Anita Sarawak, Rahimah Rahim to be inducted into Singapore Women's Hall of Fame

The 1970s pop divas Anita Sarawak and Rahimah Rahim will be the first popular singers inducted into the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame (SWHF) later this month, The Straits Times reported today.

The report said the virtual SWHF was launched by the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO) in 2014 to recognise outstanding contributions by women to Singapore.

SCWO patron Mary Tan, wife of President Tony Tan Keng Yam, will present the women or their representatives with trophies at the fourth gala dinner on March 24 at Shangri-La Hotel, it said.

The inclusion of Anita and Rahimah was important for the music scene in Singapore, Singapore composer and performer Dick Lee was quoted as saying.

Noting that few recipients of Singapore's highest arts honour - the Cultural Medallion - are pop music artists, Lee said: "It's time to accept that popular culture is part of our culture in Singapore."

The report said the 61-year old Rahimah, who will be performing at the award ceremony, said she was "truly honoured" to be selected.

"I'm usually speechless. At the ceremony, my speech will be through the songs I choose for the night," said Rahimah.

The Straits Times also reported that Anita, who lives in the United States, is unable to attend the ceremony.

The selection panel is chaired by Singapore's ambassador-at-large, Professor Tommy Koh. -- BERNAMA