Latest news with #PuanNoorAishah
CNA
22-04-2025
- General
- CNA
Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore's first President, honoured with State-assisted funeral
Puan Noor Aishah, the wife of Singapore's first President, Yusof Ishak, was laid to rest at the Kranji State Cemetery on Apr 22. She died at the age 91, more than five decades after the death of her husband. They are buried side-by-side. In her final journey, she was carried on a Ceremonial Gun Carriage as a mark of respect for her contributions to the nation, as tributes flood in from home and abroad. Aslam Shah and Kate Low report. Puan Noor Aishah, the wife of Singapore's first President, Yusof Ishak, was laid to rest at the Kranji State Cemetery on Apr 22. She died at the age 91, more than five decades after the death of her husband. They are buried side-by-side. In her final journey, she was carried on a Ceremonial Gun Carriage as a mark of respect for her contributions to the nation, as tributes flood in from home and abroad. Aslam Shah and Kate Low report.
Independent Singapore
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Mediacorp honours the quiet power of Puan Noor Aishah
SINGAPORE: A beloved humanitarian who touched the lives of many, Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore's first President Yusof Ishak, passed away on Tuesday (April 22) at the age of 91. Honouring her, Mediacorp is airing a programme to highlight the contributions she made while working with her husband, President Yusof Ishak, to unite Singapore during its formative years. Accessible in all four official languages, the programme will follow her journey from an unassuming homemaker to a pioneer who transformed the Istana into a symbol of nationhood, leaving behind a shining example of perseverance, service, and commitment. Aside from the podiums and timings listed, the 30-minute programme can be viewed on demand via mewatch, and CNA YouTube. Dignitaries paying tribute Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he and his wife, Ho Ching, were extremely distraught by her demise, recognising Puan Noor Aishah as a 'remarkable woman of her time'. SM Lee poignantly recalled Puan Noor Aishah as the partner of the head of state during Singapore's troubled early days. 'Singaporeans lived through racial riots, separation from Malaysia and the initial difficult years that followed. 'Together with Encik Yusof Ishak, she helped keep the people united and positive even when the odds were long, and the outlook was sobering, making a lasting contribution to Singapore.' Articulating a similar sentiment, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that Puan Noor Aishah 'rose to the occasion and she made a lasting contribution … at a time when we were going through difficulties as a young nation'. The leaders praised her as a 'force of good in her own right', supporting countless social causes and a patron to numerous establishments. Many Singaporeans agree that her strength and magnanimity have touched their lives. Puan Noor Aishah was also a 'steadfast pillar of support' to Mr Yusof throughout his tenure as head of state from 1959 to 1970, a crucial phase in Singapore's history that was marked by countless challenges of building a new nation. She was intensely involved in charitable causes and championed various social initiatives, predominantly supporting women, children, and the less privileged. 'Her grace, humility, and unwavering dedication earned her the respect of Singaporeans from all walks of life, and continue to inspire us today,' the dignitaries believe. Remembering Puan Noor Aishah programme schedule 22 April 2025 CNA 4pm, 9pm Channel 5 8.30pm Channel 8 7.30pm Suria 8.30pm Vasantham 9pm
New Paper
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New Paper
Puan Noor Aishah, S'pore's first first lady, remembered for grace and service
Tributes and condolences have poured in following the death of Puan Noor Aishah, Singapore's former first lady and the widow of the country's first president, Yusof Ishak. Puan Noor Aishah died in the early morning of April 22 at the Singapore General Hospital. She was 91. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that Puan Noor Aishah played a role in Singapore's history in her own way, and will always be remembered for her grace, compassion and service to others. In a letter addressed to her three children, President Tharman noted how their mother grew up in a village in Penang where her adoptive parents had settled, and had her primary education disrupted by war. Yet, at 26, when President Yusof Ishak became Singapore's Yang di-Pertuan Negara, Puan Noor Aishah "more than rose to the challenge" as First Lady. She took English lessons, organised receptions for visiting dignitaries and helped transform the Istana's colonial style into one that reflected Singapore's local identity. President Tharman noted how she often wore the sarong kebaya at state events, sewing them herself with fabric from Arab Street. She also taught Istana chefs how to prepare local dishes like beef rendang, epok epok and various kuih, which have remained part of Istana cuisine. "Puan Noor Aishah was in many ways an inspiration in her own right besides being the spouse of our first President Yusof Ishak," said President Tharman. When her husband's health began to decline, Puan Noor Aishah took on some of his social responsibilities. But, President Tharman said, she was more than a pillar of support, championing social causes and being a dedicated patron to many organisations supporting the disadvantaged. "Puan Noor Aishah was in many ways an inspiration in her own right," he added. "She will be dearly missed by Singaporeans from all walks of life." In a separate letter, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he and his wife Ho Ching were deeply saddened by Puan Noor Aishah's passing, calling her a "remarkable woman of her time". SM Lee noted how the former first lady had to adapt quickly to public life, managing a large household while taking on ceremonial and official responsibilities. "She did all this with grace and dignity," he said. During Singapore's tumultuous formative years, when its people lived through racial riots, separation from Malaysia and the initial difficult years that followed, Puan Noor Aishah and President Yusof Ishak helped keep the people united and positive, said SM Lee. He added how when her husband fell ill, Puan Noor Aishah took on a greater share of his duties because "she too was committed to build a Singapore that was fair and just", regardless of race, language or religion. "Her gentle spirit, sense of duty and grit left a deep impression on Singaporeans," said SM Lee. He also recalled Puan Noor Aishah's continued connection with the nation's leaders and institutions. He recounted how she attended the National Day Rally in 2013 when Masjid Yusof Ishak was announced, and later invited him to launch her biography in 2017. In 2019, she made the effort to join a light show commemorating the Istana's 150th anniversary, even though she was unwell, SM Lee said. "We reminisced about the old times when I was a kid, about the same age as the three of you, and we would all play happily together on the Istana grounds," said SM Lee, referring to Puan Noor Aishah's three children. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took to Facebook on April 22 to pay tribute to Puan Noor Aishah, noting how she was a pillar of strength for Singapore in its early years of nationhood. More than the spouse of a national leader, she embodied loyalty and became a role model for women across the region, said PM Anwar. He added how her humility brought leaders closer to the people and left a lasting impression on all who met her.
CNA
22-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
PM Wong, SM Lee pay tribute to the late Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore's first president
22 Apr 2025 12:40PM (Updated: 22 Apr 2025 06:42PM) SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday (Apr 22) paid tribute to Puan Noor Aishah, the wife of Singapore's first President Yusof Ishak, after she died aged 91. In a condolence letter addressed to her son Dr Imran Yusof Ishak, Mr Wong said that Puan Noor Aishah brought great honour to the office of the president and made many contributions to Singapore. As the wife of Singapore's first head of state, she carried out her role with grace and humility, said Mr Wong, adding that her "devotion to her role" and "deep sense of duty touched many lives". In a condolence letter to her three children, Mr Lee said he and his wife Ho Ching were deeply saddened by the death, praising Puan Noor Aishah as a "remarkable woman of her time". "Puan Noor Aishah was the spouse of the head of state during the nation's tumultuous formative period," he added. "Singaporeans lived through racial riots, separation from Malaysia and the initial difficult years that followed. "Together with Encik Yusof Ishak, she helped keep the people united and positive even when the odds were long and the outlook was sobering, making a lasting contribution to Singapore." Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching attends the funeral of Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore's first President Yusof Ishak, at Ba'alwie mosque on Apr 22, 2025. (Photo: CNA/ Ili Mansor) Born in Selangor in 1933, Puan Noor Aishah was 16 when she married Mr Yusof in 1949. They went on to have three children. She was just 26 years old when her husband was sworn in as head of state in 1959. Puan Noor Aishah "had to quickly adapt to the new responsibilities, and manage a large household while carrying out ceremonial and official duties", said Mr Lee. Mr Wong and Mr Lee both praised Puan Noor Aishah for taking the initiative to improve her English so that she could communicate effectively with foreign dignitaries. "She did all this with grace and dignity," Mr Lee added. Her transformation of the Istana from a British colonial residence into a "distinctly Singaporean institution" was also lauded by Mr Wong. He noted that Puan Noor Aishah was an "excellent cook", who worked closely with Istana chefs to replace the traditional English menus with Asian dishes. "She set high standards for the food served to Istana guests," said Mr Wong. Mr Yusof served three terms before dying of heart failure in 1970. However, his poor health in the last few years of his presidency led to his wife taking on more of his social responsibilities, such as presenting the National Day Awards. Mr Lee said Puan Noor Aishah performed those roles "with poise and a quiet determination, because she too was committed to build a Singapore that was fair and just, regardless of race, language or religion". "Her gentle spirit, sense of duty and grit left a deep impression on Singaporeans," he added. From the time her husband was sworn in as head of state to his death, Mr Wong said Puan Noor Aishah "stood steadfastly by his side" and was a "pillar of strength". Mr Wong also referenced one of Puan Noor Aishah's speeches after Singapore's independence. In that speech, she said it augurs well for the country's future to have citizens "sufficiently endowed with an acute sense of altruism, who willingly take on the task to help the less fortunate citizens". These were words that Puan Noor Aishah lived by, Mr Wong said, with her actions inspiring others to contribute to the community in whatever ways they could. He noted that Puan Noor Aishah dedicated her time to serve Singaporeans, going beyond her duties at the Istana. She championed education and women's causes, and was involved in many community efforts and organisations. She was the patron of the Singapore Muslim Women's Association (PPIS), the Singapore Red Cross, and the Singapore Girl Guides Association. Then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong takes a wefie with Puan Noor Aishah and her children (from left Imran, Orchid Kamariah and Zuriana on Apr 14, 2017. (Photo: Facebook/Lee Hsien Loong) Mr Lee said he was happy to have kept in touch with Puan Noor Aishah over the years, with one special memory taking place in 2013 when she attended Mr Lee's - who was then Singapore prime minister - National Day Rally in which he announced the naming of a new mosque after her husband. In 2017, Mr Lee launched a book about Puan Noor Aishah's life and in 2019, she visited the Istana for the building's 150th anniversary despite feeling unwell. "We reminisced about the old times when I was a kid, about the same age as the three of you, and we would all play happily together on the Istana grounds," Mr Lee wrote to her three children. "Puan Noor Aishah will be deeply missed. Ho Ching and I wish you and your family comfort in this time of grief," he said. "On behalf of the government, I wish to place on record our deepest gratitude for her service and legacy," Mr Wong added in his letter to her son. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time." Lee Hsien Loong
Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Puan Noor Aishah a kind, remarkable woman who touched many Singaporeans: Political leaders
Pallbearers loading the casket of Puan Noor Aishah Mohammad Salim onto the gun carriage at Masjid Ba'alwie on April 22. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI SINGAPORE - Political leaders remembered Puan Noor Aishah Mohammad Salim as a remarkable woman who championed various social causes and touched many Singaporeans ' lives as they gathered to bid farewell to the country's former first lady on April 22. Puan Noor Aishah, the widow of the country's first president Yusof Ishak, died earlier in the day at the age of 91. 'I had the chance to meet her at a few public events and interact with her, and I was always struck by her grace, her poise and her dignity. I'm sure many Singaporeans who have interacted with her have that same impression,' Prime Minister Lawrence Wong told the media after he had paid his respects at Masjid Ba'alwie. He said her legacy of selfless service would truly inspire many generations of Singaporeans. PM Wong was among an estimated 500 people - many of them political and community leaders - who visited the Lewis Road mosque in the late morning for her funeral. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong , who arrived at about 11.45am , said he was sad to hear Puan Noor Aishah had been ill in hospital for some time. He visited her in hospital with his wife, Madam Ho Ching , last month. 'She was still conscious, recognised us and gave us a broad smile. I've known her for a very long time, since I was seven years old,' said SM Lee. PM Lawrence Wong (right) greeting the son of Puan Noor Aishah, Dr Imran Yusof Ishak (left), before leaving the funeral at Masjid Ba'alwie on April 22. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI 'She has lived a full life and made a significant contribution to Singapore, particularly in the early years - the crucial years of our first years of independence. We will remember her for a very long time.' Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean also noted Puan Noor Aishah's contributions in Singapore's formative years, saying: 'It is the passing of a hero who represents all the tribulations that we came through at the time of independence.' Former president Madam Halimah Yaco b, who was at the mosque with her husband Mr Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee , said she remembered Puan Noor Aishah as someone who was very kind, gentle, and compassionate. Madam Halimah, who was president from 2017 to 2023, pointed to Puan Noor Aishah's role in transforming the Istana. The imprint of the British legacy was strong in the Istana, and Puan Noor Aishah played a crucial role in localising it to the Singapore context. That contribution was also noted by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam , who is in the United States on a working visit , but had earlier said in a Facebook post that Puan Noor Aishah had taught the Istana's chefs recipes for local favourites like epok epok and various kuih, which have remained part of the Istana's cuisine. 'That is important, and that is remembered by people not just in Singapore but around the world,' Madam Halimah said. Other dignitaries at the funeral included Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng , Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Dr Maliki Osman, Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam as well as former minister in charge of Muslim affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. A few were teary-eyed as they left the mosque. Nominated MP Razwana Begum, as well as PAP new face Hazlina Abdul Halim , also paid their respects. Minister-in-charge for Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifl i said that Puan Noor Aishah had been a pillar and an example for the Malay community, particularly for women. It was also a point highlighted by Ms Hazlina, who said Puan Noor Aishah was always kind to young female leaders who visited her. 'She would always encourage us to press on and fly the flag high. It is really a sorry day to lose a gem like her,' she said. At the funeral, Singapore's Mufti, Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, said a few words before the mosque's congregants prayed for Puan Noor Aishah. After the funeral ended at about 1.35pm, her casket was carried by eight pallbearers, who transferred her to a ceremonial gun carriage in a silent, dignified ceremony. Mosque-goers waved goodbye to the carriage as it pulled away and made its way to Kranji State Cemetery, where a large white marquee sheltered attendees from the blazing sun for her afternoon burial. Puan Noor Aishah was laid to rest next to her husband, who died in 1970. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
