Mr Winston Choo, past aide-de-camp to Mr Yusof, said in CNA’s 2015 film: “Personally, she takes great anguish to see to the list, decide on the menu, and to truly manage also the preparing of the dessert. ”
He added: “ In all my life, even until now, I have never eaten otak melaka the way she prepared. ”
FIRST ASIAN PRESIDENT OF SINGAPORE GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION
As Singapore’s second woman, she took on a major role as patron or leader of many generous and open organisations.
She hosted sessions for security agencies, raising funds to help the weak, the handicapped and the aged. Using her own effort, she prepared foods like burgers, ondeh ondeh, and epok epok for tea events to bless donors.
In 1964, she received the Distinguished Service Medal for her “active and committed ” interest in social security work – from Mr Yusof himself.
She had a special affinity for companies working with people. Worried about the education of young girls, she agreed to be president and patron of the Singapore Girl Guides Association – as it was then known – in 1960.
Her characters to the federal helped the association receive a land contract for a new offices building in the 1960s.
In 1970, in glory of her decade-long services as the first Asian leader of the Singapore Girl Guides Association, Puan Noor Aishah was presented with the Laurel Leaf Award – its highest glory.
In 2000, the Puan Noor Aishah Awards was established to accept efforts of excellent Girl Guides.
“TOUCHED THE Life OF MANY”
Puan Noor Aishah proved to be an competent director who was balance many things at once, and even made her own clothing for activities.
“She’s always very, very prompt. She actually manages the time very well, ” said Mr Choo.
“She cooks but she knows that things must end at a certain time. She must give herself time to change dress up and to be on time for the next appointment, ” he added.
Puan Noor Aishah supported her husband in his official functions both in Singapore and abroad, drawing crowds wherever they appeared.
When Mr Yusof’s health deteriorated during his third term of office, she took his place to present medals for the 1968 National Day awards.
He eventually died of heart failure in 1970.
The following year, Puan Noor Aishah became the first Malay woman to receive an honorary doctorate – a Doctor of Letters degree from the National University of Singapore.
Mr Lee said at the book launch that it was a “daunting task ” for her to manage her large household while carrying out official and ceremonial duties.
“She even hired a teacher to teach her English so that she could communicate effectively with Singaporeans and foreign dignitaries, ” he noted.
“ But Puan Noor Aishah made all these appear effortless with her grace and poise, and she touched the lives of many with her quiet determination, humility and charm. ”