United States congratulates Tharman Shanmugaratnam on his election as the ninth president of the Republic of Singapore.
The United States and Singapore share a longstanding and robust partnership built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared values, and common interests. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Shanmugaratnam and the people of Singapore to further strengthen the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.
We also extend our gratitude to President Halimah Yacob for her contributions to the U.S.-Singapore bilateral relationship during her historic tenure as Singapore’s first female president.
About the New Singapore President-elect
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an influential figure in Singaporean politics, has made significant contributions to the nation’s development. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he has held several ministerial positions, including being the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.
However, it is not only his impressive political achievements that set him apart but also his visionary leadership style and deep understanding of global economic trends.
One remarkable aspect of Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s approach to politics is his emphasis on inclusivity and social cohesion. Despite Singapore’s reputation as a financially prosperous city-state, Tharman recognizes the importance of addressing societal inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind in its progress.
Social Policies and Economic Growth
His policies have focused on welfare initiatives such as education reform, job creation programs, and affordable housing schemes. By prioritizing social integration alongside economic growth, he has fostered a sense of unity among diverse communities in Singapore.
Another noteworthy aspect of Tharman’s political influence lies in his expertise in economics and global affairs. As the Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), he played an instrumental role in steering the country through economic downturns while maintaining stability within the financial sector.
His unrivaled knowledge allowed him to anticipate emerging market trends and adapt policies accordingly. Moreover, on the international stage, Tharman actively participated in forums such as those held by the G20 group of nations. This engagement showcased his ability to contribute meaningful insights that shape global policy discussions.
About the Former President
President Halimah Yacob did not seek re-election after she declared her decision to step down from office. During her tenure as Singapore’s Head of State, President Halimah exhibited an unwavering commitment to serving with compassion and grace.
She was a staunch advocate for cultivating a society founded on empathy and kindness while paying particular attention to marginalized and vulnerable communities. My most significant collaboration with President Halimah took place within my role overseeing our reserves. As custodian of these resources, she ensured their judicious allocation for Singapore’s benefit.
Economic Strength
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) annually sought her consent for the national Budget, leading to insightful discussions between myself, President Halimah, and the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA), which proved invaluable in shaping our decisions regarding these reserves.
In a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, President Halimah Yacob’s decision to tap into past reserves proved instrumental in saving lives, protecting people’s livelihoods, and fostering the people’s collective growth.
Sources: THX News, Lawrence Wong & US Department of State.
