They do not know Madam Halimah Yacob, yet they made their way to catch a glimpse of her at the nomination centre.

Madam Sim Goon Hua, 82, and Madam Lim Ah Kheoh, in her 70s, are neighbours at the King George's Avenue Housing Board estate, and were at the Seniors Activity Centre yesterday morning when they heard Madam Halimah would be at the People's Association Headquarters - less than 10 minutes away by foot - to submit her forms. They decided to walk there to show their support for the President-elect.

"It does not matter whether I know her personally or not," Madam Lim said in Hokkien. "I read in the newspapers that this is the first time there is a woman president in Singapore... I just have to be here."

Madam Sim said: "I never thought that Singapore would have a woman as president one day."

After waiting for about an hour, they were visibly disappointed that they could not get to meet Madam Halimah up close in the crowd. "Maybe one day," said Madam Sim.

Toh Yong Chuan