Thio Su Mien, one of Singapore’s most prominent and controversial figures, has passed away at the age of 86. She died on June 30, 2025, after a short battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
Whether you admired her or challenged her views, there’s no denying that Su Mien left a lasting legacy. She wasn’t just a lawyer or a professor—she was a bold voice in Singapore’s legal and social scene, unafraid to speak up about the values she believed in.
Who Was Thio Su Mien?
Thio Su Mien was Singapore’s first female dean of the Faculty of Law at the National University of Singapore (NUS), serving from 1969 to 1971. She was a legal trailblazer, a respected academic, and a role model for many young women entering the legal profession.
In 1998, she co-founded TSMP Law Corporation, one of Singapore’s top law firms, alongside her son-in-law Thio Shen Yi.
Her Most Talked-About Moment: The AWARE Saga
Many Singaporeans remember her for the 2009 AWARE saga. Su Mien led a group of conservative women in taking over the leadership of the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), arguing that the organisation had drifted too far from its original purpose.
The move sparked national debate, making headlines for weeks. For some, she was a defender of family values. For others, her actions were seen as controversial. Either way, it got the nation talking about feminism, inclusivity, and what advocacy really means.
Her Legacy Lives On
She wasn’t afraid of difficult conversations. Whether it was about law, morality, or activism, she brought her views to the table—even if they weren’t always popular. Her influence extended beyond the courtroom and classroom; it shaped public discourse in Singapore for decades.
She was also the mother of Professor Thio Li-Ann, another respected legal academic known for her strong views on constitutional and moral issues.
Quick Facts About Thio Su Mien
- Full Name: Thio Su Mien
- Age at Death: 86
- Passed Away: June 30, 2025
- Cause of Death: Acute myeloid leukemia
- Career Highlights: First female dean of NUS Law Faculty, co-founder of TSMP Law Corporation
- Known For: 2009 AWARE saga, conservative advocacy in Singapore
Thio Su Mien was not someone who faded into the background. She led, she challenged, and she sparked debate. While her views may not have aligned with everyone’s, her role in shaping Singapore’s legal and social landscape is undeniable.
As we remember her legacy, we also acknowledge the complexity of her journey—a woman who made bold moves, stood firm in her beliefs, and left a mark in Singapore’s modern history.
FAQs About Thio Su Mien
Why was Thio Su Mien well-known?
She was a pioneering law professor, Singapore’s first female law dean, and the face of the 2009 AWARE saga that stirred national conversation.
What did she stand for?
Thio Su Mien was vocal about her conservative beliefs, especially around family and moral issues. She believed in preserving traditional values and wasn’t afraid to challenge modern narratives.
How did she pass away?
She passed away on June 30, 2025, from acute myeloid leukemia, a condition she was diagnosed with in May 2025.
