HER WORLD WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2015 WINNER Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Zuraidah Abdullah Commander, Airport Police Division Age: 53 Marital status: Married to former police office, Abdul Aziz Mohamad Noor Why Her In her 29-career with the Singapore Police Force, she has risen through the ranks to become the first female Commander of the Airport Police Division (APD) and was the former Head Operations of Central Police Division, Commander of Jurong Land Division – the largest out of the six police land divisions in Singapore. In 2013, she became the first woman to hold the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner – the third-highest rank in the Singapore Police Force. In 1993, she helped implement the ruling for rear passengers to don seat belts and for children below eight to be seated in a child's seat. She also set up the first batch of speed cameras along the Pan Island Expressway (PIE). She has made outstanding contributions to society. In 2007, she was the second woman to be appointed to head the self-help group for the Malay- Muslim community, Yayasan Mendaki. She was also the first woman in 40 years to be appointed as a member in Muis, to help oversee the religious affairs of Muslims in Singapore. She is also the chairman of the Malay Heritage Foundation. Achievements in 2014 In October, became the first woman to be appointed Commander, Airport Police Division. As part of her job, she oversees the security of all the terminals at Changi Airport, and the safety of the 50 million-plus passengers who pass through the airport every year. Received Nanyang Distinguished Alumni Award. Inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame. Education/Awards/Scholarships Education 1986: Bachelor in Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore Awards 2011: Public Administration Medal (Silver) 2008: Work-Life Excellence Award by the Ministry of Manpower. MENDAKI won this award during Mdm Abdullah's leadership, due to her implementation of work-life balance benefits for employees. 2008: Nanyang Alumni Achievement Award 1991: Commissioner of Police’s High Commendation Award Professional Experience 2014-present: Commander of Airport Police Division (APD) 2013: Appointed Senior Assistant Commissioner 2010-2014: Commander of Training Command (TRACOM) 2007-2009: Appointed Chief Executive Officer, Yayasan Mendaki 2004-2006: Appointed Commander, Jurong Police Division 1994-2003: Appointed Head of Operations, Central Police Division 1989-1993: Officer, Traffic Police Department 1986-1988: Officer, Clementi Police Division Board Memberships 2013-present: Chairman, Malay Heritage Foundation 2012-present: Board member, National Library Board 2012-present: Covering Chairperson, National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) Council 2009-2013: Member, National Heritage Board 2007-2010: Member, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) Community Involvement In 2007, she was seconded to Mendaki where she presided as CEO for two years. While there, she initiated Math workshops for Primary 5 students and intensive PSLE maths sessions to help a select group of weaker students. During her time at Mendaki, she was convinced that the key strategy to help troubled families was to ensure that the children stayed in school and enjoyed the learning process. Hence, she enlisted the help of 80 young professionals from various fields to brainstorm ways to improve students' grades and tackle the problem of dysfunctional families. .