South Asia Diaspora Convention (SADC) 2019 held in Singapore
The 4th South Asia Diaspora Convention (2019) was held in Singapore on 16 November 2019. Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS)- an independent research institute of National University of Singapore (NUS) organized the convention at the University Cultural Centre. Five embassies of South Asian countries including Bangladesh High Commission, stationed in Singapore co-sponsored the event.
The opening ceremony featured a key-note speech on “Vibrant South Asia-Innovative Diaspora” by Senior Minister for National Security of Singapore Mr Teo Chee Hean. Senior Minister for Coordination of Social Policies Mr Therman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Prime Minister’s office and Second Minister for Education and Finance Ms Indranee Rajah also addressed to the audience in different sessions of the convention.
The convention consisting of seven sessions which covered various geopolitical and economic issues pertaining to South Asia and the role of its diaspora including empowerment of women, business opportunities and challenges, infrastructure and smart cities, and technology in financial services. Academicians, Experts, NGO officials, business leaders and representatives of the civil society participated in the panel discussions. Foreign Secretary Mr Md. Shahidul Haque, Former Adviser of the Caretaker Government Rasheda K Chowdhury, Cosmos Group Managing Director Mr Enayetullah Khan, among others, from Bangladesh, took part in the panel discussions. H.E. Mr Md. Mustafizur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Singapore attended the Convention as an invited guest.
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, founder of Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations was awarded Outstanding member of the South Asian Diaspora award in recognition of his contribution in creating opportunities children education and alleviating poverty in Bangladesh.
Held in conjunction with SADC, there was a cricket tournament featuring international and corporate players on Sunday, 17 November 2019. This was followed by an In-conversation session with Indian cricket legends – Azharuddin and Rahul Dravid in the evening. Cricketer Mr Mohammad Ashraful and Abdur Razzak participated and represented Bangladesh at the cricket tournament.