Who is the President of Singapore? Meet Singapore’s Head of State
If you’re wondering who the current President of Singapore is, you’ve come to the right place. Singapore is a sovereign island city-state in Southeast Asia, with a population of over 5.7 million people. The President of Singapore is the head of state and holds a non-partisan office in Singapore’s system of governance.
Halimah Yacob was the eighth President of Singapore, serving from 2017 to 2023. She was the first female president and the first Malay head of state in 47 years. In September 2023, Tharman Shanmugaratnam was elected as Singapore’s ninth President. He is a Singaporean politician and economist who has been serving as the President of Singapore since 2023.
Key Takeaways
- The President of Singapore is the head of state and holds a non-partisan office in Singapore’s system of governance.
- Halimah Yacob was the eighth President of Singapore, serving from 2017 to 2023, and was the first female president and the first Malay head of state in 47 years.
- Tharman Shanmugaratnam is the current President of Singapore, having been elected in September 2023.
Presidential Role and Election
Duties and Powers of the President
As the Head of State, the President of Singapore holds a non-partisan office in the country’s system of governance. The President’s role is to serve as a symbol of national unity and preside over important national events such as the National Day Parade. Additionally, the President has the power to veto government budgets and key appointments, as well as to grant pardons and clemency.
Election Process
The Presidential Election in Singapore is conducted by the Presidential Elections Committee, which is appointed by the Prime Minister. Only candidates who are issued with a Certificate of Eligibility by the Presidential Elections Committee are eligible to run for the Presidency. The election is held every six years, or if the incumbent President vacates the office before the end of their term.
Qualifications for Candidacy
To be eligible to run for the Presidency in Singapore, a candidate must meet several qualifications. They must be a Singapore citizen, at least 45 years old, and not have a criminal record. Additionally, they must have held certain high-level public offices or have been a CEO of a company with at least S$500 million in shareholders’ equity.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, additional measures were put in place to ensure the safety of voters and poll workers. These measures included social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment at polling stations.
If only one candidate is issued a Certificate of Eligibility, that candidate becomes the President-elect without the need for an election. This is known as a walkover.
The Returning Officer is responsible for overseeing the election process, including the counting of votes and the announcement of the results. The Sample Count, which is conducted before the official count, is used to check the accuracy of the official count.
In the 2023 Presidential Election, Tharman Shanmugaratnam won by a landslide victory, receiving 70.41% of the votes cast. This was seen as a vote of confidence in Singapore and its system of governance.
Notable Presidents and Contributions
Halimah Yacob: Singapore’s First Female President
Madam Halimah Yacob made history in 2017 by becoming Singapore’s first female President. She was also the first Malay President in 47 years. Prior to her presidency, Madam Halimah served as a Member of Parliament for 16 years and held various positions in the National Trades Union Congress, including the post of Secretary-General.
As President, Madam Halimah has focused on issues such as social cohesion, education, and the environment. She has also been a strong advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and has worked to promote volunteerism and community service.
Past Presidents and Their Legacies
Singapore has had a number of notable Presidents who have made significant contributions to the country. Ong Teng Cheong, who served as President from 1993 to 1999, was the first President to be directly elected by the people. He was also a strong advocate for transparency and accountability in government.
Tony Tan, who served as President from 2011 to 2017, was a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. During his presidency, he focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and social cohesion. He also played a key role in managing Singapore’s national reserves as Chairman of the Government Investment Corporation (GIC).
S. R. Nathan, who served as President from 1999 to 2011, was a former diplomat and civil servant. He was known for his efforts to promote racial and religious harmony in Singapore and his contributions to the country’s education system.
As a non-partisan office, the role of the Singapore President is primarily ceremonial. However, the President also has certain executive powers, including the control of the national reserves and the ability to appoint and revoke public service appointments. The President also receives foreign dignitaries and performs other ceremonial and community duties at the Istana, the official residence of the Singapore President.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently holds the office of President in Singapore?
As of today, Friday June 07, 2024, Tharman Shanmugaratnam is the President of Singapore. He was elected as Singapore’s President in September 2023.
Who was appointed as Singapore’s President in 2024?
Tharman Shanmugaratnam was appointed as Singapore’s President in 2023.
Can you tell me the name of Singapore’s first President?
Yes, Singapore’s first President was Yusof bin Ishak. He served as President from 1965 to 1970.
How many Presidents has Singapore had since 1965?
Since 1965, Singapore has had a total of eight Presidents, including the current President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Who was serving as the seventh President of Singapore?
The seventh President of Singapore was Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam. He served as President from 2011 to 2017.
Could you list the former Presidents of Singapore?
Sure, here is a list of the former Presidents of Singapore:
- Yusof bin Ishak (1965-1970)
- Benjamin Sheares (1971-1981)
- C. V. Devan Nair (1981-1985)
- Wee Kim Wee (1985-1993)
- Ong Teng Cheong (1993-1999)
- S. R. Nathan (1999-2011)
- Tony Tan Keng Yam (2011-2017)