SINGAPORE’S former president Halimah Yacob has been named as the new chief patron of the Securities Investors Association (Singapore), or Sias.
She succeeds Tony Tan, who was the association’s chief patron from Oct 12, 2017, to Jul 2, 2024, following his term as Singapore’s seventh president.
Sias requires its chief patron to be a “distinguished person who has been outstanding in their contributions to the betterment of Singapore”.
“It is with this requirement very much in mind that Sias approached Madam Halimah to assume the post,” said Sias founder, president and chief executive David Gerald.
At the association’s welcome lunch for its chief patron on Thursday (Aug 29), Gerald spoke of Halimah’s career as a unionist and, subsequently, politician.
He also noted that she represented Singapore in the international arena “with grace and distinction”, along with her signing of numerous bilateral agreements with several nations during her presidential term, which ended in 2023.
“In many respects, the virtues she stands for are similar to those pursued by Sias – looking after the rights of small individual investors while preserving their dignity, ensuring a level playing field for persons of all races and religions, and encouraging ethical and honest behaviour when dealing with our fellow men,” said Gerald.
City Developments’ chief executive Sherman Kwek was also announced as a patron of Sias.
“His forward-thinking vision and dedication to corporate responsibility align perfectly with the ethos of Sias. We are confident that his involvement will greatly benefit our mission and the broader community of investors,” said Gerald.
