President Halimah among 50 most influential Muslims

President Halimah Yacob has made it into the top 50 in a list of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims compiled by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, a think-tank in Jordan.

At No. 38, Madam Halimah, who was elected Singapore’s first woman head of state in 2017, is the only Singaporean and one of only five from South-east Asia in the top 50 of the 2020 edition of The Muslim 500.

She is also the only woman in the top 50.

The annual compilation, in its 11th year, ranks Muslims around the world according to how much impact they have on their community.

Madam Halimah was recognised for her efforts in promoting social cohesion and also in championing workers.

Her award citation said: “As President she has promoted initiatives for supporting a cohesive society, strengthening interfaith and recognising all workers who contribute to Singapore’s growth.”

“She has a strong international profile, regularly meeting world leaders.”

Among the initiatives she has mooted as President is an interfaith forum drawing leaders of different faiths from around the world to come together to promote understanding between their communities.

This materialised as the International Conference on Cohesive Societies, held for the first time this year.

She also started a new initiative to show appreciation to workers who are largely toiling behind the scenes, such as transport workers.