Halimah Yacob

Halimah Yacob is a Singaporean politician who has been serving as the President of Singapore since 2017. She was born in Singapore to a Pakistani father and an Indian mother, and grew up in a Muslim family. Her early life was influenced by her parents, who encouraged her to pursue her education at Singapore Chinese Girls' School and later at University of Singapore, where she studied Law. She was also actively involved in the National Trades Union Congress, which shaped her interest in Labour movement and Workers' Party of Singapore.

● Early Life and Education

Halimah Yacob was born on August 23, 1954, in Singapore to a Pakistani father, Jabbar Yacob, and an Indian mother. She was the youngest of five children, and her family lived in a small Housing and Development Board flat in Queenstown, Singapore. She attended Singapore Chinese Girls' School and later studied Law at the University of Singapore, where she was actively involved in the National University of Singapore Students' Union. Her university days were also marked by her involvement in the Singapore National Olympic Council and the Singapore Sports Council. After graduating, she worked as a Lawyer in the Singapore Legal Service and later joined the National Trades Union Congress, where she worked closely with Lim Swee Say and Chan Chun Sing.

● Political Career

Halimah Yacob's entry into Politics began when she joined the People's Action Party in 2001. She was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Jurong Group Representation Constituency in the 2001 Singaporean general election, where she worked alongside Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Lim Hng Kiang. She later became the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore in 2013, making her the first Female speaker in Singapore's history. During her tenure, she played a key role in shaping the country's Labour laws and worked closely with the Ministry of Manpower and the National Wages Council. She also worked with Ng Eng Hen and Vivian Balakrishnan on various Parliamentary committees.

● Presidency

In 2017, Halimah Yacob was elected as the President of Singapore, becoming the first Female president in the country's history. Her presidency was marked by her focus on Social cohesion and Community development, and she worked closely with the People's Association and the Singapore Community Development Councils. She also played a key role in promoting Singapore's interests abroad, and has made state visits to countries such as China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. During her presidency, she has also worked with Lee Hsien Loong and Teo Chee Hean on various National initiatives.

● Personal Life

Halimah Yacob is married to Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee, a Singaporean of Yemeni descent, and they have five children together. She is a devout Muslim and has spoken publicly about the importance of her Faith in her life. She is also an avid Sportswoman and has participated in various Charity events, including the Singapore Marathon and the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. Her personal life has also been influenced by her involvement in the Singapore Muslim Women's Association and the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations.

● Awards and Honours

Throughout her career, Halimah Yacob has received numerous Awards and Honours for her contributions to Singaporean society. She was awarded the Public Service Star in 2005 and the Meritorious Service Medal in 2016. She has also received honorary degrees from Nanyang Technological University and the Singapore Management University. Her awards and honours are a testament to her dedication to Public service and her commitment to the People of Singapore. She has also been recognized by organizations such as the Asian Women's Welfare Association and the Singapore Indian Development Association.