From Halimah Yacob to Fann Wong: Singapore’s leading women reflect on 65 years of Her World

From Halimah Yacob to Fann Wong: Singapore’s leading women reflect on 65 years of Her World


As we mark this milestone, we reflect on how far we’ve come. What began in 1960 as Singapore’s first English-language women’s magazine has grown into a platform that champions and chronicles the achievements of remarkable women, mirroring their rising influence across every sphere of life.

We remain committed to uplifting and empowering women – amplifying their voices, celebrating their impact, and ensuring that our legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

“Highlighting the power of positive action”

By sharing stories of empowered women, publications such as Her World motivate women to develop their own strengths and capabilities, and not be afraid to make use of the opportunities available to them. It highlights the importance of not just passive advocacy, but also the power of positive action, including by women themselves, to take greater control over their lives.

As the first female President of Singapore, I hope that I have embodied the spirit of what we as women can do, rather than what we cannot do.

– Mdm Halimah Yacob, former President of Singapore (2017-2023), and Her World Woman of the Year 2004

Photo: Reuben Foong

“Unafraid to tackle hot topics”

Her World chooses to see beauty not only on the outside, but also from within. It is unafraid to tackle a wide variety of topics – from menopause and sexuality to harassment, gender equity, body image, and mental health. What’s more, you have boldly taken these conversations online and into social media. All this makes Her World both resonant and relevant to the contemporary woman today.

– Janice Koh, actor and director, and Her World October 2023 cover personality

Photo: SPH Lifestyle Media

“A community that is strong and diverse”

My earliest memory of Her World was picking it up after my mother had finished reading it when I was in secondary school – it was definitely her favourite magazine! Today, Her World allows me to be part of a community that is bold, strong, and diverse, giving me the space to speak about issues I’m passionate about. It provides a platform where agendas can be highlighted, and policies shaped.

– Dr June Goh, philanthropist and senior consultant at Singapore General Hospital

Photo: Wee Khim

“Her World reflects real progress”

In a society that can be cautious about standing out, I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by people who encourage me to own my identity loudly and proudly. Platforms like Her World are especially affirming – I grew up seeing it as the voice of the modern woman: bold, unfiltered, and diverse.

– Munah Bagharib, actor and Her World July 2023 cover personality

“My guide, my friend, my comfort”

For me, as a Singaporean teen girl stumbling awkwardly into adulthood – fumbling, growing, holding questions quietly in my stomach along with the butterflies that stage of life always brings – Her World was my guide, my friend, my comfort.

– Tan Kheng Hua, actor and Her World May 2022 cover personality

“The OG Singapore women’s magazine”

The importance of Her World’s work lies in how it amplifies the voices of a diverse group of women across generations and communities – not just in industries, but also in entrepreneurship and social work. What you do is so important. You’re the OG Singapore women’s magazine.”

– Trina Liang-Lin, managing director of Templebridge Investments

“Encouraging us to define success on our own terms”

As Her World marks its 65th anniversary, I hope it continues to stand as a trusted companion and champion for women – encouraging us to define success on our own terms and pursue our dreams boldly.

– Caecilia Chu, co-founder and CEO of Youtrip, and Her World Young Woman Achiever 2023

Photo provided by: Yvon Bock

“That sense of possibility has shaped my own journey”

As a home-grown entrepreneur, I’ve always admired how Her World has celebrated women not just as achievers, but as leaders who redefine boundaries. Growing up, I remember flipping through its pages and feeling inspired by stories of women charting their own paths. That sense of possibility has stayed with me and shaped my own journey.

– Yvon Bock, founder and CEO of Hegen

Photo provided by: Kaylee Kua

“Her World shows that women’s voices matter”

Her World has been a touchstone, showing that women’s voices matter, and that aspirations evolve with time. Across generations, it has shaped what women believe is possible – and it continues to inspire us to break barriers together.

– Kaylee Kua, executive director of Daughters of Tomorrow

Photo: Reuben Foong

“Like a supportive soulmate”

It has been more than just a magazine; it has been a witness and a chronicler of my evolution – from a teenager to an actor, and the many roles I play today. It has always felt like a supportive soulmate, reflecting back to me and her readers the many facets of what it means to be a modern Singapore woman: resilient, graceful, and constantly growing.

– Fann Wong, actor and Her World May 2024 cover personality

“Her World has evolved to champion women and spotlight causes”

Growing up, Her World was my teenage handbook for beauty tips and fashion trends. I love that it’s evolved to champion women and spotlight causes – much like my own journey from pimply teen to purpose-driven grown-up. I’ve spent two decades in charity work and, three years ago, founded SG Her Empowerment (SHE), a non-profit that equips and empowers the everyday Singapore woman.

– Stefanie Yuen Thio, founder and chairperson of SHE, and managing partner of TSMP Law Corporation

Cotton- blend twill trench coat, Ralph Lauren Collection. Vintage rock T-shirt, stylist’s own. Jewellery, Shazza’s own

Photo: Zantz Han

“Grateful for the chance to share my story”

It means a lot to see platforms like Her World shine a spotlight on how we are consistently venturing out to put Singapore on the world map. For example, earlier this year I spoke to Her World about my involvement and appearance in Coldplay’s Man in the Moon music video. It was such a meaningful conversation, and I was grateful for the chance to share my story.

– Shazza, singer-songwriter and Her World August 2024 cover personality

“We create space for one another to flourish”

When women come together, we create space for one another to flourish authentically in Her World – embracing who we are, what we do, and how we feel, without limitation.”

– Shelia Sim, actor and model, and Her World September 2012 cover personality

“Empowering women to lead with courage and purpose”

This is more than just an anniversary, it’s celebrating Her World’s legacy in empowering women to lead with courage and purpose. May Her World continue to break barriers and inspire a whole generation of changemakers.

– Elim Chew, entrepreneur and Her World Young Woman Achiever 2001

“Her World talent-spotted me!”

My favourite Her World memory is a five-page spread about me when I was just 26. Back then, I was an ad girl specialising in social media marketing – one of the rare few in that field at the time. In short, Her World talent-spotted me!”

– Pat Law, founder of Goodstuph

Photo provided by: Violet Oon

“Writing for Her World drew me deeper into the culinary world”

At Her World, I explored food in its many guises, featuring home dishes across cultures. These glimpses into the role of food in people’s lives drew me deeper into the culinary world – especially Singapore’s – with a particular emphasis on my own Peranakan heritage and its rich food culture.

– Violet Oon, chef, restaurateur, and former Her World journalist



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