Dinesh Ganesan: "Oslo is one of the world’s best-kept secrets”
For Dinesh Ganesan, Oslo isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place to live. There are few cities in the world, Ganesan believes, that can offer such a balance.
"The cleanliness and safety are above and beyond any other European capital," says Dinesh Ganesan, a Singapore native who has called Oslo home for the past three years.
Ganesan, who studied Chemical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and completed a Master's in Metal & Energy Finance at Imperial College London, knew he wanted to settle in a place that offered both career opportunities and a high quality of life.
With a strong background and interest in energy and sustainability, he knew exactly what he was looking for. "Generally speaking, European energy markets are quite mature, with a strong track record for renewables and power market development."
"Norway is also a perfect microcosm of the energy trilemma the world is currently dealing with. There's a lot of innovation in the energy industries here. Smaller startups and big legacy players have a huge impact on global markets."
“It's great to be a part of the ecosystem here," Ganesan says.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Before moving, he researched Oslo’s safety, cleanliness, healthcare, and cost of living, among other factors. "It was surprisingly similar to Singapore," he says. "Oslo shares many of the qualities I appreciate about my home country."
"And honestly, the summers here are the best I’ve experienced in my life.”
Having grown up in cities like Washington, D.C., Jakarta, Singapore, and New Delhi, Ganesan is no stranger to a fast-paced lifestyle. "A part of me will always be excited by that type of environment," he admits. "But moving to Oslo was a breath of fresh air."
The city's proximity to nature is one of its biggest draws for Ganesan. "As you get older, the things you value shift," he explains. "For me, that’s nature. In that regard, Oslo is one of the world’s best-kept secrets."
"In less than an hour, you can be completely alone in the deepest forest, and later that same afternoon, you can jump into the water or enjoy city life like any other capital."
There are few cities in the world, Ganesan believes, that can offer such a balance.
A Place to Live
Now that he works in climate investing with Arctern Ventures, Ganesan feels Oslo is the perfect place for his career. "Norway has a strong position in sustainability and energy, which is a huge advantage," he says.
The city’s focus on green initiatives and innovation aligns perfectly with his work, making it a great place to live and an ideal environment for his professional ambitions.
For Ganesan, Oslo isn’t just a place to build a career—it’s where he’s found the balance he didn’t think was possible.
"Here, I’ve discovered a way to grow both professionally and personally," he reflects. With a work environment that allows him to fully enjoy the natural surroundings, pursue personal interests, and lead a fulfilling social life, Oslo offers something that is quite hard to beat.
"It’s a city where you can have both a career and a peaceful, enriching personal life." For Dinesh Ganesan, Oslo isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place to live.