The United States Senate confirmed Dr Anjani Sinha, an orthopaedic surgeon from President Donald Trump’s home state of Florida, as the United States ambassador to Singapore on Oct 7.
Dr Sinha was among a group of more than 100 nominees voted in with a simple majority after the Republicans changed Senate rules to end Democratic attempts to slow-walk the confirmation of Mr Trump’s appointees with a process that dramatically accelerated their confirmation.
The India-born Dr Sinha, who has practised in New York and Florida, is believed to be close to the Trump family. He was named by Mr Trump as his pick via a Truth Social post on March 11.
“His appreciation for Singapore’s role as a financial hub, and his own business expertise – particularly in the life sciences and healthcare sectors – renders him well qualified to serve as US ambassador to Singapore,” the US State Department said in a May 2 report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
In his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 9, Dr Sinha said he had a “strong understanding and respect” for the Indo-Pacific region’s cultures, people and values.
“Singapore is our key strategic partner and friend in the Indo-Pacific. Close cooperation with Singapore, along with our other allies and partners in the region, is more critical today than ever before,” he said.
However, he came under criticism during the hearing when he struggled to answer questions from Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth on topics such as the US relationship with Singapore and the city-state’s role in South-east Asia.
Dr Sinha is a graduate of MGM Medical School and Delhi University, with a master’s degree in orthopaedic surgery. He has been married to Dr Kiki Sinha, a retired anaesthesiologist, for 48 years. They have a daughter and son, and three grandchildren.
Singapore’s ambassador to the US Lui Tuck Yew told The Straits Times that he looks forward to meeting Dr Sinha and his family.
Before Dr Sinha leaves for Singapore, Mr Trump will sign his official appointment letter and swear him in. The new ambassador will then present his credentials in Singapore and formally assume duties at the US Embassy.
The Straits Times
