Halimah Yacob is a name synonymous with leadership, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements. As the first female president of Singapore, her journey from humble beginnings to the highest office in the land is nothing short of inspirational. This article explores her life, career, and the indelible mark she has left on Singaporean society.
Quick Info Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Halimah binti Yacob |
| Popular As | Halimah Yacob |
| Occupations | Politician, Lawyer |
| Age (as of 2024) | 70 |
| Date of Birth | 23 August 1954 |
| Birthplace | Singapore |
| Nationality | Singaporean |
| Height | 1.60 m |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| net worth (2025) | Estimated $3 million |
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed |
| Parents | Father: Yacob, Mother: Maimon |
| Spouse | Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee |
| Children | Five |
Early Life
Halimah Yacob's early life is a testament to her resilience and determination. Born into a modest family, she faced numerous challenges but emerged stronger and more driven to succeed.
Childhood and Family Background
Halimah was born on 23 August 1954 in Singapore to an Indian Muslim father and a Malay mother. Her father passed away when she was just eight years old, leaving her mother to raise five children alone. This early experience of hardship instilled in Halimah a profound sense of responsibility and empathy for the underprivileged.
Education and Early Influences
Despite financial constraints, Halimah excelled in her studies. She attended Singapore Chinese Girls' School and later Tanjong Katong Girls' School. She went on to study law at the University of Singapore (now the National University of Singapore), where she earned her Bachelor of Laws degree. Her dedication to education and social justice was evident early on, laying the foundation for her future career.
Career Highlights
Halimah Yacob's career is marked by significant milestones and achievements. From her early days as a lawyer to her tenure as the President of Singapore, she has consistently demonstrated leadership and commitment to public service.
Early Career in Law and Union Work
Halimah began her career as a legal officer with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in 1978. Over the years, she rose through the ranks to become the director of the Legal Services Department and eventually the deputy secretary-general of the NTUC. Her work in the labor movement earned her respect and recognition, highlighting her dedication to workers' rights and social justice.
Political Career and Parliamentary Roles
Halimah entered politics in 2001 as a member of the People's Action Party (PAP). She was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) and later for Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC. Her tenure in Parliament was marked by her advocacy for social issues, particularly those affecting women and the underprivileged.
Speaker of Parliament
In 2013, Halimah made history by becoming the first female Speaker of Parliament in Singapore. Her tenure as Speaker was characterized by her fair and impartial handling of parliamentary proceedings, earning her widespread respect from both sides of the political spectrum.
Presidency
Halimah Yacob's presidency is perhaps the most significant chapter of her career. Elected unopposed in 2017, she became the first female president of Singapore, a historic milestone for the nation.
2017 Presidential Election
The 2017 presidential election was reserved for candidates from the Malay community, as part of Singapore's efforts to ensure minority representation in the highest office. Halimah was the only candidate who met the stringent eligibility criteria, leading to her being declared president without a contest.
Key Initiatives and Contributions
During her presidency, Halimah focused on various social issues, including women's rights, social cohesion, and support for the underprivileged. She approved emergency funding to help Singapore navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and was a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and support.
Post-Presidency
After announcing that she would not seek re-election in 2023, Halimah transitioned to a new role as the chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Her continued involvement in education and social issues underscores her lifelong commitment to public service.
Personal Life
Halimah Yacob's personal life is as inspiring as her professional career. Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her family and community.
Family and Values
Halimah is married to Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee, and together they have five children. Her family has been a source of strength and support throughout her career. Despite her demanding professional life, Halimah has always prioritized her family, embodying the values of compassion and dedication.
Community Engagement
Halimah's deep connection to her community is evident in her active involvement in various social causes. She has been a strong advocate for women's rights and has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the underprivileged. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Darjah Utama Temasek award.
Major Achievements
Halimah Yacob's achievements are a testament to her leadership and dedication to public service. From her groundbreaking election as Singapore's first female president to her numerous contributions to social causes, she has left an indelible mark on Singaporean society.
Groundbreaking Election as President
Halimah's election as president in 2017 was a historic moment for Singapore. Her presidency not only broke gender barriers but also reinforced the importance of minority representation in the highest office.
Advocacy for Social Causes
Throughout her career, Halimah has been a vocal advocate for social causes. Her efforts to improve women's rights, support the underprivileged, and promote social cohesion have had a lasting impact on Singaporean society.
International Recognition
Halimah's contributions have received international recognition. She has represented Singapore at various international forums and has been awarded numerous honors for her work in promoting social justice and equality.
Financial Insights
Halimah Yacob's financial success reflects her illustrious career and contributions to public service. While specific details about her salary are not publicly disclosed, her net worth is estimated to be around $3 million as of 2024. This includes her earnings from her various roles in public service, as well as investments and other sources of income.
Net Worth and Earnings
Halimah's net worth is a reflection of her successful career in both law and politics. Her earnings as a Member of Parliament, Speaker of Parliament, and President of Singapore have contributed significantly to her financial standing.
Financial Transparency and Public Service
Throughout her career, Halimah has maintained a high level of transparency and integrity in her financial dealings. Her commitment to public service and ethical conduct has earned her the trust and respect of the people of Singapore.
Conclusion
Halimah Yacob's journey from a humble background to the highest office in Singapore is a story of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service. Her contributions to social justice, women's rights, and minority representation have left a lasting impact on Singaporean society. As she continues to serve in her new role as the chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences, her legacy of compassion and dedication continues to inspire.
FAQ
Who is Halimah Yacob?
Halimah Yacob is a Singaporean politician and lawyer who served as the eighth president of Singapore from 2017 to 2023. She is the first female president of Singapore and has had a distinguished career in law and politics.
What are Halimah Yacob's major achievements?
Halimah Yacob's major achievements include being elected as Singapore's first female president, serving as the first female Speaker of Parliament, and advocating for social causes such as women's rights and support for the underprivileged.
What is Halimah Yacob's net worth?
As of 2024, Halimah Yacob's net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. This includes her earnings from her various roles in public service, as well as investments and other sources of income.
What is Halimah Yacob doing now?
After her presidency, Halimah Yacob became the chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). She continues to be involved in education and social issues, reflecting her lifelong commitment to public service.
How did Halimah Yacob become president?
Halimah Yacob became president of Singapore in 2017 after being the only candidate to meet the eligibility criteria for the reserved presidential election for the Malay community. She was elected unopposed and served until 2023.
Halimah Yacob's legacy is one of breaking barriers and advocating for social justice. Her life story continues to inspire and motivate future generations to pursue their dreams and contribute to society.
