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Surangel Whipps Jr.10th President of Palau since 21 January 2021
Date of Birth: 09.08.1968
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Content:
- Surangel S. Whipps, Jr.: Palau's 10th President
- Political Career
- Presidential Agenda
- Business Ventures
- Personal Life
Surangel S. Whipps, Jr.: Palau's 10th President
Early Life and EducationSurangel S. Whipps, Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Palauan businessman Surangel Whipps, Sr. and a Maryland native mother. In 1972, the family returned to Palau. After completing high school, Whipps returned to the US in 1985. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Andrews University in 1988 and a Master's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1992.
Political Career
Whipps served as a Senator from 2008 to 2016. In 2016, he ran for President but lost to incumbent Thomas Remengesau. He ran again in 2020 and was elected with 57.4% of the vote.
Presidential Agenda
Whipps's agenda includes increasing social welfare, reducing taxes for low-income households, promoting government transparency, and developing healthcare and education systems.
Business Ventures
Whipps led the family company, Surangel and Sons, which owns retail centers, beauty salons, a travel agency, and a construction division. He held leadership roles in the Palau Chamber of Commerce, the Nature Conservancy, and the COFA Trust Fund.
Personal Life
Whipps has been married to Valerie Remengesau (the sister of former President Thomas Remengesau) since 1999. They have three daughters - Modeded, Uletei, and Ngederong - and a son, Surangel. He enjoys fishing, playing basketball, and is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
