PM Wong, SM Lee & President Tharman pay tribute to Puan Noor Aishah, wife of S'pore's first president Yusof Ishak

Puan Noor Aishah Mohammed Salim, the wife of Singapore's first president Yusof Ishak, died on April 22.

She was 91.

Puan Noor Aishah was also deeply involved in charitable causes and championed various social initiatives, particularly in support of women, children, and the less privileged.

Tributes poured in for Puan Noor Aishah after her death, including ones from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Tributes from Singapore leaders

PM Wong said that Puan Noor Aishah dedicated herself to serving others through organisations like the Singapore Red Cross and the Singapore Muslim Women’s Association.

The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) also made a tribute post about Puan Noor Aishah.

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"Her kindness and service touched countless lives — may her legacy continue to inspire us all," PM Wong said in his post.

SM Lee said that Puan Noor Aishah made a lasting contribution as the spouse of Singapore's head of state during its formative years.

She helped keep Singaporeans united when times were tough, and stepped up with poise and a quiet determination to take on a bigger share of Encik Yusof’s public duties after he fell ill. She was committed to a Singapore that was fair and just, regardless of race, language or religion. Her gentle spirit, sense of duty and grit left a deep impression on Singaporeans.

President Tharman shared that Puan Noor Aishah became an emblem of heritage and local traditions.

She wore the sarong kebaya at state events, using fabrics she bought from Arab Street and embroidering the kebaya herself.

Puan Noor Aishah also taught the Istana chefs her recipes for local favourites such as beef rendang, epok epok and various kuih, which have remained part of Istana cuisine ever since.