Halimah Yacob became Singapore’s eighth, and first female, President in September 2017. She decided against running for a second term in the September 2023 elections. As President she promoted initiatives for supporting a cohesive society, strengthening interfaith and recognizing all workers who contribute to Singapore’s growth. She has a strong international profile, regularly meeting world leaders. She entered politics in 2001 and a decade later was appointed Minister of Community Development, Youth and Sports and later on Minister of Social and Family Development. She was elected Speaker of Parliament in 2013, becoming the first woman to hold the post.