MS JOSIE LAU, 49
Former president of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware)

THEN: Ms Lau was in the hot seat for three weeks when she became president of the women's advocacy group on April 15.

The new executive committee - with members from the same church she attended - was criticised for taking over Aware in a stealthy manner.

The new members had disapproved of the group's actions, saying it promoted homosexuality, as in its sexuality education programme for schools.

Ms Lau and her committee bowed out after a vote of no-confidence at a stormy extraordinary general meeting on May 2.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong talked about the saga in his National Day Rally speech in August. He warned Singaporeans to keep religion separate from politics, and to observe principles of tolerance and restraint so as to maintain racial and religious harmony.

NOW: Family, a new job and travel have been keeping Ms Lau busy.

Asked if anything good came out of the saga, she pointed out that the Education Ministry has introduced new guidelines on sex education for students. 'I believe the silent majority is both happy and relieved with the outcome. Also, parents may be more involved and interested in what is being taught in schools.'

Did the saga change her in any way? 'All that I had gone through has strengthened me. I was surprised by the resilience I was given,' she said. She still keeps in touch with social issues, 'like any concerned citizen and parent'.

She said her focus for next year will be her job and her family. She is working in the retail world as a vice-president for investments. Ms Lau is married to medical doctor Alan Chin, 51. They have two daughters aged 15 and 17.

She added: 'My hope is for the Singapore Government to continue its support for strong, traditional family values in its policies, while the country continues to progress.'

This article was first published in The Sunday Times.