Latest news with #YusofIshak


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.


AsiaOne
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Daily roundup: Books Kinokuniya to open new outlet at Raffles City this August — and other top stories today, Singapore News
Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Books Kinokuniya to open new outlet at Raffles City this August With the recent closures of Epigram Coffee Bookshop and Times Bookstores, it has been pretty bleak for bookworms in Singapore. However, Books Kinokuniya's latest update regarding a new outlet opening in Raffles City Shopping Centre this August should help raise spirits... » READ MORE 2. Taiwanese actor Jeremy Huang, known for appearance on Mr Con & Ms Csi, dies at 31 Taiwanese actor Jeremy Huang has died at the age of 31. The news was announced on his sister Selena's Instagram account on April 20 in a joint statement with their mother... » READ MORE 3. 'Her kindness and service touched countless lives': Wife of Singapore's first president, Yusof Ishak, dies at 91 Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore's first president Yusof Ishak, has died at the age of 91 early Tuesday (April 22) morning. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his Cabinet are deeply saddened by the death of Puan Noor Aishah... » READ MORE 4. Man who allegedly molested stewardess on Singapore-bound flight to be charged A 20-year-old male Indian national will be charged in court for his alleged involvement in a case of outrage of modesty on board a flight bound for Singapore. The police were alerted to the incident on February 28 at 12.05pm, according to a statement released by the police on Monday (April 21)... » READ MORE editor@


The Star
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Tributes pour in for Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore's first president Yusof Ishak
SINGAPORE: 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 early Tuesday (April 22) morning 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. - The Straits Times/ANN