Her defeat in the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency electoral battle means that "the score (for female full Cabinet ministers) has now dropped back to zero again" but Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said she would continue to encourage women to participate in politics. Mrs Lim, who is concurrently Second Minister for Finance and Transport, is also optimistic that "it won't be too long" before Singapore sees another female full Cabinet minister.

 

The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) on Wednesday introduced its first new woman candidate for the coming General Election. 45-year-old Ms Foo Mee Har is the global head of premium banking for Standard Chartered Bank. Ms Foo joined the PAP in 2010 and has been helping out at the Cashew division in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC. She has taken part in various community events and Meet-the-People Sessions. Ms Foo has also been inducted into the PAP executive committee as assistant secretary to the Women's Wing.



 

“Women are leaders, innovators and givers. They are scientists, teachers and nurturers. They have vision, compassion and the will to improve their communities, which, in turn, brings change on a global scale."

Meanwhile, the Queen, in her Commonwealth Day message, noted 26 million girls are born every year across the 54 member nations.

Despite all the advancements women have made and the accomplishments they’ve achieved, she suggested more could be done to ensure they play an “even larger role” in society.

“The commendable goal is to create a greater opportunity for women as children and adults to pursue their hopes and dreams, to attain their goals, and to make best use of their talents and knowledge,” she said.