Halimah Yacob sworn-in as Singapore’s 8th President

SINGAPORE – Madam Halimah Yacob was sworn-in on Thursday (Sept 14) as the Republic’s eighth President.

The former Speaker of Parliament is the first woman and first Malay in 47 years to ascend to the highest office of the land, some 20 months after changes to the Elected Presidency scheme were set in motion to ensure the political institution remains robust and effective.

Before her, Mr Yusof Ishak was Singapore’s first President and the only Malay to have held the office till he died in 1970.

She arrived at the Istana on Thursday evening, accompanied by her husband, Mr Mohamed Alhabshee, for her inauguration. 

The event kicked off with a Welcome Ceremony at the Ceremonial Plaza, before the Swearing-in Ceremony took place at the State Room, where the National Anthem was sung, followed by Oath-taking and signing of the Oath.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gave a speech, followed by a speech by Madam Halimah, before concluding with a group photo with the Cabinet ministers, Chief Justice and Speaker of Parliament at the Ceremonial Plaza.

Mdm Halimah, 63, was declared the President-elect on Wednesday after running unopposed in Singapore’s inaugural reserved polls.

She was the sole qualified candidate after two other applications from the private sector were not granted a Certificate of Eligibility by the Presidential Elections Committee on Monday, and was declared President-elect on Wednesday by Returning Office Ng Wai Choong after she successfully filed her nomination papers at the People’s Association headquarters along King George’s Avenue.