India and Singapore Strengthen Educational Ties: Dharmendra Pradhan Meets PM Lawrence Wong
Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, met with the Prime Minister of Singapore, H.E. Lawrence Wong, today to enhance bilateral cooperation in education and research. Their discussions focused on advancing partnerships through the three key pillars of ‘Talent, Resource & Market.’
Shri Pradhan emphasized India’s view of Singapore as a trusted knowledge partner, particularly in deep tech, startups, and innovation. He highlighted the robust framework established by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Wong to elevate India-Singapore relations into a comprehensive partnership, including collaboration in emerging sectors.
Earlier, Shri Pradhan engaged with Singapore’s Minister for Education, Mr. Chan Chun Sing, where they explored avenues for overseas internship programs aimed at providing Indian students practical experience in Singaporean companies. They also discussed the potential for twinning schools in both countries to strengthen cultural connections among students.
Furthermore, the ministers deliberated on academic collaborations, particularly involving Singapore’s National Institute of Education and NCERT in curriculum development and teacher training.
In a separate meeting with Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vivian Balakrishnan, both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening the India-Singapore Knowledge Partnership.
Shri Pradhan also visited the National University of Singapore, where he met with Prof. Tan Eng Chye. They discussed leveraging strengths to build knowledge bridges and enhance collaborations between NUS and top Indian higher education institutions in areas such as healthcare, advanced materials, and sustainability.
This visit, which is part of a broader trip to Singapore and Australia from October 20 to 26, 2024, aims to foster collaboration in critical educational sectors and support India’s National Education Policy 2020’s objectives. On the first day of his trip, Shri Pradhan engaged with the Indian diaspora in Singapore, highlighting the NEP’s role in upskilling India’s youth.