In this biography
Quick facts
- Born
- 23 August 1954
- Birthplace
- Singapore
- Country
- Singapore
- Nationality
- Singaporean
- Known for
- Becoming Singapore’s first woman president after a career in the labour movement and Parliament
- Office
- President, 2017–2023
- Earlier office
- Speaker of Parliament, 2013–2017
- Profession
- Lawyer and labour leader
- Historic first
- First woman president of Singapore
Why this life matters
Halimah’s career links organised labour, parliamentary leadership, representation and the constitutional role of Singapore’s elected presidency.
Timeline
Key moments
Joined the labour movement
Began work with the National Trades Union Congress.
Entered Parliament
Was elected as a member of Jurong GRC.
Became speaker
Became the first woman to serve as Speaker of Parliament.
Became president
Was sworn in as Singapore’s eighth president and first woman head of state.
Completed her term
Left office after one six-year presidential term.
A career built in organised labour
Halimah Yacob trained in law at the National University of Singapore and joined the NTUC in 1978. Over more than three decades she worked on legal services, women’s development, training and representation at the International Labour Organization.
Parliament and the presidency
She entered Parliament in 2001, later served as a minister of state and became its first woman speaker in 2013. In 2017 she resigned to contest a presidential election reserved for candidates from the Malay community and took office as the only candidate issued a certificate of eligibility.
Representation and public service
As president, Halimah served as head of state and exercised the office’s custodial and ceremonial responsibilities. Her public work continued to emphasise labour, women, people with disabilities and families facing disadvantage, making inclusion a consistent thread across her career.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Halimah Yacob
- Who is Halimah Yacob?
- Halimah Yacob is an eighth President of Singapore. Halimah’s career links organised labour, parliamentary leadership, representation and the constitutional role of Singapore’s elected presidency.
- What is Halimah Yacob best known for?
- Halimah Yacob is best known for becoming Singapore’s first woman president after a career in the labour movement and Parliament.
- When and where was Halimah Yacob born?
- Halimah Yacob was born on 23 August 1954 in Singapore.
Sources and further reading
How this biography was checked
Core dates and offices are checked against the sources below. This profile was last reviewed on 7 September 2026.
