How Old Is Tharman Shanmugaratnam? Singapore President’s Age and Career Explained
Singapore’s ninth president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, is 69 years old in 2026. Here is a closer look at his age, background and journey from economist to head of state.
SINGAPORE, August 10, 2026 — Tharman Shanmugaratnam has spent decades at the centre of Singapore’s economic and public policy landscape. Now serving as the country’s ninth president, the former deputy prime minister remains a prominent figure both at home and internationally.
How old is Tharman Shanmugaratnam?
Tharman Shanmugaratnam is 69 years old as of August 2026.
Born in Singapore on February 25, 1957, he celebrated his 69th birthday in February. He will turn 70 on February 25, 2027.
Tharman was 66 when he was elected president in September 2023. He was sworn into office on September 14 that year, succeeding Halimah Yacob as Singapore’s head of state. The Istana identifies him as the country’s ninth president.
Singapore president age: Tharman’s journey to the Istana
Although questions about the Singapore president’s age are common, Tharman’s long record in public service is an equally important part of his profile.
He began his professional career as an economist at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, eventually becoming its managing director. He entered electoral politics in 2001 as a Member of Parliament for Jurong Group Representation Constituency.
During the following 22 years, Tharman held several senior government positions, including:
- Minister for Education from 2003 to 2008
- Minister for Finance from 2007 to 2015
- Deputy prime minister from 2011 to 2019
- Senior minister from 2019 to 2023
- Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore from 2011 to 2023
He resigned from the government, Parliament and the People’s Action Party in July 2023 before contesting the non-partisan presidential election.
How old is Singapore President Tharman compared with when he was elected?
Tharman was 66 years old during the 2023 presidential election and had already accumulated more than two decades of political experience.
He won the election with 1,749,261 votes, or 70.41% of valid ballots. Ng Kok Song received 15.72%, while Tan Kin Lian secured 13.87%, according to Singapore’s Elections Department.
The result gave Tharman a six-year presidential term. Under Singapore’s system, the president is the head of state and a unifying national figure. The office also carries constitutional responsibilities, including safeguarding the country’s past reserves and overseeing the integrity of key public-service appointments.
From economic policymaker to president
Tharman’s public profile was shaped largely by his work in economics, education and social policy.
As education minister, he oversaw reforms intended to make Singapore’s system broader and more flexible. He later led SkillsFuture, the national programme created to support continuing education and workforce development.
His responsibilities also extended beyond Singapore. Tharman became the first Asian to chair the International Monetary and Financial Committee, the International Monetary Fund’s principal policy advisory body. He has additionally held leadership roles involving global finance, employment, water sustainability and pandemic preparedness.
His official presidential biography says his work has focused on economic resilience, social mobility, better opportunities for lower-income workers and a more inclusive social compact.
Education and family
Tharman studied economics at the London School of Economics before completing a master’s degree in economics at the University of Cambridge. He later earned a master’s in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
He is married to Jane Ittogi, a lawyer by training who has been involved in social-development and sustainability initiatives. The couple have four children—a daughter and three sons.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam age: quick facts
- Date of birth: February 25, 1957
- Age in 2026: 69
- Place of birth: Singapore
- Current position: Ninth President of Singapore
- Sworn into office: September 14, 2023
- Age when elected president: 66
- Presidential election vote share: 70.41%
- Presidential term: Six years
Age information is current as of August 10, 2026.