A pioneering educator and politician who championed women's rights and education in Malaysia and Singapore, known for her bravery during World War II and her contributions to the development of education in both countries.
Elizabeth Choy, a Singaporean educator and councillor, etched her name in the annals of history as a war heroine, selflessly supplying medicine, money, and messages to Far East prisoners of war and civilian internees held in Changi Prison during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II.
Born on November 29, 1910, in Kudat, North Borneo (now Sabah), Elizabeth Choy was the eldest of 11 children in a Hakka family. Her early life was marked by a strong sense of community and social responsibility, which would later shape her courageous actions during the war.
Raised by a Kadazan nanny, Elizabeth acquired Kadazan as her first language. She later became an Anglican at St Monica's Boarding School in Sandakan, where she adopted the name Elizabeth. Her higher education at Raffles College (now the National University of Singapore) in Singapore was made possible through her teaching at St Margaret's School and St Andrew's School, as her family couldn't afford the tuition fees.
In August 1941, Elizabeth married Choy Khun Heng, employed by the Borneo Company. During the Japanese invasion of Malaya, she served as a second lieutenant in the women's auxiliary arm of the Singapore Volunteer Corps, earning the nickname "Gunner Choy." She was also a volunteer nurse with the Medical Auxiliary Service.
After the fall of Singapore in 1942, the Choys set up a canteen at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital, providing crucial support to British civilian internees. They soon started a regular ambulance run, risking their lives to bring medical aid to those in need.
Elizabeth's most daring feat was her clandestine delivery of medicine, money, and messages to the prisoners of war and civilian internees at Changi Prison. Her courageous actions, often under the very nose of the Japanese authorities, earned her the respect and admiration of those she helped.
Elizabeth Choy's heroism during World War II has been recognized with several honors, including the Freedom of the City of Singapore and the Certificate of Honour from the Singapore Government. In 1990, she was awarded the SG50 award in recognition of her contributions to Singapore's early years.
Elizabeth Choy's remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of courage, compassion, and service. Her selfless acts during World War II have inspired generations, cementing her place as one of Singapore's most revered heroines.
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