Halimah Yacob

Halimah was born on 23 August 1954 at her family home on Queen Street in Singapore during British colonial rule,{{Cite web |last=Lam |first=Lydia |date=11 September 2017 |title=Halimah Yacob set to be Singapore's first female president: A timeline of her career |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/halimah-yacob-set-to-be-singapores-first-female-president-a-timeline-of-her-career |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725114855/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/halimah-yacob-set-to-be-singapores-first-female-president-a-timeline-of-her-career |archive-date=25 July 2020 |access-date=25 July 2020 |website=The Straits Times |language=en}} to an Indian father and Malay mother.{{Cite news|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/issue/straitstimes20130125-1|title=New Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob tells Susan Long how she went from selling pushcart nasi padang and almost getting expelled from school to one of the highest offices in the land.|last=Long|first=Susan|date=25 January 2013|work=The Straits Times}}{{cite book |last1=Low |first1=Patrick Kim Cheng |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RdFEDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA351 |title=Leading successfully in Asia |date=2018 |publisher=Springer International |isbn=9783319713472 |edition=2nd |location=Cham}} Her father was a watchman who died due to a heart attack when she was eight years old, leaving her and four siblings to be brought up by her mother.{{cite book |last1=Rajan |first1=Uma |title=50 Years of Indian Community in Singapore |date=28 June 2016 |publisher=World Scientific Publishing Co |isbn=978-9-813-14058-5 |editor-last=Pillai |editor-first=Gopinath |page=107 |chapter=To Singapore with Love... |quote=Notable female politicians include Dhanam Avadai, PAP Member for Moulmein (1965–1968), lawyer Indranee Rajah, the current Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Education, and Indian-origin politician Halimah Yacob, former Minister and current Speaker of Parliament. |access-date=29 August 2017 |editor2-last=Kesavapany |editor2-first=Krishnasamy |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RHfQDAAAQBAJ&q=indian-origin+politician+halimah+yacob&pg=PA107 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218013238/https://books.google.com/books?id=RHfQDAAAQBAJ&lpg=PA107&dq=indian-origin%20politician%20halimah%20yacob&pg=PA107#v=onepage&q=indian-origin%20politician%20halimah%20yacob&f=false |archive-date=18 February 2020 |url-status=live |name-list-style=amp}}{{cite news |last=Cheam |first=Jessica |date=10 January 2013 |title=A strong advocate for workers, women and minorities |url=http://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130108-394132.html |url-status=live |work=The Straits Times |location=Singapore |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721022531/http://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130108-394132.html |archive-date=21 July 2017 |access-date=21 July 2017 |quote=Her Indian-Muslim father was a watchman who died when she was eight years old. |ref=ST2013_fathaer }} She was the youngest of five children.{{Cite web |last=Jaya |date=2023-11-13 |title=Halimah Yacob: 7 Facts About Singapore's First Female President! |url=https://sg.theasianparent.com/halimah-yacob-singapore-female-president |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=sg.theasianparent.com |language=en-SG}} Her family was in poverty at the time of her father's death, and she helped her mother to sell nasi padang outside the former Singapore Polytechnic (now Bestway Building) along Prince Edward Road.{{cite news|last1=Chang|first1=Clarence|title=I feared for my life|work=New Paper|publisher=Factiva|date=25 October 2006}}{{cite news |last1=Mokhtar |first1=Faris |date=18 August 2017 |title=Mom's the inspiration for former Speaker |url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/moms-inspiration-former-speaker |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114074149/https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/moms-inspiration-former-speaker |archive-date=14 November 2018 |access-date=24 November 2017 |work=Today}}

Halimah attended Singapore Chinese Girls' School and Tanjong Katong Girls' School. She graduated from the University of Singapore (now the National University of Singapore (NUS)) in 1978 with a Bachelor of Laws and was called to the Singapore Bar in 1981. Halimah earned a Master of Laws from NUS in 2001 and received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from NUS in 2016.{{Cite web |title=H.E. HALIMAH YACOB |url=https://www.gsws.ae/speaker/ms-halimah-yacob/ |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament}}

Halimah began her career in 1978 as a legal officer at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and was appointed director of its legal services department in 1992. She advanced within NTUC, holding roles such as assistant director of the Research Unit, Director of the Women's Development Secretariat,{{Cite news|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/mdm-halimah-spores-first-woman-speaker-could-make-history-again|title=Mdm Halimah, Singapore's first woman Speaker, could make history again|last=Koh|first=Valerie|date=6 August 2017|work=TODAYonline|access-date=14 September 2017|language=en|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327174753/https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/mdm-halimah-spores-first-woman-speaker-could-make-history-again|url-status=live}} and Executive Secretary of the United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries.{{cite news |last=Yong |first= Charissa |date=4 August 2017 |title=Homecoming for Halimah Yacob at union's dinner and dance | url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/homecoming-for-halimah-yacob-at-unions-dinner-and-dance |access-date=8 August 2017 |url-status=live |work=The Straits Times |location=Singapore |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808053627/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/homecoming-for-halimah-yacob-at-unions-dinner-and-dance |archive-date=8 August 2017 |quote=The United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries dinner and dance on Friday night (Aug 4) was a homecoming of sorts for Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob. She was its executive secretary from 2004 to 2011, and is now advisor to the 60,000-strong union.}}{{Cite web |title=Portrait of Madam Halimah Yacob, Head of Legal Department in National Trades Union Congress |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/image-detail?cmsuuid=4213fc5e-0079-4e09-ba28-13676c99232f |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=National Library Board |language=en}} She also served as Assistant Secretary-General from 1999 to 2007 and Deputy Secretary-General from 2007 to 2011. In 1999, Halimah became the director of the Singapore Institute of Labour Studies (now Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute).{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3uixDgAAQBAJ&q=halimah+yacob&pg=PA287|title=Majulah!: 50 Years of Malay/Muslim Community in Singapore|last1=Zainul Abidin bin Rasheed|last2=Saat|first2=Norshahril|date=2016|publisher=World Scientific|isbn=9789814759885|language=en|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706200036/https://books.google.com/books?id=3uixDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA287&lpg=PA287&dq=malay%2Fmuslim+knowledge+based+economy+convention&hl=en#v=onepage&q=halimah%20yacob&f=false|url-status=live}} She was elected as the Workers' Vice-chairperson of the Standards Committee of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, serving from 2000 to 2002 and in 2005. Between 2003 and 2004, she was the Workers' Spokesperson for the ILC Committee on Human Resources Development and Training.{{cite web |date=15 January 2013 |title=Mdm Halimah Yacob appointed NTUC Advisor for Int'l Affairs |url=http://www.ntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/fdawu/home/workingforu/workingforudetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/content_library/ntuc/home/working+for+u/8b17ed004e305342acf3aec7b9d67807 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808151646/http://www.ntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/fdawu/home/workingforu/workingforudetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=%2Fcontent_library%2Fntuc%2Fhome%2Fworking+for+u%2F8b17ed004e305342acf3aec7b9d67807 |archive-date=8 August 2017 |access-date=8 August 2017 |website=National Trades Union Congress Press Release |location=Singapore}}

In 1993, Halimah served as one of the six assentors{{Efn|Together with the proposer and seconder, assentors must be registered voters in the candidate's electoral division in order to sign the nomination paper endorsing the candidate's candidacy.{{Cite web |date=15 April 2011 |title=THE STATUTES OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ACT (CHAPTER 218) |url=https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011 |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=Law Revision Commission |page=36}}}} in Singapore's presidential election, supporting the successful candidate, Ong Teng Cheong.{{cite web |last=CNA |date=21 August 2024 |title=The role of Singapore's Elected President |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1_lGdqoK3g&t=503s |access-date=22 August 2023 |website=YouTube |language=en}} Her first political candidacy began in the 2001 general election, where she joined a five-member People's Action Party (PAP) team running for Jurong GRC, led by Minister Lim Boon Heng. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who would later succeed her as president, also made his political debut alongside her in this election. Halimah represented Bukit Batok East as an MP until 2015, after which she was elected to represent the newly-formed Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC from 2015 to 2017.{{cite news|last1=Ong|first1=Justin|title=PAP unveils lineup for new Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pap-unveils-lineup-for-new-marsiling-yew-tee-grc-8234540|access-date=6 August 2017|work=Channel NewsAsia|date=21 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806173431/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pap-unveils-lineup-for-new-marsiling-yew-tee-grc-8234540|archive-date=6 August 2017}}{{cite web |last=U-Wen |first=Lee |title=Halimah Yacob declared president-elect after walkover victory |url=http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/presidential-election-2017/halimah-yacob-declared-president-elect-after-walkover |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225100633/https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/presidential-election-2017/halimah-yacob-declared-president-elect-after-walkover |archive-date=25 December 2018 |access-date=13 September 2017 |publisher=Channel NewsAsia}}{{Cite news |title=Who is Halimah Yacob, Singapore's first female President? |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/who-is-halimah-yacob-singapore-s-first-female-president-9206546 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225100639/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/who-is-halimah-yacob-singapore-s-first-female-president-9206546 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |access-date=13 September 2017 |work=Channel NewsAsia |language=en-US}}

During her first term, Halimah was appointed Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports.{{cite web|title=Mdm Halimah Yacob|url=https://www.parliament.gov.sg/mps/list-of-current-mps/mp/details/halimah-yacob|website=Parliament of Singapore|access-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806172111/https://www.parliament.gov.sg/mps/list-of-current-mps/mp/details/halimah-yacob|archive-date=6 August 2017}} After a cabinet reshuffle in November 2012,{{cite news|title=Singapore reshuffles Cabinet|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-reshuffles-cabinet-8358488|access-date=6 August 2017|work=Channel NewsAsia|date=31 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806172007/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-reshuffles-cabinet-8358488|archive-date=6 August 2017}} she transitioned to serve as Minister of State for Social and Family Development. In addition to her ministerial roles, Halimah was also the chairperson of the Jurong Town Council.{{cite web | title=Jurong Town Council's Audited Financial Statements, Auditors' Reports and Annual Report For FY2010/2011 | url=http://library.parl.gov.sg/sites/default/files/paperpresented/pdf/2015/S.97of2011.pdf | date= 8 August 2017 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20170808161922/http://library.parl.gov.sg/sites/default/files/paperpresented/pdf/2015/S.97of2011.pdf | archive-date = 8 August 2017 }}

On 8 January 2013, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong nominated Halimah to succeed Michael Palmer as Speaker of Parliament after Palmer resigned due to revelations of an extramarital affair.{{cite news|last1=Saad|first1=Imelda|title=PM Lee to nominate Halimah Yacob as next Speaker of Parliament|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1246664/1/.html|publisher=ChannelNewsAsia|date=8 January 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130215171522/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1246664/1/.html|archive-date=15 February 2013}} She was elected to the position on 14 January 2013, becoming the first woman in Singapore's history to hold this role. During her tenure, she also led a legislative delegation to Mexico.{{Cite news |last=Sim |first=Royston |date=2017-08-07 |title=Halimah Yacob steps down as Speaker and MP, resigns from PAP to run for President |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/halimah-yacob-steps-down-as-speaker-and-mp-resigns-from-pap-to-run-for-president |access-date=2024-10-27 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}} In January 2015, she was co-opted into the PAP's Central Executive Committee (CEC), the party's highest decision-making body.{{cite news |date=7 January 2015 |title=Four more co-opted into PAP central executive committee |url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/four-more-co-opted-pap-central-executive-committee |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807213312/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/four-more-co-opted-pap-central-executive-committee |archive-date=7 August 2017 |access-date=7 August 2017 |work=TODAYonline |language=en}}

In a strong response to ISIS-linked beliefs, Singapore detained 26 members of a foreign jihadist cell involved in extremist teachings and intervened in several cases of self-radicalised Singaporeans attempting to join ISIS in Syria in 2015.{{Cite journal |last=Kam |first=Stefanie |date=2015 |title=Singapore |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26369563 |journal=Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=37–41 |jstor=26369563 |issn=2382-6444}} During her time as an MP, Halimah condemned ISIS's acts as un-Islamic and harmful to the image of Islam, stressing that countering its ideology is more essential than military action.{{cite news |last=Chong |first=Zi Liang |date=22 November 2015 |title=The Sunday Times - Counter ISIS ideology on social media: Halimah |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/counter-isis-ideology-on-social-media-halimah |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419211136/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/counter-isis-ideology-on-social-media-halimah |archive-date=19 April 2016 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=The Straits Times |location=Singapore}} She urges young people to resist extremism online and supports community gatherings to build resilience, highlighting the shared responsibility to prevent self-radicalisation.{{cite news |last=Heng |first=Janice |date=25 December 2016 |title=Build community ties to guard against terror: Halimah |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/build-community-ties-to-guard-against-terror-halimah |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225132911/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/build-community-ties-to-guard-against-terror-halimah |archive-date=25 December 2016 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=The Straits Times |location=Singapore}} Halimah also encourages Muslim parents to stay vigilant and promote open communication within families and communities.{{cite news |last=Wong |first=Pei Ting |date=16 June 2017 |title=Keep a close watch on daughters too, as IS not just targeting men: Halimah |url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/keep-close-watch-daughters-too-halimah |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107180453/https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/keep-close-watch-daughters-too-halimah |archive-date=7 January 2019 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=Today |location=Singapore}}

While speaking during the debate on the Presidential Elections Amendment Bill on 6 February 2017, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing addressed Halimah as "Madam President" twice instead of "Madam Speaker", drawing laughter from the house{{cite news |last1=Teoh |first1=Hannah |date=6 February 2017 |title=Sylvia Lim, Chan Chun Sing spar over issue of first elected president |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/sylvia-lim-chan-chun-sing-spar-over-issue-of-first-elected-president-114816839.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212031700/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/sylvia-lim-chan-chun-sing-spar-over-issue-of-first-elected-president-114816839.html |archive-date=12 December 2017 |access-date=11 December 2017 |work=Yahoo News Singapore |language=en-SG}}{{cite news |date=7 February 2017 |title=No by-election if minority MP leaves GRC, says Chun Sing |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/no-by-election-if-minority-mp-leaves-grc-says-chun-sing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722003525/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/no-by-election-if-minority-mp-leaves-grc-says-chun-sing |archive-date=22 July 2017 |access-date=11 December 2017 |work=The Straits Times |language=en}} and leading to widespread speculation that Halimah would be the party's preferred candidate for the reserved presidential elections.{{cite news |last1=Tan |first1=Clement |date=14 February 2017 |title=To preserve social harmony, Singapore has racial requirements for its next president |url=https://qz.com/908967/to-preserve-social-harmony-singapore-has-racial-requirements-for-its-next-president/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084112/https://qz.com/908967/to-preserve-social-harmony-singapore-has-racial-requirements-for-its-next-president/ |archive-date=12 December 2017 |access-date=11 December 2017 |work=Quartz}}{{cite news |last1=Massita |first1=Ahmad |date=9 February 2017 |title=Singapore may create history having first Malay female president |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2017/02/09/singapore-may-create-history-having-first-malay-female-president/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219154351/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2017/02/09/singapore-may-create-history-having-first-malay-female-president/ |archive-date=19 February 2017 |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=The Star}}

To contest for the elected presidency, which was reserved for Malay candidates,{{cite news |last1=Yong |first1=Charissa |date=8 November 2016 |title=Parliament: 2017 presidential election will be reserved for Malay candidates, says PM Lee |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parliament-2017-presidential-election-will-be-reserved-for-malay-candidates-says-pm-lee |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806145023/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parliament-2017-presidential-election-will-be-reserved-for-malay-candidates-says-pm-lee |archive-date=6 August 2017 |access-date=6 August 2017 |work=The Straits Times |language=en}} Halimah announced on 6 August 2017 that she would step down as speaker of parliament and MP for Marsiling–Yew Tee the following day.{{cite news |date=7 August 2017 |title=PM Lee accepts Halimah Yacob's resignation from the PAP |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-accepts-halimah-yacob-resignation-from-the-pap-9099312 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807211217/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-accepts-halimah-yacob-resignation-from-the-pap-9099312 |archive-date=7 August 2017 |access-date=7 August 2017 |work=Channel NewsAsia}} She also resigned from the PAP. Prime Minister Lee accepted her resignation, expressing gratitude for her contributions to labour, community, and legislative service and expressing confidence in her ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the presidency. Halimah was widely seen as the PAP's candidate for the 2017 presidential election{{cite news |last1=Tham |first1=Yuen-C |date=6 August 2017 |title=Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob to run for President in coming election |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/speaker-of-parliament-halimah-yacob-to-run-for-president-in-coming-election |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806134339/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/speaker-of-parliament-halimah-yacob-to-run-for-president-in-coming-election |archive-date=6 August 2017 |access-date=6 August 2017 |work=The Straits Times |language=en}}{{cite news |date=6 August 2017 |title=Halimah Yacob announces bid to be Singapore's next President |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/halimah-yacob-announces-bid-to-be-singapore-s-next-president-9097256 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806144839/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/halimah-yacob-announces-bid-to-be-singapore-s-next-president-9097256 |archive-date=6 August 2017 |access-date=6 August 2017 |work=Channel NewsAsia}} and received endorsement from Prime Minister Lee.{{cite news |last1=Siau |first1=Ming En |date=7 August 2017 |title=Halimah will bring dignity, warmth to presidency if elected: PM |url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/pm-accepts-halimahs-resignation-pap-charles-chong-be-acting-speaker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807223132/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/pm-accepts-halimahs-resignation-pap-charles-chong-be-acting-speaker |archive-date=7 August 2017 |access-date=7 August 2017 |work=Today |language=en}}

In an interview on 11 August 2017, Halimah expressed her support for the reserved presidential election, saying it demonstrated Singapore's commitment to multiracialism alongside meritocracy. While some critics argued the reserved election compromised meritocracy, Halimah disagreed, emphasising that all candidates must meet the same eligibility criteria, ensuring no compromise between merit and representation. Responding to comments on the lower qualifying threshold for public sector candidates, Halimah noted that this transparent system has been in place since 1991.{{cite news |last=Hussain |first=Zakir |date=11 August 2017 |title=Reserved presidential election affirms Singapore's core values: Halimah Yacob |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/reserved-election-affirms-spores-core-values-halimah |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212022228/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/reserved-election-affirms-spores-core-values-halimah |archive-date=12 December 2017 |access-date=20 December 2017 |newspaper=The Straits Times}}

On 25 August 2017, Halimah launched her official campaign website, including her campaign slogan "Do Good Do Together", which was criticised by many for being ungrammatical. She defended her slogan, explaining that it is meant to be catchy.{{Cite news |last=Koh |first=Valerie |date=30 August 2017 |title='Do Good Do Together' catchy, easy to understand: Halimah |url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/halimah-defends-ungrammatical-campaign-slogan-calls-it-catchy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424182046/https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/halimah-defends-ungrammatical-campaign-slogan-calls-it-catchy |archive-date=24 April 2019 |access-date=31 August 2017 |work=Today |language=en}} In response to public queries whether Halimah broke election rules by campaigning ahead of the nomination day, the Elections Department clarified that its rule which forbids candidates from campaigning before close of nomination only applies to candidates who are nominated.{{cite web |date=30 August 2017 |title=PE2017: Election Dept Clears Halimah Yacob of Breaking No Campaigning before Nomination Day Rule |url=http://redwiretimes.com/kua-politics/pe2017-election-dept-clears-halimah-yacob-of-breaking-no-campaigning-before-nomination-day-rule/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906061950/http://redwiretimes.com/kua-politics/pe2017-election-dept-clears-halimah-yacob-of-breaking-no-campaigning-before-nomination-day-rule/ |archive-date=6 September 2017 |access-date=12 September 2017 |website=RedWire Times}}

Halimah's campaign expenses reached only S$220,875 out of the $754,982.40 legal limit. Her expenses were used for promotional material, room rental, office supplies, food, transport and phone bills.{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/president-halimahs-campaign-spent-220875|title=President Halimah Yacob's campaign spent $220,875|last=hermesauto|date=7 October 2017|work=The Straits Times|access-date=13 November 2017|language=en|archive-date=13 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113165738/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/president-halimahs-campaign-spent-220875|url-status=live}} Queries were also raised regarding Halimah's long affiliation with the PAP and perceived lack of political independence as she quit the party just one month ago to campaign in the election. Halimah responded by comparing herself to former President Ong Teng Cheong, who was also a PAP member before being elected.{{cite web |last=Yong |first=Nicholas |date=29 August 2017 |title=PE2017 - Look at my credentials, not my past affiliations: Halimah Yacob |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pe2017-look-credentials-not-past-affiliations-halimah-yacob-055114938.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329135844/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pe2017-look-credentials-not-past-affiliations-halimah-yacob-055114938.html |archive-date=29 March 2019 |access-date=12 September 2017 |website=Yahoo News}} She also cited that she had abstained from voting in an amendment for the Human Organ Transplant Act in 2007.{{cite web |last=Kotwani |first=Monica |date=29 August 2017 |title='I do not serve any political party': Halimah Yacob talks about her independence, unveils Presidential campaign slogan |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/i-do-not-serve-any-political-party-halimah-yacob-talks-about-her-9166308 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206192454/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/i-do-not-serve-any-political-party-halimah-yacob-talks-about-her-9166308 |archive-date=6 December 2017 |access-date=12 September 2017 |website=CNA}}

Former NMP Calvin Cheng suggested that Halimah does not appear to have the professional experience needed to manage the financial reserves.{{cite web |last=Cheow Pong |first=Chan |date=17 July 2017 |title=Ex-NMP Calvin Cheng: Halimah Yacob should not run for President |url=https://mothership.sg/2017/07/ex-nmp-calvin-cheng-halimah-yacob-should-not-run-for-president/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031065442/https://mothership.sg/2017/07/ex-nmp-calvin-cheng-halimah-yacob-should-not-run-for-president/ |archive-date=31 October 2017 |access-date=12 September 2017 |website=Mothership}} According to Publichouse.sg{{'}}s estimate, her financial management involvement is only about $40 million, much less than the stringent $500 million shareholders' equity requirement for private sector candidates.{{cite news |date=12 September 2017 |title=Candidates with more finance experience than Halimah Yacob disqualified |url=https://publichouse.sg/disqualified-presidential-candidates-more-qualified-than-halimah-yacob-in-financial-matters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912102444/https://publichouse.sg/disqualified-presidential-candidates-more-qualified-than-halimah-yacob-in-financial-matters/ |archive-date=12 September 2017 |access-date=12 September 2017 |newspaper=Public House}}

Being the only candidate to be issued a Certificate of Eligibility, Halimah became the eighth President of Singapore.{{cite web |date=11 September 2017 |title=Halimah Yacob set to be next President after other potential candidates fail to qualify |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/halimah-yacob-set-to-be-next-president-after-other-potential-9205542 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414193854/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/halimah-yacob-set-to-be-next-president-after-other-potential-9205542 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |access-date=12 September 2017 |website=CNA}} Tan Cheng Bock, a former presidential candidate, wrote that Halimah "will occupy the most controversial presidency in the history of Singapore."{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Vernon |date=13 September 2017 |title=Tan Cheng Bock: Halimah Yacob to assume the 'most controversial presidency' in Singapore's history |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/tan-cheng-bock-halimah-yacob-assume-controversial-presidency-singapores-history-121318729.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142436/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/tan-cheng-bock-halimah-yacob-assume-controversial-presidency-singapores-history-121318729.html |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=13 September 2017 |work=Yahoo News Singapore |language=en-SG}} The Economist described her as "popular and able".{{cite news|title=Only one Singaporean is fit to be president|url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21728865-or-so-government-concludes-only-one-singaporean-fit-be-president|access-date=14 September 2017|newspaper=The Economist|date=13 September 2017|archive-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913185053/https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21728865-or-so-government-concludes-only-one-singaporean-fit-be-president|url-status=live}}

After Halimah Yacob's resignation as the sole minority MP in Singapore's Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC, opposition parties and residents called for a by-election, which the ruling PAP government declined to hold.{{cite web |last=Teoh |first=Hannah |date=19 October 2016 |title=PE 2017: SDP suing government for not calling by-election |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/sdp-files-lawsuit-singapore-government-not-calling-marsiling-yew-tee-election-093640222.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220932/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/sdp-files-lawsuit-singapore-government-not-calling-marsiling-yew-tee-election-093640222.html |archive-date=14 September 2017 |access-date=15 September 2017 |publisher=Yahoo News Singapore}} In response, resident Wong Souk Yee, with the support of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), filed a lawsuit in the High Court, arguing that the Parliamentary Elections Act requires a by-election to be held when a vacancy occurs in a GRC.{{cite web|url=http://redwiretimes.com/kua-politics/court-hearing-on-by-election-for-marsiling-yew-tee-grc-to-be-held-in-jan-2018/|title=Court Hearing on By-Election for Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC to Be Held in Jan 2018|date=13 November 2017|access-date=20 December 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116235825/http://redwiretimes.com/kua-politics/court-hearing-on-by-election-for-marsiling-yew-tee-grc-to-be-held-in-jan-2018/}} Wong's lawyer cited Article 49(1) of the Constitution, which mandates that any vacant parliamentary seat be filled through an election, to support this claim.{{cite web |date=22 January 2018 |title=SDP's Legal Challenge Calling for By-Election in Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC Heard in Court |url=http://redwiretimes.com/kua-politics/sdps-legal-challenge-calling-for-by-election-in-marsiling-yew-tee-grc-heard-in-court/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713182439/http://redwiretimes.com/kua-politics/sdps-legal-challenge-calling-for-by-election-in-marsiling-yew-tee-grc-heard-in-court/ |archive-date=13 July 2019 |access-date=25 March 2019 |website=RedWire Times}}

After the Elections Department announced that Halimah was the only possible candidate for the presidency, global media monitoring house Meltwater observed a significant increase in negative sentiment on social media surrounding the presidential elections from 11 to 12 September 2017. The sentiment observed was 83% negative and 17% positive.{{Cite news |last=Tay |first=Vivienne |date=12 September 2017 |title=Online sentiments surrounding Halimah Yacob's presidential walkover |url=http://www.marketing-interactive.com/online-sentiments-surrounding-halimah-yacobs-presidential-walkover/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912093741/http://www.marketing-interactive.com/online-sentiments-surrounding-halimah-yacobs-presidential-walkover/ |archive-date=12 September 2017 |access-date=13 September 2017 |work=Marketing-Interactive |language=en-US}} Following the announcement, a number of Singaporeans began using the hashtag #NotMyPresident on Facebook and Twitter to voice their disappointment.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Vernon |date=11 September 2017 |title=PE 2017: PEC decision on Halimah Yacob's eligibility sparks #notmypresident hashtag |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pe-2017-pec-decision-halimah-yacobs-eligibility-sparks-notmypresident-hashtag-143620822.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913143420/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pe-2017-pec-decision-halimah-yacobs-eligibility-sparks-notmypresident-hashtag-143620822.html |archive-date=13 September 2017 |access-date=13 September 2017 |language=en-SG}}{{Cite news |date=11 September 2017 |title=#NotMyPresident starts trending in Singapore after elections confirmed to be a walkover {{!}} Coconuts Singapore |url=https://coconuts.co/singapore/news/notmypresident-starts-trending-singapore-elections-confirmed-walkover/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913135950/https://coconuts.co/singapore/news/notmypresident-starts-trending-singapore-elections-confirmed-walkover/ |archive-date=13 September 2017 |access-date=13 September 2017 |work=Coconuts Singapore |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Yong |first=Charissa |date=12 September 2017 |title=Social media abuzz over Halimah Yacob's presidential walkover |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/social-media-abuzz-over-halimah-yacobs-presidential-walkover |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913135911/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/social-media-abuzz-over-halimah-yacobs-presidential-walkover |archive-date=13 September 2017 |access-date=13 September 2017 |work=The Straits Times |language=en}} In response, The Straits Times reported that there was the use of #halimahismypresident by an "equally vocal group", urging "Singaporeans to rally round their next president".

File:KOREA_The_20th_President_Inauguration_Ceremony_565_(52062283752).jpg in Seoul, 10 May 2022]]Halimah was sworn in as the President of Singapore on 14 September 2017 at The Istana.{{cite web |last=Yuen-C |first=Tham |date=13 September 2017 |title=Halimah Yacob to be sworn in as Singapore's 8th president on Thursday: PMO |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/madam-halimah-yacob-prepares-to-hand-in-papers-for-presidential-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217185633/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/madam-halimah-yacob-prepares-to-hand-in-papers-for-presidential-election |archive-date=17 December 2017 |access-date=11 July 2020 |work=The Straits Times}} She became Singapore's first female president and the first Malay president in 47 years.{{cite web |date=13 September 2017 |title=Halimah Yacob named Singapore's first female president |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/halimah-yacob-named-singapore-malay-president-170913073940319.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502112130/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/halimah-yacob-named-singapore-malay-president-170913073940319.html |archive-date=2 May 2019 |access-date=14 September 2017 |website=Al Jazeera}} In her role, she was also appointed ex officio as chancellor of both the NUS{{cite news |last=Bei Yi |first=Seow |date=14 November 2017 |title=NUS welcomes President Halimah Yacob as new chancellor |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/nus-welcomes-president-halimah-yacob-as-new-chancellor |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=The Straits Times}} and Nanyang Technological University.{{cite news |date=11 September 2018 |title=New NTU Chancellor visits campus |url=https://www.ntu.edu.sg/news/detail/new-ntu-chancellor-visits-campus |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=Nanyang Technological University}}

Halimah Yacob initially decided to continue living in her public Housing Development Board (HDB) flat in Yishun after being sworn in as president,{{cite web |date=14 September 2017 |title=Halimah wants to continue living in her HDB flat |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/halimah-wants-to-continue-living-in-her-hdb-flat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715062543/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/halimah-wants-to-continue-living-in-her-hdb-flat |archive-date=15 July 2020 |access-date=15 July 2020 |work=The Straits Times}}{{cite news |last1=Yuen-C |first1=Tham |last2=Seow |first2=Joanna |date=14 September 2017 |title=Halimah wants to continue living in her HDB flat |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/halimah-wants-to-continue-living-in-her-hdb-flat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218183428/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/halimah-wants-to-continue-living-in-her-hdb-flat |archive-date=18 December 2017 |access-date=20 December 2017 |newspaper=The Straits Times}} making her the first president to reside in public housing. Her residence was a duplex consisting of a 5-room and a 4-room flat joined by demolishing the median wall.{{cite news |last1=Zhang |first1=Laura |date=8 August 2017 |title=Our First Gentleman to be, Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee |url=http://www.theindependent.sg/our-first-gentleman-to-be-mohamed-abdullah-alhabshee/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817134932/http://www.theindependent.sg/our-first-gentleman-to-be-mohamed-abdullah-alhabshee/ |archive-date=17 August 2017 |access-date=17 August 2017 |work=The Independent Singapore}} However, her decision raised security concerns, and on 2 October 2017, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that, following recommendations from security agencies due to identified threats, she moved to a more secure location.{{cite web |date=2 October 2017 |title=President Halimah to move out from Yishun residence to a new location |url=https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2017/10/02/president-halimah-to-move-out-from-yishun-residence-to-a-new-location/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227190553/https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2017/10/02/president-halimah-to-move-out-from-yishun-residence-to-a-new-location/ |archive-date=27 February 2019 |access-date=20 December 2017}}{{cite web |last=Tian Tian |first=Ang |date=3 October 2017 |title=President Halimah to move out of Yishun flat |url=https://tnp.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/president-halimah-move-out-yishun-flat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715174942/https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/president-halimah-move-out-yishun-flat |archive-date=15 July 2020 |access-date=15 July 2020 |work=The New Paper}} The government continues to oversee her residence and security arrangements.{{cite web |date=2 October 2017 |title=President Halimah Yacob to move out of Yishun HDB flat: MHA |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/president-halimah-yacob-to-move-out-of-yishun-hdb-flat-mha-9270082 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206095836/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/president-halimah-yacob-to-move-out-of-yishun-hdb-flat-mha-9270082 |archive-date=6 December 2017 |access-date=20 December 2017 |website=CNA}}

Halimah made her first state visit as president to Brunei on 11 May 2018, where she witnessed the signing of a financial technology agreement and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to exchange information related to money laundering and terrorist financing between Singapore and Brunei.{{cite web |date=12 May 2018 |title=Singapore, Brunei ink pacts to boost cooperation in finance |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-brunei-ink-pacts-to-boost-cooperation-in-finance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711080929/https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-brunei-ink-pacts-to-boost-cooperation-in-finance |archive-date=11 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |website=The Strait Times |via=The Business Times}} At the invitation of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Halimah was the first president of Singapore to visit the Netherlands since the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries on 7 December 1965.{{cite web |date=11 September 2018 |title=State visit by the President of Singapore |url=https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/latest/news/2018/11/09/state-visit-by-the-president-of-singapore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713120200/https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/latest/news/2018/11/09/state-visit-by-the-president-of-singapore |archive-date=13 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |website=NetherlandsWorldwide}} The visit took place from 20 to 24 November 2018.{{cite web |date=19 November 2018 |title=MFA Press Statement: State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to the Kingdom of the Netherlands from 20 to 24 November 2018 |url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2018/11/NetherlandsPreVisit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711080417/https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2018/11/NetherlandsPreVisit |archive-date=11 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore}}

To celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, Halimah Yacob visited the Philippines from 8 to 12 September 2019, where she participated in events in Manila and Davao City, including the Philippines–Singapore Business Council Meeting, a tour of the Philippine Eagle Center,{{cite web|url=https://www.istana.gov.sg/Newsroom/News-Releases/2019/09/07/State-Visit-by-President-Halimah-Yacob-to-the-Republic-of-the-Philippines|title=State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to the Republic of the Philippines|publisher=The Istana, President of Singapore|date=7 September 2019|access-date=11 July 2020|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712204913/https://www.istana.gov.sg/Newsroom/News-Releases/2019/09/07/State-Visit-by-President-Halimah-Yacob-to-the-Republic-of-the-Philippines|url-status=live}} and, on 9 September, oversaw the signing of eight MOUs between Singapore and the Philippines, covering areas such as infrastructure, data protection, water management, and education, alongside Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.{{cite web |date=9 September 2019 |title=Singapore, Philippines ink agreements on education, infrastructure and personal data protection |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-philippines-mou-50th-anniversary-diplomacy-11888296 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711134012/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-philippines-mou-50th-anniversary-diplomacy-11888296 |archive-date=11 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |publisher=Channel News Asia}} Prior to her visit to Saudi Arabia, Halimah Yacob conducted a state visit to Kuwait.{{cite news |date=4 November 2019 |title=State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to the State of Kuwait from 3 to 4 November 2019 |url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2019/11/20190411-SV-Kuwait |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore}} Later that same year, she became Singapore's first president to visit Saudi Arabia,{{cite news |last=Koh |first=Fabian |date=2 November 2019 |title=President Halimah to make Singapore's first state visit to Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/president-halimah-to-make-singapores-first-state-visit-to-saudi-arabia |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=The Straits Times}} where she was conferred the collar of the Order of King Abdulaziz.{{Cite news |date=2019-11-06 |title=President Halimah conferred Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/president-halimah-conferred-saudi-arabias-highest-civilian-honour |access-date=2024-10-27 |language=en |website=The Strait Times |via=The Business Times}}

In 2023, Halimah Yacob conducted several overseas visits, including trips to Malaysia{{cite news |date=22 March 2023 |title=State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to Malaysia, 20 to 22 March 2023 |url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2023/03/20230322-SV-to-Malaysia |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore}} and Qatar.{{cite news |date=19 June 2023 |title=State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to the State of Qatar, 19 to 22 June 2023 |url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2023/06/230619_President-Qatar-SV |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore}} During her visit to Malaysia, she participated in a tree-planting ceremony at Istana Negara, an honour typically reserved for heads of state.{{cite news |last=Yan Han |first=Goh |date=22 March 2023 |title=Much scope for Singapore and Malaysia to expand cooperation: President Halimah |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/much-scope-for-singapore-and-malaysia-to-expand-cooperation-president-halimah-at-state-banquet |access-date=27 October 2024 |work=The Straits Times}} On 29 May 2023, Halimah announced that she would not seek re-election in the 2023 presidential election. Her term expired on 13 September, and she was succeeded by the ninth president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, on 14 September.{{cite web |date=29 May 2023 |title=President Halimah Yacob will not stand for re-election in 2023 poll |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/presidential-election-2023-halimah-yacob-not-standing-re-election-3522741 |accessdate=9 June 2023 |website=CNA}}

Halimah's difficult upbringing inspired her to get a legal degree and defend the weak, which is why she is an advocate for women's rights. She focused on topics including equitable employment and reasonably priced healthcare when she initially entered politics in 2001 as Singapore's first female Malay MP. She stresses the necessity for ongoing cultural transformation and respect for women as equals, even as she appreciates the advancements made in gender equality.{{Cite news |last=Yuen-C |first=Tham |date=2022-01-05 |title=President Halimah on why she became a lawyer and advocate for gender equality |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/president-halimah-on-why-she-became-a-lawyer-and-advocate-for-gender-equality |access-date=2024-11-02 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}} As president, Halimah supported initiatives like the White Paper on Singapore Women's Development to address gender issues. She underscored the need for protections for older workers and advocated for legal reforms to ensure justice for sexual assault victims, arguing that age should not exempt offenders from punishment. Through her work under the President's Challenge, she also focused on empowering disadvantaged groups and promoting religious harmony and multicultural dialogue alongside gender equality.{{Cite news |last=Yan Han |first=Goh |date=2023-05-29 |title=A president of 'firsts', a champion of social causes: Here's a look at Madam Halimah Yacob's term |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/president-halimah-yacob-a-president-of-firsts-and-s-pore-s-first-female-head-of-state |access-date=2024-11-02 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}

In 2019, Halimah advocated for companies to embrace gender equality, noting that it will increase innovation and business profitability during her speech at the Women's Forum Asia.{{cite web |last=Yun Ting |first=Choo |date=18 September 2019 |title=Gender equality and women leaders benefit companies and society: President Halimah |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/business/gender-equality-and-women-leaders-benefit-companies-and-society-president-halimah |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711083427/https://www.straitstimes.com/business/gender-equality-and-women-leaders-benefit-companies-and-society-president-halimah |archive-date=11 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |work=The Straits Times}} She had also publicly voiced her views about a local podcast, OkLetsGo, for their offensive remarks against women and asked the hosts of the show for an apology for their remarks.{{cite web |last=Yacob |first=Halimah |date=15 June 2020 |title=Halimah Yacob's Facebook post to Okletsgo |url=https://www.facebook.com/halimahyacob/posts/3347756125257466 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807031752/https://www.facebook.com/halimahyacob/posts/3347756125257466 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |via=Facebook}}{{cite web |last=Awang |first=Nabilah |date=15 June 2020 |title=President Halimah Yacob calls on Okletsgo hosts to apologise to all women for misogynistic comments |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/president-halimah-yacob-calls-okletsgo-hosts-apologise-all-women-misogynistic-comments |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710221332/https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/president-halimah-yacob-calls-okletsgo-hosts-apologise-all-women-misogynistic-comments |archive-date=10 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |website=Today}}{{Cite web |last=Elangovan |first=Navene |date=30 May 2023 |title=President Halimah Yacob's support for women, the disadvantaged lauded; some people disappointed she will not seek re-election |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/president-halimah-yacobs-support-women-disadvantaged-disappointed-re-election-2181456 |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=TODAY |language=en}} In order to keep up with workers' concerns, she frequently met with union officials from a variety of industries. Mary Liew, president of NTUC, said that Halimah "always had a heart for women" and was aware of the problems of working moms because she was one herself.

Halimah praised the notable advancements made in women's development in Singapore during her remarks at the 9th Singapore Women Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. She highlighted the country's improved gender equality ranking and the growing number of women in leadership positions and other fields. While acknowledging the vital roles social service partners play in bolstering these efforts, she underlined the significance of male-female collaborations and called for a concerted effort to dispel gender stereotypes and improve chances for women in the workplace. Eight new inductees were recognised during the event, which highlighted their remarkable accomplishments and experiences and reaffirmed the importance of female role models in motivating the next generation to create a more just society.{{Cite web |date=8 March 2023 |title=Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the 9th Singapore Women Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony |url=https://www.istana.gov.sg/Newsroom/Speeches/2023/03/08/Speech-by-President-Halimah-Yacob-at-the-Singapore-Women-Hall-of-Fame-Induction-Ceremony-2023 |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=The Istana}}

In April 2020, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore, Halimah approved her in-principle for the government's request to draw S$21 billion from the past national reserves, aimed at subsidising wages of 1.9 million workers and preserving jobs and businesses.{{cite web |last=Lai |first=Linette |date=8 April 2020 |title=Singapore sets aside $60 billion for the fight against coronavirus: DPM Heng |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-sets-aside-60-billion-for-fight-against-virus-dpm-heng |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711094841/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-sets-aside-60-billion-for-fight-against-virus-dpm-heng |archive-date=11 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |work=The Straits Times}} On 7 April 2020, the Supplementary Supply Bill was revised for the Resilience and Solidarity Budgets and the revised bill was asserted by Halimah on 9 April 2020.{{cite web |last=Ho |first=Grace |date=9 April 2020 |title=President Halimah assents to draw on $21 billion from past reserves for historic Resilience and Solidarity Budgets |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/president-assents-to-historic-resilience-and-solidarity-budgets-draw-on-21-billion-from |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711082848/https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/president-assents-to-historic-resilience-and-solidarity-budgets-draw-on-21-billion-from |archive-date=11 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |work=The Straits Times}} On 5 June 2020, the Parliament of Singapore passed the Second Supplementary Supply Bill for the Fortitude Budget, to allow for the government to draw an additional of S$31 billion from the past reserves, aimed at securing employment for those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic as the country loosens restrictions after the circuit breaker.{{cite web |last=Mohan |first=Matthew |date=26 May 2020 |title=S$33b Fortitude Budget aimed at providing jobs, supporting workers and firms through 'difficult period' of COVID-19 |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-fortitude-budget-heng-swee-keat-key-announcements-12770060 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711201734/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-fortitude-budget-heng-swee-keat-key-announcements-12770060 |archive-date=11 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |publisher=Channel News Asia}}

On 16 June 2020, Halimah assented to the Second Supplementary Supply Bill, which enacted the Second Supplementary Supply Act, to allow the government the additional requested funds to ease the effects of the pandemic. This marks the second time that the past reserves of Singapore were drawn in the financial year of 2020 and it was also the largest amount drawn from the past reserves since Singapore's independence, with the funds totalling S$52 billion. She was the second president to exercise the president's discretionary powers for this purpose, after President S. R. Nathan in 2009 did so for the financial crisis of 2007–2008.{{cite web |last=Ho |first=Grace |date=16 June 2020 |title=Coronavirus: President Halimah gives assent to additional $33b in support packages |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-president-halimah-gives-assent-to-additional-33b-in-support-packages |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711130915/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-president-halimah-gives-assent-to-additional-33b-in-support-packages |archive-date=11 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |work=The Straits Times}}

After her presidency, Halimah became the chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences from 1 October 2023.{{cite news |date=25 September 2023 |title=Former president Halimah Yacob named as new SUSS chancellor |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/former-president-halimah-yacob-named-as-new-suss-chancellor |work=The Straits Times |language=en}}{{cite web |title=SUSS Welcomes Former President of Singapore Madam Halimah Yacob as Chancellor |url=https://www.suss.edu.sg/news-and-events/media-resources/media-releases/suss-welcomes-former-president-of-singapore-madam-halimah-yacob-as-chancellor |accessdate=1 August 2024 |website=Singapore University of Social Sciences |publisher=25 September 2023}} She became Stephen Lee's successor and was notable for being a SUSS patron.

On 30 August 2024, Tony Tan has been replaced by Halimah as the Securities Investors Association (Singapore)'s new chief patron. She was chosen for this esteemed position by the association because of her outstanding services to Singapore, which include her influential career as a politician and unionist and her representation of the country abroad throughout her 2023-ending president. According to David Gerald, the association's founder, Halimah's values complement the organization's objectives of defending individual investors' rights and encouraging moral business practices.{{Cite news |last=Zhu |first=Michelle |date=2024-08-30 |title=Former president Halimah Yacob joins Sias as chief patron |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/former-president-halimah-yacob-joins-sias-chief-patron |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=The Business Times |language=en}}

Halimah is married to Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee,{{cite news|last1=Tham|first1=Yuen-C|title=More consultation needed before my decision to run for president: Halimah Yacob|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/more-consultation-needed-before-my-decision-halimah|access-date=29 July 2017|publisher=Straits Times|date=17 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729132657/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/more-consultation-needed-before-my-decision-halimah|archive-date=29 July 2017}}{{cite news |author1=Mohamad Salleh |first=Nur Asyiqin |date=29 August 2017 |title=Halimah Yacob unveils presidential election campaign slogan and team |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/halimah-yacob-unveils-presidential-election-campaign-slogan-and-team |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829145331/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/halimah-yacob-unveils-presidential-election-campaign-slogan-and-team |archive-date=29 August 2017 |access-date=29 August 2017 |work=The Straits Times |language=en}} of Arab descent,{{cite web|title=Getting to know Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee, husband of Madam Halimah Yacob|url=https://www.thoughtssg.com/2017/06/11/getting-to-know-mohamed-abdullah-alhabshee-husband-of-madam-halimah-yacob/|website=Thoughts of Real Singaporeans|access-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729132917/https://www.thoughtssg.com/2017/06/11/getting-to-know-mohamed-abdullah-alhabshee-husband-of-madam-halimah-yacob/|archive-date=29 July 2017|date=11 June 2017}} and they have five children. Mohammed graduated from NUS with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. It was also where he first met Halimah.

Although Halimah is categorised as an Indian Muslim due to her father's descent, she ran for the 2017 presidential election as a Malay candidate and identifies herself as a Malay Muslim.{{cite news |last=Tham |first=Yuen-C |date=17 July 2017 |title=More consultation needed before my decision to run for president: Halimah Yacob |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/more-consultation-needed-before-my-decision-halimah |url-status=live |work=The Straits Times |location=Singapore |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717160403/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/more-consultation-needed-before-my-decision-halimah |archive-date=17 July 2017 |access-date=21 July 2017}}{{cite web | title = Halimah Yacob named Singapore's first female president | publisher = Al Jazeera | date = 14 September 2017 | access-date = 14 September 2017 | url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/halimah-yacob-named-singapore-malay-president-170913073940319.html | archive-date = 2 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190502112130/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/halimah-yacob-named-singapore-malay-president-170913073940319.html | url-status = live }}

On 22 May 2023, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Halimah the Order of Friendship 1st class. Later on 29 October 2023, she was awarded the Order of Temasek (with high distinction) for serving Singapore with distinction over four decades and for her lifetime of devoted and distinguished service.

National

• {{Flag|Singapore}}
• 70px Order of Temasek with High Distinction (29 October 2023){{cite news |last=Shafeeq |first=Syarafana |date=30 October 2023 |title=Former president Halimah Yacob awarded Order of Temasek for lifetime of devoted, distinguished service |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/former-president-halimah-yacob-awarded-order-of-temasek-for-lifetime-of-devoted-distinguished-service |work=The Straits Times}}

Foreign

• {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
• 70x70px Collar of the Order of King Abdulaziz (6 November 2019)
• {{flag|Kazakhstan}}
• 70px Order of Friendship 1st class (22 May 2023){{Cite web |date=22 May 2023 |title=Tokayev awards President Halimah Yacob of Singapore with 1st-degree Dostyk Order |url=https://www.inform.kz/en/tokayev-awards-president-halimah-yacob-of-singapore-with-1st-degree-dostyk-order_a4069963 |access-date=27 October 2024 |website="Kazinform" International News Agency |language=en}}

In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Berita Harian Achiever of the Year Award in 2001,{{cite news |date=29 July 2009 |title=Cultural Ambassador is Berita Harian Achiever of the Year 2009 |url=http://www.sph.com.sg/media_releases/836 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525183819/http://www.sph.com.sg/media_releases/836 |archive-date=25 May 2015 |access-date=21 May 2011 |work=Singapore Press Holdings}} the Her World Woman of the Year Award in 2003,{{cite news|url=http://womanoftheyear.herworldplus.com/2003-halimah-yacob|title=Her World Woman of the Year celebrates 20 years|work=Her World|access-date=21 May 2011|date=25 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230122619/http://womanoftheyear.herworldplus.com/2003-halimah-yacob|archive-date=30 December 2016|url-status=live}} and the AWARE Heroine Award 2011.{{cite web|title=Recipients of AWARE Awards 2011|url=http://www.aware.org.sg/events-archive/the-aware-awards/recipients-of-aware-awards-2011/|website=Association of Women for Action and Research|access-date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170728215420/http://www.aware.org.sg/events-archive/the-aware-awards/recipients-of-aware-awards-2011/|archive-date=28 July 2017}}

She was also inducted into the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations' Singapore Women's Hall of Fame in 2014.{{cite web|title=Halimah Yacob, trade unionist and first woman Speaker of Parliament|url=http://www.swhf.sg/the-honourees/19-government/146-halimah-yacob|website=Singapore Women's Hall of Fame|publisher=Singapore Council of Women's Organisations|access-date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728215619/http://www.swhf.sg/the-honourees/19-government/146-halimah-yacob|archive-date=28 July 2017}} She also received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the National University of Singapore in 2016.{{Cite news |title=Halimah Yacob conferred honorary Doctor of Laws degree by NUS |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/halimah-yacob-conferred-honorary-doctor-of-laws-degree-by-nus |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241202220106/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/halimah-yacob-conferred-honorary-doctor-of-laws-degree-by-nus |archive-date=2024-12-02 |access-date=2025-01-25 |work=The Straits Times |language=en}}

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