Elizabeth Choy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Elizabeth Choy Su-Mei OBE (Chinese: 蔡杨素梅, born Yong Su Mei, 29 November 1910 — 14 September 2006) was a Hakka Chinese born in Kudat, Sabah in North Borneo. During World War II during the Japanese occupation of Singapore she was imprisoned for 200 days.
She was a recognized war hero in Singapore. Following the war she joined the Legislative Council in 1951, the first and only woman to have ever done so. She also posed nude for two sculptures, Serene Jade and Flawless Crystal, created by the sculptress Dora Gordine. Furthermore, she was the first principal, as well as a teacher, at the Singapore School for the Blind.
She passed away at the age of 95 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Notably, when she was informed of the diagnosis, she refused treatment, saying that she was ready to go to heaven[citation needed].
[edit] Trivia
- She was noted for wearing traditional Chinese and Indian clothing, such as qipaos and bangles. Wearing these earned her the nickname of "Dayak Woman of Singapore"[citation needed].
[edit] References
- Infopedia, Biography Abstract (National Library Board)
- 200 Days In Hell - An account of Choy's Imprisonment
- One Must Not Be Prudish - An account of her nude modeling
