TOKYO - SINGAPORE President S R Nathan said here on Saturday the varied experiences, skills and networks gained by the increasing number of Singaporeans living overseas will become a big plus for Singapore when they return home.

He was speaking at a lunchtime reception for some 450 Singaporeans living in Japan, at the start of his first visit to the country as President. It is also the first-ever state visit to Japan by a Singapore President.

Mr Nathan said that during his recent visits to several countries, he was struck by the fact that more Singaporeans were now venturing abroad to more places and taking up varied types of jobs.

'Families and children are receiving wider exposure than their parents once did. More students are studying abroad and pursuing their interests,' he said.

'Our overseas Singaporeans thus acquire a diversity of experiences, knowledge and networks which add to the rich fabric of our nation when they return home. It makes our population more vibrant and enriches our talent pool.'

The President and Mrs Nathan arrived in Tokyo on Saturday for a week-long state visit at the invitation of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, who visited Singapore in 2006.

Considering that Japan only hosts two - at the most three - state visits by foreign leaders a year, Mr Nathan's trip underlines the very close and strong ties between Singapore and Japan.

'Japan sees Singapore as a country they can work with in many fields. Just as we are impressed with many things related to Japan, the Japanese also hold Singapore and Singaporeans in high regard. There is mutual respect,' stressed Mr Nathan.

President Nathan urged Singaporeans living in Japan to continue building friendships with the Japanese people. There are about 2,400 Singaporeans living in Japan, half of them in Tokyo.

He also reminded Singaporeans living abroad to not only 'stay united in our diversity' but also to remain connected to home.

Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.