Born in Singapore on 14th August 1954, Halimah Yacob’s journey is a testament to how strength is forged through hardship. She lost her father at just 8 years old, and grew up in poverty helping her mother run a food stall to survive. She learned to stay strong through tough times.
Those humble beginnings didn’t hold her back; they fueled her mission to uplift others.
Despite these challenges, she excelled in her studies and earned a place at the National University of Singapore, where she graduated with a law degree, an extraordinary achievement for someone from such a difficult background at the time.
Instead of pursuing a lucrative legal career after graduating in law, Halimah chose public service. In the 1970s, she joined the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), where she began fighting for workers’ rights, maternity protection laws, low-wage employees, and gender equality.
In 1999, Halimah became the first Singaporean trade unionist elected to the governing body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), a major milestone that positioned her as a global voice for labor justice.
Her dedication to women’s rights continued to grow. In 2008, she was appointed Director of the Women’s Development Secretariat (WDS), where she pushed for better paternity leave, stronger maternity protections, and anti-discrimination policies for pregnant employees. She believed that unions, employers, and the Government could overcome any challenge through unity and collaboration.
Halimah reached another historic milestone in 2013, becoming Singapore’s first female Speaker of Parliament.
Then, in 2017, she broke yet another barrier as Singapore’s first female President, and the first Malay head of state in nearly 47 years.
During her presidency, she strengthened the President’s Challenge initiative, expanding support for education, eldercare, disability inclusion, and vulnerable communities. Despite holding the nation’s highest office, she remained grounded by continuing to live in her public HDB flat rather than the presidential palace, known for her humility and compassion.
In a 2018 interview, she expressed her lifelong vision clearly about WOMEN’S Empowerment:
“I believe that it is important to strengthen women’s leadership at all levels and in all areas. This is the key to ensure that women’s voices are heard and there is a sustainable momentum for their growth and development.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became a symbol of unity and reassurance, publicly commending frontline workers and urging Singaporeans to help those in need
On 29 May 2023, Halimah Yacob announced that she would not seek a second presidential term, stating:
“It has been a great honour and privilege to serve as the eighth President of Singapore for the past six years. The experience has been the most inspiring and, at the same time, humbling.”
Her departure was met with heartfelt praise. NTUC President Mary Liew said:
As Singapore’s first female President, Madam Halimah Yacob took on the responsibility with courage, strength, and empathy. Under her steadfast leadership and ability to work with the Government and different community, business, labor and civil groups, Singaporeans continue to be united and Singapore remains a prime model for good governance and a multi-racial and multi-religious country.
Even after stepping down in 2023, she remains a strong voice for integrity and truth. In 2025, she publicly called out a dangerous AI deepfake video impersonating her, stating:
It’s a deepfake with even my voice being used! This is scary how AI is being used to influence voters during this critical period… There’s a video that’s going around alleging that I made certain negative statements about the government. This is completely false!
Reflecting on her impact, Halimah shared one of her most emotional statements:
Many have shared with me about how uplifting it was for them to see a female head of state and its strong message about women’s place in our society. If I have been able to empower women in Singapore, to push the boundaries and reach their fullest potential, I am most grateful for the chance to do so.
Halimah Yacob is more than Singapore’s first female President; she is a global icon of women’s empowerment, labor justice, and ethical leadership. Her journey proves that true success is not about power, but using power to uplift others.
Umm E Habiba
Punjab, Pakistan
