Dr Kanwaljit Soin is a name synonymous with excellence in orthopaedic surgery and an unwavering commitment to social justice. As a consultant orthopaedic and hand surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore, she has not only set benchmarks in the medical field but also played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s rights and social welfare. Her journey is one of resilience, passion, and an unyielding dedication to creating a better society.
Early Life and Education of Kanwaljit Soin: A Commitment to Excellence
Dr Kanwaljit Soin’s journey began with a stellar academic record. She attended Tanjong Katong Girls’ School for her secondary education and pursued her pre-university studies at Victoria School. Her brilliance shone through as she graduated top of her class with an MBBS (Hons) in 1966 from the University of Singapore.
Determined to specialize in surgery, she earned her Master of Medicine (Surgery) in 1970. That same year, Kanwaljit Soin became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. She further honed her expertise by securing a prestigious Colombo Plan Scholarship in 1972, allowing her to train in hand surgery in Australia. Her contributions to the medical fraternity were solidified when she became a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, in 1975.
Breaking Barriers in Medicine
Dr Soin’s impact on the medical field has been extraordinary. As a consultant orthopaedic and hand surgeon, she has helped countless patients regain mobility and lead fulfilling lives. Her leadership roles include serving as the President of the Singapore Hand Society (1989-1990) and the President of the Singapore Orthopaedic Association (2014). She was also a Visiting Consultant at Singapore General Hospital in the Hand Surgery Department, where she mentored future generations of medical professionals.
Her exceptional contributions earned her the Singapore Medical Association Merit Award in 2008, recognizing her dedication to the medical community and society at large.
A Champion for Women’s Rights
Beyond medicine, Dr Kanwaljit Soin has been a trailblazer in women’s advocacy. She co-founded the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) in 1985, Singapore’s leading gender equality organization. As AWARE’s President from 1991 to 1993, she spearheaded policies that empowered women and addressed gender disparities.
Her commitment to advocating for women extended to the political sphere when she became the first female Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) in Singapore from 1992 to 1996. This historic achievement allowed her to amplify the voices of women, the elderly, and marginalized communities.
Her efforts in championing women’s rights were recognized globally. In 1992, she was honored as Singapore’s “Woman of the Year”. In 2000, she received the “Women Who Make a Difference Award” from the International Women’s Forum, Washington D.C.
Transforming Lives Through Social Initiatives
Dr Kanwaljit Soin has always believed in giving back to society. Recognizing the challenges faced by aging women, she founded WINGS (Women’s Initiative for Ageing Successfully), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women in their 40s and beyond. Since its inception, WINGS has positively impacted the lives of nearly 12,000 women through various programs.
Her unwavering dedication to philanthropy was acknowledged when she received the Good Samaritan Award from the Rotary Club of Singapore in 2008.
Additionally, she served as a Global Ambassador of HelpAge International, working towards improving the lives of disadvantaged elderly people worldwide. Her role as the President of UNIFEM Singapore (1997-2002) further cemented her influence in shaping gender-focused policies.
Recognitions and Awards: A Testament to Her Legacy
Dr Kanwaljit Soin’s lifelong contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards:
- Singapore “Woman of the Year” (1992) – For her exceptional contributions to society.
- Women Who Make a Difference Award (2000) – Presented by the International Women’s Forum, Washington D.C.
- United Nations Development Fund for Women (Unifem) Lifetime Achievement Award (2006) – Recognizing her outstanding leadership.
- Singapore Good Samaritan Award (2008) – For her work in WINGS.
- Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee (2014) – Honoring her as a pioneering figure in Singapore’s history.
Personal Life: A Supportive Family and a Legacy of Excellence
Dr Kanwaljit Soin is married to Amarjeet Singh, a former judge. Together, they have raised three accomplished sons:
- Dinesh Bhatia – An internet entrepreneur
- Umej Bhatia – A diplomat
- Dr Lokpal Bhatia – A consultant cardiologist
Her ability to balance a thriving career and a fulfilling personal life serves as an inspiration for women worldwide.
Also Read : Karan Singh Thakral: Shaping International Trade, Entrepreneurship, and Diplomacy