Asian Geographic 3 - 2016 SG

PHOTO © JUSTIN ONG

St. John's Home for Elderly Persons.

Both husband and wife were

instrumental in ensuring that their

children, including their eldest

daughter Leaena, would grow up

aware of the need to assist those who

lived in poverty and hardship, a factor

that was to determine her field of

study and choice of career.

The University of Birmingham was

Leaena’s port of call for a Degree

in Social Science, specialising in

social studies. Her practical work

placements dealt with children and

young persons with disabilities.

After her return from the UK, she

became the Assistant Director of the

Department of Social Welfare.

Leaena the Lioness

ONE WOMAN’S LEGACY TO HELP DISABLED CHILDREN IN SINGAPORE

mark a turning point in her life, as the

child flung his arms around her and

begged her not to leave. “Tell me more

stories,” he cried. "You can't leave!”

Leaena never left.

Role models in her early life

Born to the Reverend Dr. D D Chelliah,

the first Asian Archdeacon of the

Anglican Diocese of Singapore &

Malaya (1958–1966), and Mrs Rosalind

Chelliah, Leaena’s parents led

exemplary lives.

A humanitarian, her father foresaw

a time when Singapore's aged would

need shelter and care, and together

with two other pastors he began a

project in 1958 that would become the

The aftermath of the second
world war brought about a period
of rebuilding and restoration in
Singapore, coupled with a growing
sentiment for change. Although
challenged by instances of conflict
and poverty, a gradual rise in
standards of living led to a penchant
for modernity in outlook, lifestyle and
even attire. Along the way, the island
continued to face issues, in particular,
public health issues of tuberculosis
and poliomyelitis.
In 1953, a then 16-year-old Leaena
Chelliah concluded her visit to a
polio-stricken child at Singapore's St
Andrew's Orthopaedic Hospital with
her church group. That trip would

Text Khong Swee Lin

1984 – Public Service Medal, Singapore

1994 – Public Service Star, Singapore

2016 – Pioneer Social Worker Award by

Singapore Association of Social Workers

Leaena Tambyah’s Awards

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