Key moment in Singapore’s history

President-elect Halimah Yacob (C), Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (2-R) and Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon enter the state room before the presidential inauguration ceremony at the Istana Presidential Palace in Singapore. AFPpic

IN August 1954, a girl was born in her family home in Queen Street. She was named Halimah Yacob.

Months later, Singapore held its first legislative assembly election. Of the 75 candidates who ran in 1955, only two were women. Both were Chinese, and both lost their contests. And of the 25 men elected, just three were Malay.