Pioneering Legal Scholar Thio Su Mien, First Woman Dean of NUS Law, Dies at 86
A trailblazing figure in Singaporean law, Thio Su Mien, the first woman to lead the National University of Singapore (NUS) law faculty, has died at the age of 86. Dr. Thio passed away on the morning of June 30 following a battle with acute myeloid leukaemia, diagnosed in early May. Her legacy extends beyond academia, encompassing constitutional law expertise and a commitment to justice that resonated with her family and colleagues.
A Historic Appointment and Early Career
dr. Thio’s appointment as dean of the NUS law faculty in 1969 marked a significant milestone, not only for women in Singapore but for the institution itself. At just 30 years old, she was also the youngest person to ever hold the position, demonstrating an exceptional early career trajectory. This appointment signaled a forward-thinking approach to leadership within the legal community.
Did you know?-The National University of Singapore (NUS) was established in 1905 as the straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School.It is indeed the oldest autonomous university in Singapore.
A Family’s Reflection on a Legal Luminary
Her son, Senior Counsel Thio Shen Yi of TSMP Law Corporation, described his mother as a “legal luminary to many.” he added, “But more importantly to me, mum taught me to value fairness and justice, and to speak up for what I believed was right. I hope I’ve done a bit of that.” The 58-year-old, who previously served as president of the Law Society of Singapore from 2015 to 2016, underscored the profound personal impact of his mother’s principles.
Her first daughter, former Nominated Member of Parliament Thio Li-ann, characterized her mother as a woman of “great courage, integrity and justice” who deeply cherished her family, faith, and contry. “A committed Christian, she devoted hours teaching and counselling many, earnest that they be whole and find their call and destiny, as she most indubitably did,” the 57-year-old stated.
Reader question:-What qualities do you think are most crucial for a leader in the legal field to possess?
Professional Achievements and Contributions
In 1998, Dr. Thio co-founded the Singapore-based law firm TSMP Law Corporation alongside Ms. Tan Bee Lian. Recognized as a leading expert in constitutional law, she further distinguished herself by serving as a judge on both the World Bank Administrative Tribunal and the asian Advancement Bank Administrative Tribunal.
Dr. Thio’s influence extended beyond formal judicial roles.She was also a key figure in the 2009 leadership transition at the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), playing a role in the shift towards a christian faction.
A Life Shared with an Olympian and Real Estate Tycoon
Dr. Thio shared her life with Thio Gim Hock, a celebrated Olympian and prominent real estate developer, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 82. Together, they raised three children, including their youngest, Thio Chi-ann, 52, who currently resides in Britain as a housewife.
Dr. thio’s passing represents a significant loss to the Singaporean legal community and beyond, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering leadership, unwavering integrity, and a deep commitment to justice.
