Singapore’s first female Supreme Court Judge retires

SINGAPORE — The first female Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Lai Siu Chiu, will retire tomorrow (Oct 30) after more than two decades of service, it was announced today.

Justice Lai became the first female Judicial Commissioner in 1991, and became the Judge of the Supreme Court three years later.

Around 1973, during her judicial tenure at Allen & Gledhill, Justice Lai also contributed her time towards social causes, such as the Salvation Army, the Yellow Ribbon Fund and the Singapore After-Care Association, both of which provides social, emotional and financial assistance towards ex-offenders and their families.

She also chaired the Children’s Charities Association for a number of years, until today.

In appreciation of Justice Lai’s contributions, The Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said: “I congratulate Justice Lai on reaching this notable milestone in her life. She has completed four illustrious decades in the law and this is a remarkable achievement in itself.

“But beyond this, she features in Singapore’s legal history for the firsts she achieved when she was appointed to the Bench more than two decades ago, first as a Judicial Commissioner and then as a Judge.

“I thank her for her sterling contribution to the Supreme Court, the Legal Service and the legal profession and wish her a fulfilling and happy retirement.”

On her part, Justice Lai said: “I am honoured to have been able to serve Singapore for two decades. The Bench has been an enjoyable, enriching and immensely satisfying experience for me.

“I am proud to have been part of the changes over 22 years that have made our judiciary one of the most outstanding in the world. I hope to continue to be involved in the law in some way after my retirement.”