Here’s why SCWO’s Illuminate gala event was a night to remember

What does it take to leave a mark that endures beyond a lifetime?

That question lingered in the air at One Farrer Hotel last Friday evening, where the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) hosted its annual gala themed “Illuminate: Shine Together. Rise Together.” More than a ceremonial gathering, the evening brought together leaders, changemakers and long-time advocates to honour women whose work has shaped Singapore in lasting, tangible ways.

At the heart of the evening was the 12th Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony – a cornerstone initiative established by SCWO in 2014 to recognise women whose contributions have left an indelible imprint on the nation. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has honoured 198 women across fields as varied as public health, the arts, law, science and public service. It serves not only as an archive of achievement, but as a living record of influence – one that continues to shape how leadership, resilience and service are understood in Singapore today.

The evening was graced by Jane Ittogi, Singapore’s First Lady and patron of SCWO, whose presence underscored the significance of the occasion. A longstanding advocate for social causes and community development, her role reflects a deeper commitment to advancing women’s voices and strengthening support systems across Singapore.

Among the guests were leaders and familiar faces from across Singapore’s professional and social landscape, including Rachel Lim, co-founder of Love, Bonito; Anna Haotanto, founder of The New Savvy; Anastasia Tjendri-Liew, founder and managing director of Bengawan Solo and Her World’s Woman of The Year 2025 honouree; Yip Pin Xiu, Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian; and Paige Parker, writer and podcast host known for her work across media and philanthropy. Familiar faces from Ruifeng Wealth Management, members of the Young Women’s Leadership Connection (YWLC), and past Hall of Fame honourees were also in attendance.

In her opening address, SCWO President Dr Seow Yian San set the tone for the evening:

“Tonight’s theme, Illuminate: Shine Together. Rise Together., is more than just a tagline. It is a call to action – a reminder that when we lift one another up, we don’t just create impact, we create momentum.”

Singapore Women Hall of Fame 2026 inductees

That momentum found its clearest expression in the evening’s centrepiece: the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame 2026 induction ceremony, where five women were honoured for shaping Singapore across architecture, public health, literature, healthcare and military medicine. This year’s list of inspiring women include:

Angelene Chan: Executive Chairman of DP Architects, Angelene Chan has spent nearly four decades shaping Singapore’s built environment and advancing sustainable design. A three-time recipient of the President’s Design Award, she became the first woman named Designer of the Year in 2018. Recognised as Her World’s Woman of the Year in 2017, she continues to influence the industry through leadership roles across key architectural and design institutions.

Maud Ethel Perera (Posthumous): A pioneer of Singapore’s early public health system, Maud Ethel Perera helped transform maternal and infant care at a time when healthcare infrastructure was still developing. Beginning as the first Asian staff nurse in the colonial Health Branch in 1929, she played a key role in reducing infant mortality from 263 to 57 deaths per 1,000 births over two decades. She later became Singapore’s first Asian Public Health Matron, overseeing more than 20 centres and rebuilding services post-war. In 1958, she was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Meira Chand: An internationally acclaimed novelist, Meira Chand has spent decades bringing Singapore’s history and multicultural identity to global audiences. The author of nine books, including The Bonsai Tree, The Painted Cage and A Different Sky, her works have been recognised by major literary institutions – longlisted for the Booker Prize and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and featured on Oprah Winfrey’s recommended reading list. In 2023, she received Singapore’s highest arts honour, the Cultural Medallion, and continues to mentor emerging writers.

Pauline Tan: A trailblazer in nursing leadership, Pauline Tan became Singapore’s first nurse to serve as CEO of a hospital when she was appointed to lead Yishun Community Hospital in 2015, following a 36-year career rising from frontline care. Formerly Singapore’s Chief Nursing Officer at the Ministry of Health, she has held senior roles at the Institute of Mental Health and Thomson Medical Centre. A recipient of the President’s Award for Nurses and the Public Administration Medal (Silver), she later led an orthopaedic hospital in Shanghai and now serves as Director of Clinical Quality & Services at Sheares Healthcare International.

Shalini Arulanandam: A military doctor and ENT surgeon, Shalini Arulanandam made history as the first woman to receive the SAF Merit Scholarship to study medicine. She went on to become the first woman to command the SAF’s Military Medicine Institute, overseeing medical operations across the Singapore Army. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led critical national efforts including PPE deployment and swabbing operations while seconded to the Singapore Civil Defence Force. She now serves as Chief Medical Officer of the Home Team and a senior consultant at Singapore General Hospital, and was named one of Her World’s Women of the Year in 2020.

Another meaningful celebration: Maintenance Support Central’s 15th anniversary

The evening also marked the 15th anniversary of Maintenance Support Central (MSC) – a key SCWO initiative established in 2011 to support women navigating spousal and child maintenance challenges, particularly in the aftermath of divorce.

For many, these transitions come with financial strain, legal complexity and emotional uncertainty. MSC provides guidance, access to legal support, and practical assistance, helping women regain stability and move forward with dignity. Over the years, the service has supported thousands, addressing a gap that is often overlooked yet deeply consequential.

Support and fundraisers

Fundraising efforts were also woven seamlessly into the night, reinforcing the evening’s purpose.

The silent auction, featuring 38 donated items, stood out for its range and depth of storytelling. Among the highlights was Together, a textile artwork contributed by Jane Ittogi. Woven by women inmates and later layered with handwritten messages of hope from the public, the piece carries both craftsmanship and collective memory – an expression of resilience shaped by many hands.

In contrast, an Oscar de la Renta Barbie styled by collector Jian Yang introduced a fashion-forward, pop-cultural dimension, while a framed display of autographed racing gloves from Michael Schumacher’s years with Scuderia Ferrari brought in a different kind of legacy, rooted in sport and precision.

Raffle prizes added a more intimate dimension. One of the most sought-after experiences was the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Shanti Pereira, Singapore’s sprinting star, multiple SEA Games gold medallist, and Her World’s Young Woman Achiever 2024 honouree. The chance to train alongside her, followed by a shared meal, offers a rare window into the discipline and mindset behind elite performance.

For those looking to contribute beyond the evening, donations remain open through SCWO’s ILLUMINATE campaign here.