Three winners for this year's Singapore Woman Award

Three women have been named winners of this year's Singapore Woman Award.

It's the first time in the Award's history that more than one winner was named.

They were honoured Thursday evening at the Shangri-La Hotel by Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Madam Halimah Yacob.

CASSANDRA CHIU

Ms Cassandra Chiu, Ms Bridget Tan and Ms Theresa Tan were chosen over more than 100 nominations for the Award.

Florence Lian, managing director for MediaCorp Radio, as well as one of seven judges on the panel, said: "The judging panel were at a deadlock, and we could not decide that there was one who was better than the other two. So all three, as a break from tradition, have been awarded. We were so struck by their commitment, their dedication as well as their zest for life."

Sixty-four-year-old Ms Bridget Tan is the founder of Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), which provides assistance to migrant workers in Singapore.

She said it's wonderful that all three were honoured.

"The bad thing about awards usually is that it's a competition... But really, everyone is unique in their own way, and it's good that this award now has broken tradition, and recognises a person's worth for what is unique in them," said Ms Tan.

Ms Tan is no stranger to award ceremonies, having received the '2011 Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery Award' from US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

But the Woman Award is close to her heart.

"Getting an award from MediaCorp, from the Singapore people, I think it's a great thing for me and my work, and the people I serve - the domestic workers who are women too. They're not just maids working in Singapore. They're women, and they're workers. And their rights as workers should be recognised. Recognition of me is recognition of what I stand for," she said.

Ms Cassandra Chiu, who lost her sight at the age of eight, is founder of "The Safe Harbour" which provides counselling services to individuals and families.

"Disability does not equate inability in life. I do hope this award can serve as a beacon to inspire others in my position to move forward, and to believe in themselves," said Ms Chiu.

Being a winner was a pleasant surprise for breast cancer survivor Ms Theresa Tan.

The writer and editor set up a blog to educate and advise women on breast cancer, its treatment and implications.

"Every woman makes a difference to somebody, and the beauty of this award is that it really is for every woman. I hope this award goes on for a very long time," said Ms Tan.

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