Sociology Student Tan Si Min’s Internship Journey Featured by President Tharman

But more Singaporeans should also get to know India - in all its fascinating colour and opportunities.

Andy Lim is an inspiring example. He decided as a fresh polytechnic graduate several years ago to begin his career in India, and was assigned to build up sales for a Singapore company. Andy based himself in a small town in Tamil Nadu, far from the basic comforts he was used to. He learnt quickly, did well and eventually set up his own firm in India, with several offices. And along the way, he picked up conversational Tamil (his workers rate him 8 upon 10!!) and a sprinkling of Hindi.

NTU student Tan Si Min (that’s her in the photo) recently did a three-month stint with Tata Steel Foundation under the India Ready Talent Programme*. She was immersed in a project to enhance job opportunities for persons with disabilities in a city in the eastern state of Jharkand. Si Min found the experience invaluable, and a unique learning opportunity.

We need many more young people like Andy and Si Min. Let’s build that spirit of adventure and learning.

I was delighted to see Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi again, when he was here at PM Wong’s invitation. Our two countries are embarking on major new areas of cooperation."

One of India’s most important achievements over the last ten years has been to uplift hundreds of millions of people. Many had been left out of development for decades.