Tharman Shanmugaratnam Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Origin, Family, Parents, Awards

Tharman Shanmugaratnam is a Singaporean economist and statesman who has had a long and impactful career in public service.

He gained prominence through his roles in Singapore’s government, serving as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, and Senior Minister before stepping down in 2023 to successfully run for the presidency.

Tharman is known for his efforts in economic reform, education, and global financial governance, and his leadership has made him a respected figure both in Singapore and internationally.

His election as the ninth President of Singapore in 2023 marked another significant chapter in his distinguished career.

Profile

• Full name: Tharman Shanmugaratnam
• Date of birth: February 25, 1957
• Age: 67 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Singapore
• Nationality: Singaporean
• Profession: Economist, Politician, President of Singapore
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Kanagaratnam Shanmugaratnam (father)
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Jane Ittogi
• Children: Tara Shanmugaratnam (daughter), three sons
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: Jaffnese Tamil
• Net worth: $68 million

Early Life and Education

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, now 67, was born in Singapore on February 25, 1957.

His father, Emeritus Professor Kanagaratnam Shanmugaratnam, was a renowned histopathologist, often regarded as the “Father of Pathology” in Singapore.

Tharman was raised in a Tamil family of Sri Lankan descent, and as a young boy, he showed an aptitude for sports, excelling in several despite suffering from anemia during his youth.

Tharman’s education took him from the Anglo-Chinese School in Singapore to prestigious institutions abroad. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the London School (LSE) and later completed a Master of Philosophy in Economics at the University of Cambridge.

His academic journey also took him to the Harvard Kennedy School, where he received a Master’s in Public Administration and was awarded the Lucius N. Littauer Fellowship for his leadership potential.

Personal Life

Tharman is married to Jane Ittogi, a lawyer with a social development and sustainability background. The couple has four children: one daughter, Tara, and three sons.

Tharman and Jane have actively participated in various community and social initiatives, reflecting their commitment to societal improvement.

Career

Tharman began his career at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), eventually becoming Managing Director.

His work at MAS set the foundation for his later roles in government. In 2001, he entered politics as a Member of Parliament representing Jurong GRC, and soon after, he was appointed Senior Minister of State.

By 2003, Tharman had taken on the role of Minister for Education, where he implemented significant reforms to foster lifelong learning and broaden meritocratic opportunities in Singapore.

Tharman became Singapore’s Finance Minister in 2007, overseeing the country’s economy during the global financial crisis of 2008.

His adept handling of the crisis earned him international recognition. Between 2011 and 2019, he served as Deputy Prime Minister, focusing on economic and social policies.

His contributions to global economic governance include chairing the G20 Eminent Persons Group on Global Financial Governance and co-chairing the Global Commission on the Economics of Water.

In 2023, Tharman announced his intention to run for the non-partisan office of President of Singapore. He won the election with 70.41% of the vote, marking a new phase in his career as the head of state.

Awards

• Public Administration Medal (Gold), Singapore
• Lucius N. Littauer Fellowship, Harvard Kennedy School
• Honorary Fellowship, London School of Economics
• Singaporean of the Year (2019)
• Numerous international recognitions for economic and policy contributions

Net Worth

Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s estimated net worth is between $68 million and $79 million.

His wealth comes from his decades of work in public service, including senior positions in government and international economic councils.

Social Media

• Twitter: N/A
• Instagram: N/A