Indian Hall of Fame Singapore Honours 16 Icons at SG60 Awards: On 21 September 2025, the Indian Hall of Fame Singapore (IHFS) hosted a special SG60 Awards Ceremony at Raffles Town Club to mark Singapore’s 60th National Day. Sixteen distinguished individuals were inducted into the Hall of Fame, celebrating the remarkable contributions of Indian Singaporeans in diplomacy, economics, law, medicine, music, sports, community service, and interfaith work.
Celebrating Icons of Diplomacy and Academia
Ambassador Kishore Mahbubani, honoured with the IHFS Excellence Award for Academia Achievement, was recognised as “A Diplomat’s Journey and Global Thinker”. His distinguished career included serving twice as Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, writing globally acclaimed works on Asia’s rise, and leading the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy as dean.
Ambassador Jayalekshmi Mohideen, Singapore’s first Indian woman ambassador, received the IHFS Excellence Award for Being the First Indian Female Ambassador of Singapore. Her groundbreaking diplomatic postings in Europe and leadership in foreign affairs paved the way for greater representation of women in diplomacy.
Ambassador Chandra Das, a key figure in Singapore’s politics and labour movement, received the IHFS Excellence Award for Labour Movement. His service as MP, chairman of NTUC FairPrice, and Singapore’s first trade representative to the USSR highlighted his wide-ranging impact.
Visionary Leaders in Public Service and Finance
Ravi Menon, former Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, was awarded the IHFS Excellence Award for Public Service. Described as “A Visionary Leader in Monetary Policy”, he guided MAS through global financial turbulence, championed digital innovation, and strengthened Singapore’s reputation as a global hub.
Pioneers in Women’s Rights and Social Change
Shirin Fozdar, Singapore’s first female legal rights activist, received the IHFS Excellence Award (Posthumously) for Female Legal Rights. She was instrumental in founding the Singapore Council of Women and advocating for the Women’s Charter.
Khatijun Nissa Siraj, Singapore’s first female Muslim women’s rights activist, was honoured with the IHFS Excellence Award (Posthumously) for Indian Muslim Women Rights Activist. Her legacy includes founding the Young Women’s Muslim Association and serving as the first woman counsellor at the Syariah Court.
Daisy Vaithilingam, remembered as a pioneering medical social worker, was awarded the IHFS Excellence Award (Posthumously) for Pioneering Medical Social Service. She developed critical welfare schemes for foster care, mental health, and elderly support.
Daisy Devan, Singapore’s “Mother of Music,” received the IHFS Excellence Award (Posthumously) for Promoting Local Talent. She headed EMI Southeast Asia, discovered local stars such as The Quests, and contributed to recording Singapore’s national anthem.
Champions in Science, Sports, and Community
Professor P. Gopalakrishnakone, a global leader in toxicology, received the IHFS Excellence Award for Medical Achievement. His groundbreaking venom and toxin studies influenced international health standards and medical research.
Janet Jesudason, Singapore’s first Indian female Olympian, was honoured with the IHFS Excellence Award for First Indian Female Olympian. She represented Singapore in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and went on to inspire generations through education and community work.
Vikram Nair, MP for Sembawang GRC, received the IHFS Excellence Award for Community Service. His active engagement with residents and promotion of youth development underscored his contributions to social cohesion.
Ameerali Abdeali, JP, PPA(G), PBM, received the IHFS Excellence Award for Inter-Religious & Community Service. His decades of service in the Inter-Religious Organisation, the Muslim Kidney Action Association, and the Ministry of Manpower highlighted his bridge-building role.
Special SG60 Patron Awards
The SG60 ceremony also conferred Distinguished Patron Awards.
- Satinder Singh Gill, entrepreneur, received the SG60 Special Award as a Distinguished Patron of IHFS.
- K Tamil Marren, President of the Singapore Tamil Association, was similarly recognised for his leadership and dedication.
- Rozita Hasinar, former IHFS Honorary Secretary, received the SG60 Special Award for her committed service.
- The late K Sujata, former Honorary Treasurer, was posthumously honoured as a Distinguished Patron of IHFS.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its establishment in 2019, IHFS has honoured more than 120 achievers. This “off-cycle but special” SG60 edition coincided with Singapore’s milestone year and underlined the breadth of contributions by Indian Singaporeans.
IHFS announced that its next regular ceremony will be held in 2026, continuing its mission to document and celebrate excellence across generations.
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