The 1980s signaled the dawn of a new age in Singapore’s history. As a young independent nation trying to find her footing in a changing world, Singapore’s leaders were pivotal in changing the landscape of the country. Amongst them was MP Dixie Tan, one of the very first women politicians in Singapore.
Trained as a medical doctor, Dixie specialized in cardiology. Her husband, Dr. Tan Ngoh Chuan was also a leading cardiologist. Despite being an exceptionally talented cardiologist, Dixie resigned from medical practice in order to pursue a political career. Joining the dominant political party, the People’s Action Party (PAP), she contested for a seat in the Ulu Pandan district. Her commitment did not go unrewarded and in 1984 Dixie became the MP for Ulu Pandan. During her tenure as M...
The 1980s signaled the dawn of a new age in Singapore’s history. As a young independent nation trying to find her footing in a changing world, Singapore’s leaders were pivotal in changing the landscape of the country. Amongst them was MP Dixie Tan, one of the very first women politicians in Singapore.
Trained as a medical doctor, Dixie specialized in cardiology. Her husband, Dr. Tan Ngoh Chuan was also a leading cardiologist. Despite being an exceptionally talented cardiologist, Dixie resigned from medical practice in order to pursue a political career. Joining the dominant political party, the People’s Action Party (PAP), she contested for a seat in the Ulu Pandan district. Her commitment did not go unrewarded and in 1984 Dixie became the MP for Ulu Pandan. During her tenure as MP, she focused on advancing important social causes, focusing solely on helping her constituents. President Tony Tan remarked that she was especially involved in the evolution of the education and health policies of that era.
With her sons Kenneth and Russell being diagnosed with Autism at a young age, Dixie also had a vested personal interest in advancing education and health reforms. An industrious and proactive woman, Dixie fought to implement changes to benefit the intellectually disabled community. In 1975, she was named the founding president for the Association for Educationally Subnormal Children (presently known as Association for Persons with Special Needs, APSN). The APSN catered specifically to the needs of high functioning intellectually disabled individuals whose needs differed markedly from individuals with severe intellectual impairments. In 1989, Dixie became an advisor to the Singapore Bank Employee’s Union.
Current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong commended Dixie’s ability to navigate Singapore’s male dominated political terrain with a “quite confidence and natural warmth and concern for others”. Undeniably, Dixie juggled a demanding career and family life with admirable aplomb. For all her hard work and devotion, Dixie was awarded the Public Service Star during the National Day Awards in 1984.
According to her daughter Dr. Jacinta Tan, Dixie continued to keep busy even after her retirement in 1991. Working as a family and marital therapist at Family Service Centers (FSCs) she continued to render a listening ear and a helping hand to those who needed it most. Later on in life, Dixie spent extended periods in Britain taking care of her grandson.
Dixie was diagnosed with brain cancer and valiantly persevered for 2 months before passing away on 23rd April 2014 at the Singapore General Hospital. She was 78. Her husband Dr. Tan, son Russell, daughters Dr. Jacinta and Dr. Grace and grandson survive her.
Sources:
Straits Times
http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/CorpComms2/Documents/2010/Jun/ST_100605_D4_Autism.pdf
Asia One
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/leaders-pay-tribute-former-mp-dixie-tan
Today
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/former-pap-mp-dixie-tan-dies-brain-cancer-78
Singapolitics
http://www.singapolitics.sg/news/former-pap-mp-dixie-tan-dies
Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/former-pap-mp-dr-dixie/1080798.html
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