FM P Chidambaram invited to Singapore's South Asian Convention

SINGAPORE: Singapore has invited Finance Minister P Chidambaram to address the second South Asia Diaspora Convention to be held in November, which aims to provide a "unique, one-of-a-kind platform" to tap into the investment opportunities in the region.

The theme of the convention, organised by Institute of South Asian Studies ( ISAS), a think-tank of the National University of Singapore, is: "Connecting Global South Asians".

Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam would be the guest of honour at the convention's gala dinner while Deputy Prime Minister Teo would deliver a keynote address at the opening of the mega gathering.

"SADC has established itself as the leading platform for those who believe in the future of South Asia and its culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

"It reflects our belief that South Asia has a tremendous growth potential with a significantly growing middle class population that will contribute positively to the growth of the global economy in the next two decades," ISAS Director Tan Tai Yong, said.

Singapore's Deputy Prime Ministers Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam as well as Law and Foreign Minister K Shanmugam would also be addressing the convention, to be attended by prominent political, business and social leaders from South Asian countries, including India and Pakistan.

Announcing the event today, ISAS said, the convention, from November 21-23 would feature more than 40 thought leaders including some of the region's top policymakers, business and industry leaders, as well as key figures in academia, media, culture, and civil society.

"The inaugural 2011 convention was very well received with close to 1,000 delegates. This year we expect to welcome over 1,500 delegates from around the globe," ISAS Chairman, Ambassador Gopinath Pillai, said.

"The convention aims to provide a unique, one-of-a-kind platform to tap into the investment opportunities in South Asia," he said.

A South Asia business meet would be arranged on the sidelines of the convention to facilitate partnerships between organisations looking to grow their presence in the region and expand their network, ISAS said.

Delegates would also get a chance to meet first-hand a wide spectrum of business leaders of South Asia.

An Encyclopedia of the Sri Lankan Diaspora, published by ISAS, which focuses on the socio-economic and political developments of the Diaspora and their contribution to host societies around the world, would also be launched at the event.

The convention is also planning a friendly cricket match. The event would feature some of the well-known players from South Asia, organisers said.