Bhubaneswar: President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, visited the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the growing partnership between Singapore and the State of Odisha.
President Shanmugaratnam was warmly welcomed by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The Chief Minister expressed enthusiasm for the deepening ties, stating, “There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Singapore and Odisha.”
A detailed briefing was presented by Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary of Odisha, covering key themes such as skill development, industrial parks, master planning, ports and Paradip, renewable energy, semiconductors, information technology, data centers, culture, and connectivity.
The presentation highlighted Odisha’s initiatives and opportunities for collaboration with Singapore in these crucial sectors.
During the visit, President Shanmugaratnam toured the Vertical Transportation Lab and Travelator Lab at the World Skill Center and interacted with students and instructors, showcasing Odisha’s commitment to fostering technical education and innovation.
Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education, Odisha, delivered the welcome address.
A series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between the Government of Odisha and various Singaporean entities to strengthen collaboration in key sectors, as follows:
- Industrial Parks: MoU signed between Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) and Sembcorp, Singapore.
- Green Hydrogen Corridor: MoU between IDCO and Sembcorp, Singapore.
- Petrochemical and Petroleum Investment Region (PCPIR): MoU between IDCO and Surbana Jurong, Singapore.
- Development of New City: MoU between Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Surbana Jurong, Singapore.
- New Energy: Collaboration between Nanyang Technological University (NTU), GRIDCO, and IIT Bhubaneswar.
- Strengthening FinTech Ecosystem: MoU between the Electronics & IT Department, Odisha, and Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), Singapore.
- Advancing Skill Landscape: MoU between Skill Development & Technical Education Department, Odisha, and ITE Education Services (ITEES), Singapore, focusing on advanced skilling.
- Skill Development in Semiconductor Sector: MoU Skill Development & Technical Education Department, Odisha, and ITE Education Services (ITEES), Singapore, focusing on and semiconductors.
President Shanmugaratnam expressed his admiration for Odisha’s efforts in advancing skill development and fostering innovation. The Chief Minister of Odisha presented a memento and shawl to President Shanmugaratnam as a symbol of the enduring partnership between Odisha and Singapore.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Rashmita Panda, Director, Skill Development & Employment-cum-CEO, WSC, marking the end of a momentous occasion that further deepens the ties between Singapore and India.
