In the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s history, few figures shine as brightly as Nalla Tan, the Singapore women’s rights pioneer whose tireless contributions to public health, gender equality, and literature left an indelible legacy. A woman of immense intellect, boldness, and compassion, Dr. Nallammah “Nalla” Ruth Tan was more than a physician — she was a voice for the voiceless, a healer of bodies and minds, and a fearless writer who used her words to stir hearts and shift societal norms.
Nallammah Ruth Tan: Early Roots of Purpose and Passion
Born on 12 May 1923 in Ipoh, Malaya, Nallammah Ruth Tan (née Navarednam) was the daughter of two educators — a humble beginning that planted in her a deep respect for knowledge and service. As the fourth of six children, young Nalla was raised in a home where education was revered and social justice was a living value.
Nallammah Ruth Tan excelled at the Methodist Girls’ School in Ipoh, later graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from the University of Malaya in 1952. Though she originally dreamed of becoming a lawyer, the absence of a law faculty shifted her course — and Singapore would be all the better for it.
The Doctor Who Healed More Than Bodies
Choosing a stethoscope over a gavel didn’t limit her sense of justice. As a government health officer and later an administrative officer in Singapore’s Ministry of Health, Nallammah Ruth Tan was a trailblazer in uncharted territory. In the 1960s, when the mere mention of sex education was controversial, she fearlessly advocated for sex and public health education in schools. Her pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for comprehensive health education, impacting generations of young Singaporeans.
Nallammah Ruth Tan later chaired the Singapore Medical Association committee that launched Singapore’s first public health program, proving herself as much a visionary as a physician. In 1975, her unwavering dedication was recognized with an Outstanding Women Award, alongside fellow changemakers like Chan Choy Siong and Lim Kim Choo.
Champion of Women’s Rights and Education
A woman ahead of her time, Nallammah Ruth Tan was more than a doctor — she was a disruptor of gender norms. As principal of Eusoff College (1967–1971) and a faculty member at the University of Singapore, she used her platform to fight systemic discrimination. Her impassioned speeches and newspaper columns in the 1970s spotlighted inequalities in education, healthcare, and employment. She championed the idea of a Women’s Affairs department long before it became mainstream, and her advocacy helped shape a more inclusive Singapore.
In 1975, Nallammah Ruth Tan earned her Doctorate of Medicine, later becoming an Associate Professor and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. Even in retirement, her healing hands and wise counsel continued to touch lives through a home-based clinic.
The Pen as a Catalyst for Change
Though she began writing poetry as a young adult, it wasn’t until 1961, while on maternity leave, that her literary journey truly began. Her husband, Tan Joo Liang, encouraged her to develop her voice, sparking a creative renaissance that would captivate readers both at home and abroad.
Her first story, “Robert and the Beetroots,” marked the start of a prolific writing career. Her poignant short story “The Goddess of Mercy” aired on the BBC in 1974. Her work was featured in Singapore Short Stories Volume II and the landmark anthology The Sun in Her Eyes — the first collection of Singaporean women’s short fiction.
In 1989, her own collection, Hearts and Crosses, delivered unforgettable narratives rooted in local culture and laced with irony and emotional depth. Her poetry, described as “essentially feminine” and “dryly humorous,” reflected her keen awareness of societal pressures and contradictions.
A Voice That Educated, Enlightened, and Empowered
But Nalla Tan wasn’t just a writer of fiction — she was an educator in every sense. Her groundbreaking books, You Need to Know (1976) and Beyond Your Navel (1977), demystified sexual and emotional health, delivering important messages with warmth, candor, and clarity. She wrote with the heart of a teacher and the honesty of a trusted friend.
Her Sunday Times column “You” became a beloved fixture for readers seeking insight into family dynamics, societal norms, and community development. Through her words, she empowered individuals to make informed, confident decisions about their lives and health.
Global Influence and Spiritual Devotion
Nalla Tan’s impact wasn’t confined to Singapore. As the first Singaporean elected to the World Methodist Council Presidium, she played a vital role in shaping family life policies globally. For her work within the Methodist community, she was honored with the Order of Jerusalem, a testament to her enduring spiritual and humanitarian contributions.
Grace Through Adversity and a Legacy that Lives On
In the early 2000s, Nallammah Ruth Tan began to show signs of Alzheimer’s disease, a cruel thief of memory. Yet her spirit — her legacy — remained untouched. On 27 March 2012, she passed away at Tan Tock Seng Hospital after a bout of pneumonia, surrounded by the love and respect of a nation she helped shape.
Three years later, Nallammah Ruth Tan was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a woman whose courage, compassion, and intellect helped sculpt a more equitable society.
Also Read : Tan Ying Hsien: Savoring Success as Singapore’s First Master of Wine