SINGAPORE: Halimah Yacob was sworn in as Singapore's eighth President at the Istana on Thursday, marking her first day of a six-year term. Halimah, 63, the first female President of Singapore succeeded Tony Tan Keng Yam who had his last day on Aug 31. In her speech after the swearing-in as President, Halimah said: "I know that some Singaporeans would prefer to achieve this without needing reserved elections. Halimah gave an assurance to all Singaporeans that "as your President, I will serve every one of you, regardless of race, language or religion." Halimah, who was declared President-elect on Wednesday, is also the first Malay head of state in 47 years.

Source: The Star September 14, 2017 13:36 UTC