Singapore’s trailblazers take the spotlight at the Her World Women of the Year 2025 gala

Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Equarius Hotel at Resorts World Sentosa, this year’s Her World Women of the Year Awards 2025 gala gathered nearly 250 distinguished guests in an evening dedicated to celebrating women of vision, resilience, and influence.

Graced by Guest of Honour Madam Halimah Yacob, chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences and former president of Singapore, the night paid tribute to the women who have shaped – and continue to shape – the nation’s social and cultural fabric.

First launched in 1991, the Her World Woman of the Year Award celebrates women whose extraordinary achievements have left a lasting imprint on both the Singapore Story and the world beyond – trailblazers who embody the very best of Singapore and inspire others through their enduring example. 

In parallel, the Her World Young Woman Achiever Award, established in 1999, honours young women who push the glass ceiling, demonstrating potential to set new standards of success and chart new paths for others to follow.

Notable attendees included Woman of the Year award recipients Jennie Chua (1999), Justice Judith Prakash (2024), Ng Ghim Choo (2022), and Ng Ling Ling (2018).

Among the guests were also past Young Woman Achiever (YWA) recipients, including Shanti Pereira (2024), Caecilia Chu (2023), and the pioneering NATAS Singapore Women’s Everest Team – Sim Yihui, Esther Tan, Lee Li Hui, and Lee Peh Gee (2009).

Their presence lent the evening a beautiful sense of continuity: a gathering of generations of women who have each, in their own way, pushed boundaries.

A night of celebration

Guests arrived to a blue-lit ballroom buzzing with conversation, where they explored a series of interactive booths by the event’s sponsors.

Shopee’s four-panel showcase highlighted inspiring stories of women business owners, and offered an inside look into the evolving world of livestreaming commerce. 

Over at Cle de Peau Beaute’s booth, guests discovered the brand’s Key Radiance Care range through an immersive display and photo opportunity. Guests also took home a gift bag, inclusive of products from Cle De Peau Beaute’s the Key Radiance Care skincare line.

Many also stopped by the Her World photobooth – styled like a magazine cover – to capture the moment in true cover-star fashion.

Honouring innovation and impact

As the lights dimmed, the evening officially began with a welcome address by Elizabeth Lee, editor-in-chief of Her World, who reflected on the magazine’s 65-year legacy of championing women’s voices. 

“To see this beloved publication turn 65 is truly a gift,” she shared. “That’s six and a half decades of championing, documenting and celebrating the Singapore woman – her resilience, her growth, and her power to inspire.”

Turning her attention to the future, Elizabeth highlighted the Her World Mentorship Programme – a key initiative that nurtures the next generation of female leaders. Now in its third edition, the programme is supported by Clé de Peau Beauté.

“Through mentorship, shared experience and encouragement, we hope to empower women to rebuild confidence, rediscover purpose and redefine success on their own terms,” she noted, adding that this year’s focus is on supporting women returning to the workforce after a career break.

Concluding her speech, she offered gratitude to readers and supporters alike: “Every message, comment and conversation reminds us why we do what we do – it is to be useful, inspiring and empowering.”

Before the awards segment commenced, Jennie Chua, recipient of the Her World Woman of the Year Award in 1999, chairman of Temasek Foundation, and current chairperson of the Women of the Year judging committee, was presented with the SG60 Gracious Oncidium Pearl Orchid Brooch, sponsored by RISIS – a token of appreciation for her invaluable guidance throughout the year’s judging process.

Guest of honour, chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences, and 2003 Woman of the Year awardee Madam Halimah Yacob then took the stage to highlight the legacy of women shaping Singapore and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

“It was the first magazine on women I read… Her World has always inspired me – as it has inspired so many others – to believe that women’s voices can move communities, shape institutions, and redefine what leadership looks like,” she shared, recalling her own experience of receiving the award in 2003. 

Noting the magazine’s chronicling of trailblazers such as Hedwig Anuar, Puan Noor Aisha, Georgette Chen, and Chan Choy Siong, she went on to underscore the power of mentorship and collective strength: “[Mentorship ensures] every young woman who dreams of leading will find someone who believes in her.” 

“Each story, no matter how small, contributes to a larger truth: that women’s progress is society’s progress,” Madam Halimah emphasised.

As dinner unfolded over a four-course menu, the spotlight turned to the first award of the night: the Her World Hello Possibilities Award presented by Singtel. Introduced by Aileen Tan, Singtel’s group chief people and sustainability officer, the award recognises women breaking barriers in science, technology, and innovation.

In her speech, Aileen emphasised the importance of recognising the women making an impact in our lives – in ways both big and small.

“Being fearless doesn’t mean having no fear, it means feeling it and choosing to move forward anyway,” she shared. She highlighted the rapid pace of change in technology, business, and society, noting that it can be tempting to shy away when the future feels overwhelming.

“We call it being ‘future fearless’, a mindset of showing up each day with courage, curiosity, and heart. It means daring to speak up, experiment, fail at times, but yet, learn and try again, and never give up – putting people and purpose at the centre of everything we do,” Aileen explained.

“Empowerment begins when we help others see what’s possible,” she added.

This year’s three honourees embodied that spirit in full: Lynette Tan, a trailblazer of Singapore’s space sector; Dr Malika Meghjani, a leading figure in robotics and Stem education; and Dr Ayesha Khanna, an AI entrepreneur driving digital transformation across Asia.

Next came the Young Woman Achiever Award, which celebrates women under 40 who exemplify courage, creativity, and conviction. This year’s Young Woman Achiever honour went to Sadhana Rai, a lawyer whose pro bono work has provided critical access to justice for migrant workers, survivors of domestic violence, underprivileged families.

The citation was delivered by advertising maven Pat Law, chief executive officer of Goodstuph, who highlighted Sadhana’s unwavering compassion across causes – from migrant workers’ legal protections to animal welfare.

“Sadhana’s mission has never been about leading; it has always been about understanding,” she shared.

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Sadhana reflected on the transformative power of advocacy.

“I stand before you today on the shoulders of the brave women who came before me, and who dared to dream, who dared to open doors for me that I never thought would open,” she said. “[They] dare[d] to expose me to a different world – one which taught me to never say never.”

Acknowledging the collective effort behind her work, Sadhana added, “Nothing worth doing is worth doing alone, so this award isn’t only mine – it belongs to my team, my community, and everyone who shares in this movement to build a Singapore grounded in justice and equality.”

Lastly, she paid tribute to her mentors, friends, sponsors, and family who had believed in her journey. “To the women in this room and beyond, find your village – I’m happy to be a part of it. Be someone else’s village. Lift as you climb, and – when you succeed – bring your mother even if she cries... I promise to pay it forward,” Sadhana concluded.

Homegrown legacies

The night’s pinnacle moment followed – the presentation of the Her World Woman of the Year Award. 

Introduced by Junie Foo, immediate past president of Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations and chairperson of Singapore Kindness Movement, the award honours Singaporean women whose life’s work has created lasting social, cultural, or economic impact.

The 2025 title went to Anastasia Tjendri-Liew, founder and managing director of Bengawan Solo, whose name has become synonymous with homegrown excellence and tradition. 

“From those humble beginnings, she has built Bengawan Solo into a brand that transcends generations and borders – what began as a local favourite has become an international symbol of Singaporean culture,” Junie said, during her citation.

“Through sheer perseverance and an unwavering belief in doing things the right way, she has turned her passion into an enduring legacy. Today, Bengawan Solo stands… as part of our shared identity – a taste of home that travels around the world.”

Highlighting Anastasia’s philanthropic efforts, including her advocacy for women, Junie added, “[She has shown] us how love, integrity, and hard work can truly shape a nation’s story.”

Presented alongside SPH Media CEO Chan Yeng Kit and personally bestowed by Madam Halimah Yacob, the award was an emblem of recognition for Anastasia’s decades-long dedication to craftsmanship, community, and preservation of Singapore’s culture.

In her acceptance speech, Anastasia reflected on her journey: “I am humbled even to be considered among women who are making such powerful contributions to our community and beyond.”

She went on to express gratitude to friends, family, colleagues, and everyone who had supported her along the way. “To all the women in this room and beyond, who persevere quietly, never giving up on patience and belief, this award is for you too,” she added.

A celebration 65 years in the making

No celebration of Singaporean women would be complete without a nod to the stories that have defined them. 

To mark its 65th anniversary, Her World staged a retrospective exhibition, “Defining Eras, Inspiring Change,” in conjunction with the gala. The showcase traced six decades of the magazine’s most defining moments – from early covers reflecting refinement and domesticity to later editions celebrating ambition, individuality, and unapologetic confidence.

Visitors could journey through snippets across more than 700 issues, witnessing how Her World mirrored Singapore’s social, cultural, and fashion transformations. Highlights included past Young Woman Achiever and Woman of the Year honourees, striking cover portraits of local icons like Iman Fandi, Tan Kheng Hua, and Fann Wong.

In her opening address at the Her World Woman of the Year gala, editor-in-chief Elizabeth Lee reflected on the exhibition, calling it “a reminder of how our platform has evolved alongside the women of Singapore.”

She added, “I’m sure, like me, many of you here tonight have your own stories and memories of reading and discovering Her World.”

Certainly, the exhibition’s impact extends beyond the gala space: Her World also features prominently in Dick Lee’s SingaPop! exhibition at ArtScience Museum, which celebrates 60 years of Singaporean pop culture. Together, the two exhibitions underscore how women’s stories and media have been inseparable from Singapore’s creative and cultural evolution.

Compact yet powerful, the exhibition reminded guests how far women – and women’s media – have come: fearless, unapologetic, and shaping Singapore’s story at every turn.

It was a celebration not just of history, but of the bold and forward-looking spirit that continues to define modern Singaporean women.

The Her World Women of the Year 2025 gala was made possible with the generous support of official sponsors Cle de Peau Beaute, Shopee, Singtel, and Resorts World Sentosa.