Curriculum Vitae
In Singapore, Dr Tan was one of the key persons who made representations
to the Select Committee, on behalf of the Singapore Council of Women’s
Organizations and the Council of the Law Society, on the amendments to the
Women’s Charter in 1996. The Charter is Singapore’s primary family law
statute and its own unique legislation to protect the rights of women,
especially in marriage and family matters. Dr Tan worked for the
establishment of a Family Court, which has since been set up in Singapore, to
help, among other things, dysfunctional families and victims of abuse, who
are usually women, to access and obtain legal protection.
In 1980, Dr Tan played an influential role in galvanising the leading women’s
associations in Singapore into a unified body under the umbrella of the
SCWO. The 100,000-member strong Council has since worked on many
women’s projects and causes including developing a shelter for victims of
domestic violence.
Dr Tan’s contributions to public service have been highly commended both
by the Singapore Government and private sector. She was awarded a
National Medal for Community Work in 1993 (for helping the poor, the
underprivileged, and women) and a National Medal for Public Service Star in
1998. She was also conferred the SCWO Award 2002 for her contributions
to the women groups in Singapore and the Leader Mentor Award in 2003 by
Research Communication International (a private organisation) for her
contribution in grooming leaders in the community.
Throughout her career, Dr Tan has combined her significant achievements in
the women’s movement with a successful family and matrimonial law
practice in Singapore. Dr Tan is happily married with two children.
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