The session began with an address by NUSS President Mr Tong Hsien-Hui, who highlighted Mdm Halimah’s distinguished career in public service, union leadership and community engagement. He spotlighted her incredible contributions to Singapore in her role as Singapore’s first female President and her longstanding association with NUSS, having served as Patron and a former Guest-of-Honour at the opening of the Mandalay Guild House.
Mdm Halimah, who is currently Chancellor at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, opened her remarks by reflecting on key ideas on leadership and governance explored in Commentary on Singapore, a recently launched compilation of essays by Singaporean thought leaders previously published in NUSS’ journal Commentary. In particular, she offered her insights into three key areas: upholding international law and a rules-based global order amidst rising nationalism, protectionism and insularity; building a cohesive, multi-racial society to counter the rising tide of polarisation and identity politics; and strengthening the labour movement as a democratic institution in the face of workplace deregulation and growing corporate power.