Singapore turns 56 today and it’s probably an understatement to say that all of us are so proud of how we’ve come such a long way–particularly when what it means to be a woman in Singapore has evolved so much. As it is, our women are entrepreneurs, industry trailblazers and globally-recognised influencers.
We got five of them to tell us what being a modern-day Singaporean woman means to them.
What do you love most about being Singaporean?
I love that it means having a good mix of both Asian and Western values and cultures. Singapore is extremely diverse, with people of all races, walks of life and cultures living and thriving harmoniously together. It is a melting pot of both the East and the West, and is always bringing out the best of these cultures.
What does being a woman in Singapore mean to you?
It means the ability to pursue my dreams and do what I want without having to always conform to societal norms. We have a stable governance and ample opportunities as long as one is willing to work hard.
What is your favourite local hawker dish?
It’s beef hor fun and I absolutely love it from the famous stall in Geylang Lor 9 Beef Kway Teow. It is my go-to place whenever I have a craving!
What do you love most about being Singaporean?
I love that we’re all on one team–whether it’s us cheering at Sports Hub for the national team, fighting the pandemic together or planning food resiliency through innovative startups–what benefits one of us, benefits all of us. Since we’re a small country, there’s a great mission we all share in making our lives here more meaningful and enjoyable.
What does being a woman in Singapore mean to you?
It means that I can be an empowered individual and dream of emerging technologies for the 21st century. There is an ecosystem of universities, startups and venture fund here that are supported by like-minded people and women’s networks. This allows me to have the confidence that if I work hard, I can go on the global stage and compete for projects and clients–all because I’m from Singapore and can be taken seriously.
What is your favourite local hawker dish?
Everything at Mr & Mrs Mohgan Prata in Katong is delicious. The Super Crispy Prata is the perfect dish with mutton curry! There is always a long line at the stall so I’d recommend visitors to go early.
What do you love most about being Singaporean?
I love how safe and secure I feel here. We can hang out with friends and not be afraid to head home after 10pm!
What does being a woman in Singapore mean to you?
We see plenty of women in leadership positions now, especially in the government sector. This sends across the message that there are equal opportunities here, and that as a woman, I am able to do so much more. I don’t feel sidelined because of my gender.
What is your favourite local hawker dish?
Prawn Hokkien mee is my favourite. Xiao Di Fried Prawn Noodles stall at Serangoon North has the wok hei taste that I love!
What do you love most about being Singaporean?
I love how this country accepts different people from different backgrounds and nationalities. I am ethnically Indian but grew up in Japan and India, and have lived in Canada, Spain and Hong Kong. However, nowhere else that I lived at has made me feel as comfortable and safe than Singapore.
What does being a woman in Singapore mean to you?
I think Singapore tries hard to promote women in various industries, and supports female-led businesses by pushing for gender equality. Being a woman in Singapore means I can have a voice and not be afraid to use it.
What is your favourite local hawker dish?
White carrot cake with extra chilli from Ghim Moh Carrot Cake. It’s one thing I constantly crave!
What do you love most about being Singaporean?
Our need for efficiency and our ability to converse with acronyms like ‘Otw’ or ‘Taking ECP, see you at GWC’s DTF!’.
What does being a woman in Singapore mean to you?
It means to champion skin health above ‘instant flawlessness’ via RE:ERTH, and to view work not as a means to maximise personal profit, but as a pursuit of excellence through integrity. I hope our community can feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful, just as they are wonderfully made to be.
What is your favourite local hawker dish?
It has to be the nasi lamak from Punggol Nasi Lemak at Tanjong Katong, but the brand has a few other branches too! I crave for it every time I’m away and have to reset my palette with it to feel like I’m truly back home.
Text: Cassandra Tan/HerWorld