“Education is the foundation for progress. We need to build a global citizenry fluent in the concepts of climate change and aware of its unprecedented threat to our planet. We need to empower everyone with the knowledge to inspire action in defense of environmental protection.” – Earth Day Organisation

As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, we’re shining the spotlight on the five Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame Honorees who have all made profound contributions to our environment.

1. Geh Min, Champion Of The Environment

Belonging to a family with a deep love for nature, Dr. Geh Min has served on numerous committees related to the environment such as the Nature Society organization; and became a Nominated Member of Parliament. She spoke on issues such as climate change, alternative energy sources, nature conservation, and the need for a strong civil society.

In 2006, for her contributions to environmental sustainability, Min was one of three recipients of the inaugural Presidents Award For The Environment. That same year, she also received the Stellar Award from the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

2. Ivy Singh-Lim, Champion Of Farming In Singapore

A self-proclaimed gentle warrior and farmpreneur, Ivy Singh-Lim is a champion for the interests of farmers in her hometown at Kranji. She and her husband own a farm, Bollywood Veggies, which produces naturally grown crops free of pesticides.

She also became the president of Netball Singapore for several years (and is credited for reviving the sport) before stepping down to focus more on agriculture. As leader of the Kranji Countryside Association, she introduced the concept of agritainment in Singapore.

3. Koh Kheng Lian, Pioneer In The Development Of Environmental Law In The Region

Emeritus Professor Koh Kheng Lian combines her legal knowledge with her passion for the environment. She authored more than a hundred publications in a wide range of areas, but she is well known for presenting papers in environmental law at conferences around the world. She is currently an honorary member of Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL).

Retiring from NUS in 1997, Kheng Lian was re-employed part-time as a professorial fellow and continues to lecture on environmental law in Singapore and Southeast Asia.  She was a visiting professor in environmental law at universities in Mexico and Hawaii.

In 2012, Kheng Lian was awarded Stockholm University’s Elizabeth Haub Prize for Environmental Law for her pioneering contributions to the field of development in Singapore and the ASEAN region.

4. Yuen Peng McNiece, Philanthropist And Pioneering Conservationist

Yuen Peng McNeice was a philanthropist and conservationist who championed the preservation of the environment and animal welfare long before such causes became fashionable. She was also a social worker and an accomplished horticulturist and wildlife photographer, and was the first Singaporean to become an associate of the Royal Photographic Society in the United Kingdom.

For her conservation work and patronage of nature and environmental organizations, Yuen Peng was awarded the Dutch Order of the Golden Ark in 1999, the Singapore Green Plan 2012 in 2004, and the Public Service Medal in 2005. She died in 2012 aged 94.

5. Agnes Joaquim, First Woman In The World To Breed A Hybrid Orchid

Anges Joaquim’s love for plants led her to become the first woman in the world to breed a hybrid orchid, named Vanda Miss Joaquim.

While the hybrid orchid was exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Show in London, it was greatly admired and won a First Class Certificate. The orchid was not exhibited in Singapore until the 1899 Singapore Flower where it won the first prize.  Agnes, suffering from cancer, died soon after. She had lived just long enough to see the orchid named after her, win the top prize, and to be publicly recognised as its creator.

Later on, the Vanda Miss Joaquim was chosen in 1981 as Singapore’s national flower.

After reading about these women’s contributions and accomplishments, we hope it has inspired you to make a move and do more for the environment this coming Earth Day!

Your generous gift will help SCWO improve the lives of women and their families as well as support their services and advocacy work. 

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_{Edited by Michelle Sarthou
This image is credited to Asia-Europe Foundation (YouTube)
References:
Earth Day Organisation
Geh Min, Champion Of The Environment
Ivy Singh-Lim, Champion Of Farming In Singapore
Koh Kheng Lian, Pioneer In The Development Of Environmental Law In The Region
Yuen Peng McNiece, Philanthropist And Pioneering Conservationist
Agnes Joaquim, First Woman In The World To Breed A Hybrid Orchid}

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