S Asian Diaspora Convention launch in Singapore
Disna Mudalige
The South Asian Diaspora Convention (SADC) organized by the Institute
of South Asian Studies (ISAS) will be held from July 21 to 22 in
Singapore under the theme "Linking the South Asian Diaspora".
Institute of Policy Studies Executive Director Dr Saman Kelegama is
to address this event representing Sri Lanka. The event will mainly
focus on South Asia's future economic prospects, the role of the
diaspora in expanding the region's business links within Asia, and how
Singapore can be a springboard in bonding South, South East and East
Asia.
It will serve as a platform to exchange views between different
communities while encouraging stronger interactions. It will also
facilitate networking opportunities to foster greater engagement among
businessmen. The South Asian Diaspora is estimated to be about 30
million people globally. The convention is to be inaugurated by
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The highlights of the
programme include a dialogue session with former Singaporean Prime
Minister Lee Kuan Yew. He is also the architect of modern Singapore. The
convention is expected to bring together distinguished speakers,
entrepreneurs and notable members of the South Asian diaspora. ISAS
Chairman and Ambassador Gopinath Pillai emphasizing the importance of
the convention noted that Singapore has experienced various waves of
immigration from Sri Lanka over the last 150 years and has maintained
close ties between the countries.
He also said that the institution is engaged in a large project to
prepare an Encyclopedia of the Sri Lankan diaspora with scholars across
the globe. He observed that the ISAS has been studying the developments
in Sri Lanka throughout the recent past.
Former US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and former South
Korean Prime Minister Han Seung Soo will also address the occasion.
The Convention will be held at Resorts World Sentosa. Singapore
President S B Nathan and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will be
special guests at the gala dinner of the first day of the convention. |