SINGAPORE - Fourteen women ranging from athletes to diplomats were inducted into the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame (SWHF) on Friday, four posthumously, by the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO).

SCWO patron Mrs Mary Tan, wife of President Tony Tan Keng Yam, presented the trophies at a gala dinner at Shangri-La Hotel.

The SWHF was launched in 2014 as a website to recognise outstanding contributions by women to Singapore. A total of 108 women were honoured in 2014 and 11 last year. The selection panel is chaired by Singapore's Ambassador-at-Large, Professor Tommy Koh.

One of the honorees, Ms Violet Oon, 66, has spent her life championing Singapore cuisine around the world as a chef and journalist. In an earlier interview with The Straits Times, she said: "It is an amazing honour to be among Singapore's best and brightest women. And to have my life's obsession recognised, is truly exhilarating."

Some honorees were recognised for contributing to societies outside Singapore. For example, orthopaedic surgeon Ang Swee Chai - who was not present at the ceremony - worked in war-torn Lebanon in 1982 and was awarded the Star of Palestine for her efforts.

Prof Koh said in a statement: "It is right that our people are applying their talent, vision and passion as good global citizens to make this a better world."