Puan Noor Aishah Mohammad Salim, Singapore’s foremost First Lady and devoted advocate for social welfare and workers’ rights, passed away on 22 April 2025.
She was 91.
She will be accorded a state-assisted funeral and laid to rest at Kranji State Cemetery beside her husband, the late President Yusof Ishak.
NTUC has extended its condolences to her children.
Puan Noor Aishah receiving a bouquet of flowers at the May Day Awards ceremony in 1971.
Born in Penang in 1933, Puan Noor Aishah became Singapore’s First Lady at just 26 years of age when her husband was appointed Head of State in 1959.
Despite her youth and limited formal education, she embraced her role with grace and determination, learning English and managing the Istana's official and ceremonial duties.
Beyond her official duties, Puan Noor Aishah was deeply involved in social service, serving as patron to over 15 voluntary and charitable organisations.
These included the Singapore Red Cross Society, the PPIS (Singapore Muslim Women’s Association), the Children’s Society, the Girl Guides Association, the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS), and The Singapore Association For The Deaf.
Her commitment to social causes extended to the Labour Movement, where she inspired unions like The Singapore Manual and Mercantile Workers’ Union (SMMWU) to increase their support for charitable initiatives like the Christmas Fund.
These efforts provided social activities benefiting the underprivileged, workers, and the broader community.
Puan Noor Aishah was awarded the Special Medal of Honour by NTUC at the May Day Rally on 30 April 1971 for her contributions.
In 2018, she was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame for her significant contributions to community and social work.
Former President Halimah Yacob lauded her for carrying out her duties with "quiet determination, humility, and charm.”
Puan Noor Aishah's legacy is a testament to her unwavering commitment to social service and her profound impact on Singapore's Labour Movement.
In a letter to Puan Noor Aisha’s family, NTUC President K Thanaletchimi and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said the former first lady had a profound impact on Singaporeans of all ages and walks of life.
They said: “We honour and cherish her contributions, strength and commitment to public service. May you and your family find consolation in knowing that her legacy inspires us in the Labour Movement.”