“6 Key Facts About Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s Presidential Bid”

SINGAPORE — Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced on June 8 that he will resign from the People’s Action Party (PAP) and step down from his roles as Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies on July 7 to run for president in the upcoming election. Here are six important points to know about the 66-year-old, who is transitioning from a long political career spanning 22 years.

Renowned Economic Expert: Tharman began his career at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in 1982 as an economist. He later joined the administrative service and rejoined MAS in 1997. Notably, he was recognized as one of the best economic minds in Singapore and played a crucial role in liberalizing the financial sector.

Political Motivations: Entering politics in 2001, Tharman was part of the “Super Seven” candidates during the general election. He sought to address Singapore’s evolving challenges, believing that innovative solutions were necessary for the nation’s progress.

Passion for Sports and Poetry: Before his political career, Tharman was known for his athleticism and love for poetry. He played multiple sports during his school years and even published poems in collaboration with peers during national service.

Resilience Through Controversy: Throughout his career, Tharman faced challenges, including being questioned by the Internal Security Department during the 1987 Marxist Conspiracy. He also had a brush with the law involving a breach of the Official Secrets Act, for which he was fined.

Popularity in Politics: As an anchor minister in Jurong GRC, he has consistently secured high vote shares for the PAP, fueling speculation about his potential as a future Prime Minister. Despite this, he has expressed a preference for roles focused on policymaking and supporting the government.

Global Recognition: Tharman has gained international acclaim, serving on various global economic and financial councils. He became the first Asian to chair the International Monetary and Financial Committee of the IMF in 2011 and continues to contribute to global discussions on economics and finance.