New Delhi (India), January 15 (ANI): Singapore has conferred the Honorary National Award on former Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Director-General Tarun Das for his valuable contribution to Singapore and Singapore-India relations. .
President Tharuman Shanmugaratnam presented the award to Das at a ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The Honorary Citizen Award is the Singapore Government’s highest recognition for outstanding contributions by non-Singaporeans to the country’s growth and development.
The award is given to individuals who have made a significant impact in the fields of business, science and technology, information and communications, education, health, arts and culture, sports, tourism, community service, and security.
Tarun Das has made significant contributions to the development of Singapore-India relations over the decades. As one of Singapore’s strongest advocates in India, Mr. Das first led a delegation of Indian businessmen to Singapore in 1993 as part of India’s “Look East” policy.
He spearheaded many important initiatives, including the CII Core Group’s annual visit to Singapore and the India-Singapore Strategic Dialogue. Das’ efforts to foster dialogue and engagement have contributed to strong and substantial economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
After receiving the award, Mr Das said, “I am extremely honored and privileged to have been selected by the Singapore Government to receive the Honorary Citizen Award. I have witnessed the enthusiasm and the multifaceted partnership is a source of great happiness for me.”
The title of Honorary Citizen has been awarded by the Singapore Government since 2003 to recognize the contributions of non-Singaporeans who have made extensive and valuable contributions to Singapore and its people, or who have had a significant impact in the field of Singapore. This is a national award. Business, science and technology, information and communications, education, health, arts and culture, sports, tourism, community services or security.
The Honorary Citizen Award is the highest form of national recognition for non-Singaporeans.
Mr. Tarun Das is the former Secretary General and Chief Leader of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a position he held for over 40 years. He is also a founding director of Ananta Center and Ananta Aspen Centre, a board member of Singapore-India Partnership Foundation (SIPF) and a member of India-Singapore Strategic Dialogue (ISSD).
Das played a key role in the establishment of the annual ISSD. ISSD, which held its 15th session in August 2024, is an important platform that brings together business leaders, policy makers and academia to foster discussions on strengthening cooperation between Singapore and India.
He also sought to expand ties between the two countries beyond trade and economics by fostering closer people-to-people ties.
As director of SIPF, Mr. Das led efforts to strengthen youth and academic exchanges and private sector cooperation. This includes the first SIPF student immersion program to India in 2023, involving students from the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
Mr. Das was previously awarded the Singapore Civil Service Medal in 2004 in recognition of his efforts and contributions to strengthening the relationship between Singapore and India. (Ani)
(This story comes from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by Tribune staff.)
