From 1951 to 1955 she was nominated by the Governor to the Legislative Council, where she spoke frequently on behalf of the poor and needy, and campaigned for the development of social services and family planning. Her war-time experiences had inculcated in her the belief that civil development required effective protection from aggressors. She served as a second lieutenant in the women’s auxiliary of the Singapore Volunteer Corps, where she acquired the nickname “Gunner Choy”.
In 1953 she represented Singapore at the Coronation, and undertook for the Foreign Office a North American lecture tour to explain the aspirations of the people of Singapore and Malaya. To brief herself she insisted on travelling to the trouble spots of Malaya, which were grappling with Communist insurgents. Both her audiences and the press were captivated by her charm, eloquence and beauty as she affirmed the key values which the West shared with South East Asia.
Her teaching career at St Andrew’s continued until 1973, except for a four-year spell as principal of Singapore’s School for the Blind. After her retirement she improved her languages and travelled. She continued with social work and school visits into her nineties, impressing young Singaporeans with the need to maintain strong national defence.
Elizabeth Choy’s husband died in 1973; she is survived by three adopted daughters.