SERVING the community and working towards a better future for the population. That is what the winners of the herworld Woman of the Year 2010 awards have in common.
Her World Woman of The Year 2010
DOCTOR Cheong Koon Hean, CEO of Housing & Development Board (HDB) and Deputy Secretary (Special Duties) with the Ministry of National Development (MND) was named Her World Woman of the Year 2010 last night at Fullerton Hotel's ballroom.
A large part of her career with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the MND saw her spearheading major urban transformation projects in Singapore, from the remaking of Orchard Road to the development of the marina Bay area into a waterfront live-work-play destination, and even contributing to a new signature skyline for Singapore.
2010 saw the completion of all key developments around Marina Bay, and also worked with stakeholders to introduced entertainment events like the New Year's Eve Countdown and various sports and arts events.
She assumed her current position as the CEO of HDB and the Deputy Secretary at MND last year on August 1, and received one out of eight the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding public service in the same month.
In november last year, she was conferred a Doctor of Architecture honorary degree as well as the Convocation Medal for professional excellence by her alma mater, University of Newcastle.
Her World Young Woman Achiever 2010
THE winner of Her World Young Woman Achiever 2010 was 34-year-old Dr. Marissa Teo, who is a researcher at National Cancer Centre Singapore's (NCCS) department of medical oncology.
She was chosen for the award because of her achievements in cancer research, especially in the area of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a type of nose cancer. Nose cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in Singapore and Dr. Teo's research could potentially allow cancer to be treated with fewer side effects.
In 2010, Dr. Teo became the first Singaporean to win a prestigious international Unesco-L'Oreal for Women in Science International Fellowship for her research in trying to marshall the body's natural defences to fight against nose cancer.
Yesterday night, Dr. Teo mentioned in her acceptance speech that she likens her work to a marathon, and the herworld award as an ice cold milo someone hands her along the way to acknowledge her efforts and give her the motivation to continue with her research.
Her World Woman of the Year 2010 Special Award
DESPITE her age, Dr. Oon Chiew Seng, a trained Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, continues to serve the community while many others are enjoying retirement. At 94, she is our role model and has shown us how to live a long and fulfilling life, and that won her the Her World Woman of the Year 2010 Special Award.
In her 70s, she raised funds and founded the government-subsidised Apex Harmony Lodge, which is a home for dementia patients in Pasir Ris. Apex is still home to 210 dementia patients today, and Dr. Oon remains actively involved in the operations of the home.
Born in Penang, Malaysia, in 1916, Dr. Oon is well-travelled, and has even visited the Silk Road at a time when conditions were very primitive. She chose to become a doctor after a nursing stint because she wanted to serve the sick more.
Aside from the running of Apex, Dr. Oon also keeps her mind and body active till this day by going for walks and playing mahjong for recreation.
