First Singaporean to serve as UN under-sec-gen lauded at ceremony

She is one of 7,210 recognised with National Day Awards for contributions to Republic

- Yap Wei Qiang Correspondent

Growing up in a challenging environment did not break Dr Noeleen Heyzer. Instead, it ignited her desire to change her life and dedicate herself to removing barriers for others.

She eventually went on to become the first Singaporean and Southeast Asian to serve as undersecretary-general of the UN.

Before that, she was the first person outside North America to lead the now-defunct UN Development Fund for Women (Unifem), which promoted gender equality and women's empowerment.

For her contributions in raising the international standing of Singapore, Dr Heyzer was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, which she received from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the National Awards Investiture ceremony, held on Nov 16 at ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio.