Chan Choy Siong

Chan Choy Siong (b.1934 - d.1981) was the first woman to be elected as a Member of Parliament in Singapore and was an activist for women's concerns, particularly in initiating the Women's Charter.

Early life
Raised in a poor family, Chan assisted her father in his chee cheong fun stall in Chinatown while she studied at Nanyang Girls High School.

Achievements
She joined the People's Action Party (PAP) at the age of 20, only five months after the party was first inaugurated in October 1954. Known to be fluent in both Mandrain and Chinese dialects, Chan was elected as City Councillor in 1957 and in the 1959 elections to the Legislative Assembly, became a Member of Parliament for Delta.

Chan was also a member of the Central Executive Committee between 1957 to 1963, and spearheaded the formation of women's sub-committees in People Action Party (PAP) branches in the 50s. Furthermore, she led the PAP Women's League, the predecessor to PAP's Women's Wing, and campaigned successfully for the Women's Charter which was passed in 1961. As a commited social activist, she helped organised many programs for women, and children's classes at community centers.

Chan who was married to former Minister Ong Pang Boon, retired as MP for Delta in 1970 at the age of 36. In 1981, at the age of 49, she was involved in a tragic car crash which took her life. She left behind three children.



Author
Michael Mukunthan



References 
Voices & Choices: the women's movement in Singapore (pp. 144-145). (1993). Singapore: Singapore Council of Women's Organisation and Singapore Baha'i Women's Committee.
(Call no.: RSING 305.42095957 VOI)

Backup for the party for most of its 34 years. (1989, April 26). The Straits Times, p. 2.

We need to salute this leader of women. (1981, February 22). The Straits Times, p. 20.

Madam Chan- a figure of stature in her own right. (1981, February 13). The Straits Times, p. 10.

Madam Chan S'pore's only woman MP. (1968, February 19). Malay Mail, p. 7. 



The information in this article is valid as at 1999 and correct as far as we can ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the library for further reading materials on the topic.

Subject
Personalities>>Biographies>>Political Leaders
Women politicians--Singapore
Women political activists--Singapore
Singapore--History
Law and government>>Public administration>>Parliament
Law and government>>Public administration>>Cabinet (Government Councils)

Librarian Recommendations
>> Ong Pang Boon


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