Odisha signs MoUs with Singaporean entities to partner in skilling, industrial developments

Odisha signed eight memoranda of understanding with different Singaporean entities as Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam embarked on a two-day visit to the State from Friday (January 17, 2025).

The MoUs pertaining to IT education, skill development, research and development in sustainable energy, consultancy services and development of production facility for green hydrogen and its derivatives were signed presence of Mr. Shanmugaratnam and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Singapore-based ITE Education Services (ITEES), a global consultancy agency, had entered into MoU with Odisha Skill Development and  Technical Education (SD and TE) on extending cooperation in the field of technical and vocational education and training to further enhance skill development ecosystem and semiconductor industry in Odisha.

As per understanding, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore would collaborate with GRIDCO Limited, a State government undertaking, and Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar to advance research and development in sustainable energy technologies.

Similarly, MoU between Sembcorp and Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) will explore feasibility for industrial park development in Odisha.

The Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) and Odisha government would set up an Insurtech Hub Global Capabilities Centre. It will help expand insurance penetration through using digital platforms and AI-driven models to offer affordable, customised insurance solutions to underserved rural populations, simplify access to insurance through mobile-first platforms, reduce barriers for small businesses to get insured and empower small and medium enterprises.

The MOUs signed between Surbana Jurong and two Odisha State agencies will help provide consultancy services for developments petrochemical and petroleum investment region and new city development plan near to State Capital Bhubaneswar. The activities are expected to be rolled out over the next 12 months.

“Ever since the new Bharatiya Janata Party government assumed office in the State, we have been actively working to attract investments from both within India and abroad. In November last year, I led a delegation to Singapore, where we extended an invitation to the Singapore President to visit Odisha. This visit, along with our interactions with various Singaporean entities, has now borne fruit,” said Mr. Majhi.

He said the cooperation with Singaporean agencies was a step towards achieving a prosperous Odisha by 2036, (State’s centenary year) and Vikshit Bharat by 2047.

During the visit, Singapore President toured the Vertical Transportation Lab and Travelator Lab at the World Skill Center and interacted with students and instructors.