Halimah Yacob

Halimah Yacob is a Singaporean politician, lawyer, and former trade union leader who served as the 8th President of Singapore from 2017 to 2023. She made history as the first woman and the first Malay head of state in nearly five decades to hold the position. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and the empowerment of women and workers.

Early Life and Education

Halimah Yacob was born on 23 August 1954 in Singapore to a Tamil-Indian father and a Malay mother. Her father passed away when she was eight years old, leaving her mother to raise five children single-handedly. Growing up in modest circumstances, Halimah experienced hardship early in life, which instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and perseverance.
She completed her early education at Singapore Chinese Girls’ School and Tanjong Katong Girls’ School before pursuing higher education at the University of Singapore (now the National University of Singapore). She earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree with honours and later obtained a Master of Laws (LLM). Her education equipped her with the legal and analytical skills that would later shape her career in advocacy and public service.

Early Career and Work in Labour Unions

Halimah began her professional journey in 1978 as a legal officer with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Singapore’s central labour organisation. Over the next three decades, she rose through the ranks, holding key positions such as Director of the Legal Services Department and Executive Secretary of the Singapore Shell Employees’ Union.
Through her work, she became deeply involved in advancing workers’ rights, social protection, and gender equality. She played a crucial role in drafting employment legislation and policies aimed at improving working conditions for low-income and vulnerable workers. Halimah also established herself as a strong advocate for women’s participation in the workforce and leadership roles.
Her dedication to improving labour welfare earned her respect within both the trade union movement and the broader public sector, marking her as a compassionate yet firm leader.

Political Career

Halimah Yacob entered politics in 2001 when she was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) representing Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) under the People’s Action Party (PAP). She was re-elected in subsequent general elections and later represented the Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC.
Throughout her political career, Halimah focused on social issues such as poverty alleviation, education, healthcare accessibility, and the welfare of women and children. Her ability to connect with constituents and address their concerns strengthened her reputation as a people-centric leader.
In 2013, Halimah made history again by becoming Singapore’s first female Speaker of Parliament. In this role, she presided over parliamentary debates and maintained the integrity and efficiency of legislative proceedings. Her tenure as Speaker was marked by fairness, professionalism, and her ability to command respect across party lines.

Presidency (2017–2023)

In 2017, following constitutional changes that reserved the presidential election for Malay candidates, Halimah resigned from the People’s Action Party and contested the election as an independent candidate. As the sole eligible nominee, she was declared elected unopposed on 14 September 2017, becoming Singapore’s first female President.
Her presidency coincided with a period of significant national and global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Halimah worked closely with the government to approve the use of national reserves to fund relief measures for workers, businesses, and vulnerable communities. She was known for her empathetic communication during the crisis, frequently addressing citizens to encourage resilience and unity.
In her role as Head of State, she promoted key social causes, including women’s empowerment, interfaith harmony, mental health awareness, and youth development. Halimah also represented Singapore internationally, strengthening diplomatic ties and promoting the country’s image as an inclusive and progressive nation.
In May 2023, Halimah announced that she would not seek re-election, concluding her six-year term later that year.

Leadership Style and Values

Halimah Yacob is admired for her humility, accessibility, and compassionate leadership. Her personal journey—from a child of modest means to the highest office in Singapore—has made her a symbol of perseverance and equality of opportunity. She is known for her strong moral compass, respect for diversity, and advocacy for inclusivity in governance.
Her leadership style is grounded in empathy and service. Whether interacting with workers, community leaders, or international dignitaries, she has consistently prioritised listening, understanding, and consensus-building.

Contributions and Achievements

• First Female President of Singapore: Broke gender and cultural barriers in Singaporean politics.
• Empowerment of Women: Championed women’s rights, workplace equality, and access to leadership roles.
• Advocacy for Social Cohesion: Promoted unity among Singapore’s multicultural population through outreach and interfaith dialogues.
• Support for the Vulnerable: Focused on social welfare programmes for the elderly, disabled, and low-income families.
• Leadership During Crisis: Guided the nation through the economic and social challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.