Dharmendra Pradhan meets Singapore PM; pushes for overseas internships and research

NEW DELHI: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan met the Prime Minister of Singapore, HE Lawrence Wong today, on October 21. Both ministers had meaningful conversations on elevating and expanding the bilateral cooperation in school education, vocational education, and research in between the two nations.

The discussions focused on strengthening the partnership through three key pillars – talent, resource, and market, the press release said.

Pradhan emphasized that Singapore is a trusted knowledge partner, particularly in advancing deep tech, startups, and innovation ecosystems. He also highlighted, that PM Narendra Modi and PM Wong have outlined a robust framework only to elevate India-Singapore cooperation into a comprehensive partnership, including collaboration in critical and emerging sectors, the official statement adds.

During the event, Pradhan met his counterpart, Singapore’s education minister, Chan Chun Sing, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across various areas of education. Pradhan emphasized the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in facilitating the education system in India.

The ministers then further explored avenues for overseas internship programs, allowing Indian students to gain practical experience in Singaporean companies, the official statement added.

Pradhan also highlighted opportunities for collaboration between Singapore's National Institute of Education and NCERT in areas such as curriculum development, pedagogy, and teacher capacity-building.

Also read Dharmendra Pradhan sets off on 7-day tour to strengthen education ties with Singapore, Australia

Dharmendra Pradhan’s visit to National University of Singapore (NUS)

Pradhan visited the National University of Singapore (NUS) and met with professor Tan Eng Chye, president of the university. Both discussed on requirements to build knowledge bridges, strengthen academic and research collaborations, and deepen engagements between NUS and top Indian higher education institutions across all academic fronts

Pradhan further emphasized that NUS and Indian HEIs can collaborate to create value in areas such as deep start-ups, healthcare, advanced materials, digitalization, and sustainability, etc.

On the first day of his visit on October, 20, Pradhan engaged with the members of the Indian diaspora in Singapore. He highlighted NEP 2020’s role in upskilling India’s youth and the enormous scale and magnitude of education in India.

The Minister’s visit to Singapore is followed by a trip to Australia, from October 20 to 26 October 2024, which aims to foster collaboration, participation, and synergy in critical areas of mutual interest in education.