IITians gather in Singapore

More than 600 alumni of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) based here and overseas got together for the first time in Singapore over the Easter weekend.

Addressing the gathering, called Pan IIT Apac 2012, were Singapore ministers, while former president S.R. Nathan did a book-signing ceremony for his memoirs and President Tony Tan graced a gala dinner that wrapped up the conference on April 7.

Members of the alumni got to chat with Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam (left) who said: "IITs play a special role in developing networks with India, as well as bringing a bit of the genius of India to other parts of the world." Noting that 15 per cent of secondary schools here have tie-ups with India, he said Singapore would continue to forge deeper links with IITs and other institutions in India.

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office S. Iswaran told the gathering that inflation continues to pose a significant threat to India and other parts of Asia which could impact economic growth in the region. "While we remain sanguine about the prospects for Asian economic growth, we must equally remain vigilant towards the downside risks," he said.

The IIT Alumni Association of Singapore's president Vinod Aachi told The Straits Times that IITians could help strengthen links between educational institutions here and India, and bring new business ideas to the Republic and the rest of Asia.