In the heart of Singapore’s thriving Indian community stands Harikrishnan Muthusamy – a man whose life story is a blend of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to service. As the President of the Singapore chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), he is not just a leader in title, but a catalyst for lasting change, inspiring generations to unite, uplift, and create meaningful impact.
Early Life of Harikrishnan Muthusamy: From Tamil Nadu to Singapore
Born in Tamil Nadu, India, Harikrishnan’s life took a defining turn when he moved to Singapore with his father at the tender age of five and a half. Growing up in a multicultural environment, he balanced academic excellence with a deepening appreciation for his Tamil roots. He went on to earn multiple degrees in accounting and business, gain experience with audit firms, train professionals, and even serve as a part-time lecturer during his college years.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
In 1978, Harikrishnan ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing his own firm in Singapore. His business acumen and leadership skills laid the foundation for a career built on discipline, innovation, and vision. Yet, his true calling extended far beyond the corporate sphere—into the realm of community service and cultural advocacy.
Harikrishnan Muthusamy: Champion of the Tamil Language and Culture
His journey into community leadership began when the Tamil Language and Cultural Society invited him to help reorganize its financial and operational structure. What began as a mission to restructure soon evolved into a leadership role as president of the society.
Determined to serve effectively, Harikrishnan Muthusamy mastered the Tamil language within a year and delivered an inspiring 45-minute speech at the society’s AGM—a testament to his dedication and adaptability. Under his leadership, the society launched impactful programs in schools and celebrated prominent Tamil figures who made lasting contributions to the community.
Leadership in GOPIO: Reform, Resilience, and Results
When friends and colleagues encouraged him to join GOPIO Singapore, Harikrishnan brought with him his signature drive for reform. Elected unopposed as president, he wasted no time in instituting corporate governance structures to ensure efficiency and transparency.
“Whatever organisation I’m linked with, I bring about a lot of transformation; otherwise, I don’t feel that I‘ve fulfilled my role,” he once remarked.
For Harikrishnan, leadership means ensuring that an organization runs seamlessly even in his absence. Under his tenure, GOPIO Singapore expanded its participation in international youth conferences and successfully hosted a digital youth summit. He also spearheaded the creation of a youth charter for GOPIO’s global network, reinforcing the importance of youth engagement in diaspora activities.
Building Global Bridges
Beyond Singapore, Harikrishnan envisions GOPIO as a bridge between the Indian diaspora and India. He believes that pooling the professional expertise and financial resources of people of Indian origin worldwide can benefit both their adopted countries and their ancestral homeland. This vision drives his collaboration with the Indian High Commission and other diplomatic bodies to strengthen connections among GOPIO chapters in over 40 countries.