In the dynamic landscape of Singaporean politics, Vikram Nair has emerged as a formidable force, blending legal expertise with strong leadership. A member of the People’s Action Party (PAP), he has been serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Admiralty division of Sembawang GRC since 2011. His dedication to public service, coupled with his legal acumen, has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that impact Singaporeans.
Vikram Nair: A Remarkable Educational Journey
Born on 18 July 1978, Vikram Nair hails from a family of Indian descent. His academic journey showcases his brilliance and determination. He began his education at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and later attended Raffles Junior College. His exceptional academic performance earned him the prestigious Jardine Foundation Scholarship, which enabled him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Law at Trinity College, University of Cambridge. He later received a Master of Arts degree by seniority.
At Cambridge, Nair distinguished himself not just academically but also in debate. He won the Lizette Bentwich Prize for Law in 2002 and served as Director of Debating at the Cambridge Union Society. His talent in oratory was further highlighted when he was ranked the No. 3 individual speaker at the 2002 World Universities Debating Championship in Toronto, Canada.
Upon returning to Singapore, Vikram Nair further honed his legal expertise by completing a graduate diploma in Singapore Law at the National University of Singapore Faculty of Law in 2005.
A Flourishing Legal Career
Vikram Nair’s professional journey began at McKinsey & Company as a management consultant from 2002 to 2004. However, his passion for law led him to join Allen & Gledhill in 2005, where he worked in the Dispute Resolution Department. His legal career continued to evolve as he joined Norton Rose from 2008 to 2014 and later transitioned to Rajah & Tann, one of Singapore’s top law firms, in 2014.
Apart from his legal practice, he has also contributed significantly to language education and cultural development in Singapore. He served as Vice-Chairman of the Malayalam Language Education Society from 2010 to 2011 and currently holds the position of Chairman of the Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee.
Political Ascent and Service to Singapore
Vikram Nair’s entry into politics was marked by his victory in the 2011 General Elections, where he was elected as an MP for Sembawang GRC. His team, led by Minister for Health Khaw Boon Wan, secured a decisive win against the Singapore Democratic Party.
His success continued in the 2015 General Elections, where he was re-elected with an even stronger mandate, reinforcing the trust his constituents placed in him. Over the years, he has served in various Government Parliamentary Committees, focusing on Trade & Industry, Finance, Law and Home Affairs, and Communications and Information.
His leadership skills led to his appointment as the Chairperson of the Defence and Foreign Affairs Government Parliamentary Committee in the 14th Parliament of Singapore. Additionally, since 2020, he has served as the Chairperson of Sembawang Town Council (SBTC), where he plays a crucial role in improving community infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of residents.
A Dedicated Family Man
Beyond politics and law, Vikram Nair values family above all. In April 2015, he married banking executive Faye Ong, and together they share the joy of raising their daughter. Despite his demanding career, he remains devoted to his family, balancing his professional responsibilities with his personal life.
Also Read : New Zealand Grants Additional Parent Visas to Reduce Queue Backlog