The Singa 60 Signature Initiative – India Connect (Singapore Edition), held at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, brought together an eminent gathering of thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to deliberate on pressing themes shaping the 21st-century global order.
The event served as a high-powered platform for discussions on regional diplomacy, trade acceleration, and digital transformation, underscoring the evolving partnership between India, Singapore, and the wider ASEAN region.
A highlight of the day was the keynote address by Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, who shared an in-depth perspective on India’s economic trajectory, emphasizing structural reforms, infrastructure development, and the role of technology in driving sustainable growth.
Distinguished speakers included Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, former Singapore diplomat and public intellectual, who explored the shifting balance of power in Asia; S. Krishnan, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, who focused on the state’s infrastructure push and investment climate; and Jawed Ashraf, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, who outlined the strengthening bilateral ties and collaborative opportunities in trade and innovation.
The discussions delved into how India can leverage its demographic advantage, digital economy, and geopolitical position to accelerate trade and foster deeper regional integration. Speakers also stressed the importance of robust infrastructure, green technologies, and policy frameworks to support sustained growth in a rapidly transforming world.
The initiative was made possible through the efforts of The Hindu Group and its partners, who curated a meaningful dialogue that not only celebrated India-Singapore relations but also offered actionable insights for policymakers, businesses, and civil society.
Participants left the event enriched with fresh perspectives on the interplay between diplomacy, economic strategy, and technology — elements that will define the next phase of regional and global progress.