Chan Choy Siong

Chan grew up in Chinatown.^[1] She attended Nanyang Girls' High School, but was unable to complete her studies due to financial constraints.^[1] Her father supported her pursuit of an education.^[2]

At the age of 20, Chan joined the People's Action Party (PAP),^[3] and was committed to securing equal rights for women in Singapore, including equality in pay and for an end to legal polygamy.^[4]

In 1956, along with Ho Puay Choo and Oh Siew Chen, Chan created the Women's League within the PAP.^[5] She was subsequently co-opted into the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) in 1957.^[6] That same year, she was also elected to become a city councillor.^[3]

Chan, and seven other women were elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1959.^[5] Chan served as Assemblywoman and later Member of Parliament between 1959 and 1970. She was one of the first few women to be active in Singapore politics.^[7]

Chan pushed for the passage of the Women's Charter and a monogamy proposal.^[3] In 1961, she created and led the Women's Affairs Bureau of the PAP.^[3] The Women's Charter Chan had pushed for, was passed in that same year.^[5]

Chan retired from politics in 1970.^[8]

Chan was the wife of Ong Pang Boon, a prominent first-generation member of the People's Action Party (PAP). Her niece, Cheryl Chan, was elected in the 2015 and 2020 general election.

In 1981, Chan died in a car accident.^[9]

In 2005, Chan was honored by the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO) by being added to the Wall of Fame.^[7]

In 2014, Chan was inducted into the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame.^[9]

• Public Service Star, in 1981.^[10]