President of Singapore Visits Bhubaneswar’s World Skill Center, Strengthening Odisha-Singapore Ties

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark event underscoring the growing partnership between Odisha and Singapore, His Excellency, President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, visited the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar today. The visit showcased the shared commitment of both regions to advancing skill development, innovation, and industrial collaboration.

President Shanmugaratnam was warmly received by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who highlighted the immense potential for collaboration between the state and Singapore. “This visit signifies a new chapter in our partnership, with opportunities spanning various key sectors,” the Chief Minister remarked.

During the visit, Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the state’s initiatives in areas such as skill development, industrial infrastructure, renewable energy, semiconductors, IT, data centers, and cultural exchange. The briefing emphasized Odisha’s readiness to collaborate with Singapore in these critical sectors.

President Shanmugaratnam toured the Vertical Transportation Lab and Travelator Lab at the World Skill Center, where he engaged with students and instructors, reflecting Odisha’s commitment to fostering technical education and innovation.

The event also saw the signing of several significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Odisha government and Singaporean entities, focusing on transformative initiatives:

• Industrial Development: Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) partnered with Sembcorp, Singapore, for industrial parks and a green hydrogen corridor.
• City Planning and Energy: Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Surbana Jurong, Singapore, signed an MoU for a new city project and collaboration in the Petrochemical and Petroleum Investment Region (PCPIR).
• Skill Development: The Skill Development & Technical Education Department of Odisha inked agreements with ITE Education Services (ITEES), Singapore, for advanced skilling in semiconductors and other technical fields.
• FinTech Ecosystem: The Electronics & IT Department of Odisha joined hands with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), Singapore, to strengthen the state’s financial technology sector.

President Shanmugaratnam lauded Odisha’s initiatives in skill development and innovation, calling them a model for other regions. In a symbolic gesture of friendship, Chief Minister Majhi presented the visiting dignitary with a memento and a traditional shawl, signifying the enduring partnership between Odisha and Singapore.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Rashmita Panda, Director of Skill Development & Employment and CEO of the World Skill Center. This visit marked a significant milestone in fostering deeper ties between Odisha and Singapore, paving the way for future collaborations in innovation and development.