As the wife of Singapore’s first president Yusof Ishak, Puan Noor Aishah took English lessons for over a year and actively participated in charitable organizations, preparing meals for donors. Born on May 21, 1933, she became first lady at 26, supporting her husband during significant national events, including Singapore’s independence in 1965. Her culinary skills were renowned, with notable dishes that left lasting impressions, as she transformed the Istana into a welcoming space for state functions.
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Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore’s first President Yusof Ishak, dies aged 91
DISHES REMEMBERED DECADES LATER
Her cooking skills were celebrated, with people remembering her delectable dishes even decades later. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he still had fond memories of her cooking, especially on one occasion when she prepared nasi ulam – a traditional dish with Malay, Peranakan and Indonesian influences. “She spent days collecting more than a dozen different herbs to make sure that she got the taste to perfection. I only had it once, but I remember it till today,” Mr Lee added at the 2017 launch of a book on Puan Noor Aishah’s life.
Mr Winston Choo, former aide-de-camp to Mr Yusof, said in CNA’s 2015 documentary: “Personally, she takes great pain to see to the menu, decide on the menu, and to actually supervise even the cooking of the dessert.”
In 1964, she received the Distinguished Service Medal for her efforts in supporting charitable causes.
