Halimah Yacob is the 8th President of Singapore, and the first woman to hold this prestigious position. She made history when she was elected as President in September 2017, after a walkover election due to the reserved election process for Malay candidates. Halimah is known for her strong background in law, public service, and leadership, and her presidency has been characterized by her focus on social issues, inclusivity, and community-building in Singapore.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 23, 1954, in Singapore, Halimah Yacob grew up in a humble family and faced many challenges growing up in a poor, working-class neighborhood. Her father was an Indian-Muslim immigrant, and her mother was a Malay, which gives Halimah a diverse cultural heritage. Her personal experiences shaped her understanding of the struggles of marginalized communities in Singapore, which has influenced much of her political career.
Halimah attended the University of Singapore, where she earned a law degree and later worked as a lawyer. Her early career was focused on labor law, and she worked as a legal officer at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), representing workers and championing their rights. She eventually became a prominent figure in the union movement and later entered politics as a member of the People’s Action Party (PAP).
Political Career and Contributions
Before becoming President, Halimah Yacob had a distinguished career in Singapore's political and public service landscape. She was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 2001, representing the constituency of Marsiling-Yew Tee. Over the years, Halimah became a well-respected figure in Singapore’s political scene, known for her work in social justice, public welfare, and advocacy for disadvantaged groups.
In addition to her parliamentary work, Halimah held several significant leadership roles. She served as the Speaker of the Singapore Parliament from 2013 to 2017, becoming the first woman to hold the position. As Speaker, she was known for her impartiality, efficiency, and dedication to upholding the principles of democracy and parliamentary decorum. Her leadership in Parliament helped to further cement her reputation as a capable and fair leader.
Halimah also held various roles in government ministries, including as Minister of State for Social and Family Development and MCI (Ministry of Communications and Information). Her focus during her tenure was on policies that supported working families, especially in terms of affordable housing, child care, and financial support for the elderly.
Presidency
Halimah’s path to the presidency was unique due to Singapore's electoral system, which reserves the presidency for a particular ethnic group every few terms. In 2017, the election was specifically reserved for Malay candidates, and as the only eligible candidate, Halimah Yacob became Singapore’s President after a walkover election. She was sworn in as President on September 14, 2017.
As President, Halimah Yacob’s role is largely ceremonial, as Singapore’s political system is a parliamentary republic where executive power rests with the Prime Minister. However, the President holds important powers in areas like safeguarding the reserves, approving key government appointments, and representing the country in international forums. Halimah has used her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity and social cohesion in Singapore. She emphasizes the importance of supporting vulnerable communities, addressing social inequality, and fostering a sense of unity among the multicultural population of Singapore.
During her presidency, Halimah has focused on various initiatives, particularly in the areas of education, support for low-income families, and initiatives that encourage integration between different ethnic and social groups. Her approachable, down-to-earth style has made her a beloved figure among Singaporeans, particularly in the realm of social outreach and community engagement.