Former security officer surprises Halimah Yacob at walkathon

New Paper

02-06-2025

Former president Halimah Yacob was surprised by a special guest when she attended a community event on June 1.
One of her former security officers, Ms Lim Hwee Yi, turned up at the Peace and Prosperity Singapura SG60 Walkathon, where Madam Halimah was the guest of honour.
Speaking to The Straits Times after the flag-off at about 5.30pm, Madam Halimah said: "I didn't expect to see her, but I'm so happy that she can accompany me on the walk today."
Ms Lim, 27, told ST that she was approached by the organisers to join the former president for the walk.
She added: "I was very keen because that meant I could see Madam (Halimah) again. The last time I met her was when she invited some of us to her home for Hari Raya last year."
Ms Lim resigned from her job as a security officer in the police force in May 2024 to help out at her parents' porridge stall at One Punggol Hawker Centre.
Said Madam Halimah, who is now Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences: "I spoke to her about her porridge stall, and I'm really happy that she's supporting her parents' business and she's doing it well."
The 5km walkathon, which started at Hong Lim Green, saw over 2,000 participants walking through the city, passing landmarks such as the Esplanade, the Singapore River and Gardens by the Bay.
It was organised by social service organisation Tao One Care, together with the Singapore Wushu and Dragon Lion Dance Federation, the International Long Shi Trading Hub and film-maker Jack Neo's PaPaZao, a community initiative that encourages healthy living and social connection through leisurely walks, especially among seniors.
Another highlight of the event was a display of 60 nine-metre tall flags, each bearing a Chinese blessing. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Also joining the event were Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth as well as Manpower, and Jurong East-Bukit Batok MP Lee Hong Chuang.
The walk ended at Marina Barrage, where Madam Halimah was welcomed by lion dancers and traditional Malay kompang and Indian drum performers.
Addressing participants at the end of the walkathon, she said: "It might look like a simple walk, but it's more than that. It is the spirit of Singapore and Singaporeans. We all come together to walk, to affirm our multicultural, multiracial and multi-religious society."
Former president Halimah Yacob writing Chinese calligraphy at the Peace and Prosperity Singapura SG60 Walkathon at Marina Barrage on June 1. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
At Marina Barrage, the former president was invited to complete a Chinese calligraphy piece. She wrote the characters "tian fu", meaning peace and prosperity.
Another highlight of the event was a display of 60 nine-metre tall flags, each bearing a Chinese blessing. The display earned a spot in the Singapore Book of Records for the largest flag display in Singapore.