Issue 19: July - Sep 2013 - Association of Muslim Professionals

lified
ISSUE
19
JUL
SEP
2013
A Quarterly Newsletter by the Association of Muslim Professionals
EXPLORING
NEW
FRONTIERS
A Step
Forward
Towards
a Positive
Net Worth
Community
In Pursuit of
Excellence
Let Dreams
Take Flight
MICA (P) 038/11/2012 ISSN 1793-8694
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
A Step Forward
03
Developing Youth Entrepreneurs
04
Towards a Positive Net Worth Community
05
In Pursuit of Excellence
06
Staying Fit Together
07
Fun in Full Bloom
08
A Tribute to our Helping Professionals
08
Chronicles of our RIMA Internship
09
Reflections on Ramadan
11
Let Dreams Take Flight
13
Marketplace
13
Highlights
EDITORIAL LINE-UP
WHAT’S in STORE
01
Supervising Editor
Mohd Anuar Yusop
Subeditors
Nuramalina Abdul Ghani
Ruzaidah Md Rasid
Contributors
Abdul Shariff Aboo Kassim
Amalina Sujak
Fadlun Kemat
Mariam Mustaffa
Mohd Alfian Mohd Ismail
Noraqilah Mohd Kambali
Nur Ashikin Hamidon
Saiful Nizam Jemain
Sharifah Norashikin SSA
Sharifah Nur Huda Zuhairah Hussien
Syifa Azhar
Suffirah Md Mansor
Photography
Acmad Tocquero Macarimbang
For advertising enquiries, please email
winda@amp.org.sg.
Amalina Sujak
Fadlun Kemat
Nuramalina Abdul Ghani
We welcome feedback, comments and suggestions on
the articles that appear in AMPlified. Please address
your correspondence to winda@amp.org.sg.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
Dear Readers
ISSUE
In the present globalised world where our landscapes constantly shift and change,
AMP remains passionate in braving new frontiers to confront the multi-faceted social
issues faced by the Malay/Muslim community. In this AMPlified issue, we will be
highlighting some of our new programmes and services that we hope would catalyse
the community’s progress. One of them includes the launch of the AMP Debt Advisory
Centre (DAC), which takes on a multi-pronged approach to tackle debt problems
within the community. The DAC has since worked with other relevant agencies to
benefit a number of clients who have approached the centre for assistance. You can
read more about the services DAC offers on Page 4.
Another interesting enhancement to one of AMP’s services this year comprises its
Education Bursary, in which applications have been extended to assist a wider range
of diploma and degree students. The enhancement of the bursary aspires to increase
the pool of potential tertiary graduates within the community. It is also hoped that the
recipients will be encouraged to strive harder in their pursuit of higher education and
in turn, contribute back to the society upon their successful graduation. A synopsis
of the AMP Education Bursary Disbursement Ceremony that was held in June can be
found on Page 5.
This year also marks a milestone for AMP’s research subsidiary, Centre for Research
on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA). Following the move to its new premises at
Guthrie Building, RIMA had organised its official relaunch ceremony in April; details
of which you can read more on Pages 1 and 2. With an expanded research team and
a new Chairman at helm, RIMA is poised to be a one-stop research centre and think
tank for the community.
A notable explorer once said, “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the
courage to lose sight of the shore.” With that, I would like to urge for us to have an
open mind in braving future challenges and to pursue fresh initiatives for the
betterment of the community.
I also wish you and your family a blessed and prosperous Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
May Allah swt accept our good deeds during these months, insya Allah.
Mohd Anuar Yusop
Executive Director, AMP
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19
JUL
SEP
2013
EVENTS
The new RIMA logo was unveiled at the relaunch ceremony.
by Abdul Shariff Aboo Kassim
Dr Mohd Shamsuri Juhari (standing, in black), Centre
Director of RIMA, presenting on their developing
directions and upcoming projects.
Four months after its move into the new premises at Guthrie
Building, the Centre for Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs
(RIMA) held its official relaunch ceremony on 13 April, where
the new logo was unveiled to signify its renewed fervour in
achieving its aspirations within the community.
The milestone event marks a strategic revamp, which RIMA
underwent, in its aim to be a one-stop research centre and
think tank for the community. The restructuring exercise has
seen the expansion of the RIMA research team – from a
two-person unit to a team of six research associates and
one executive – and a wider research focus.
During the ceremony, Mr Azmoon Ahmad, Chairman of AMP
Group articulated his aspirations for RIMA to be the preferred
organisation for research and data on the community. It is also
hoped that RIMA’s role will expand beyond the community
and Singapore society and over time, become a credible and
trusted research organisation on Malay and Muslim issues
in the region.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
pg
01·02
NEW CHAIRMAN
Following the resignation of Mr Nizam Ismail, the RIMA Board
of Directors has unanimously elected Dr Ameen Ali Salim
Talib as the new Chairman of RIMA as of 29 April. Dr Ameen
Talib is no stranger to AMP’s efforts in uplifting the community,
having served in various capacities, which include being a
member of the AMP Board – an appointment he presently
holds. He has also been serving as a member of the RIMA
Board since last year.
Dr Ameen brings with him a wealth of experience from both
the academia and corporate world. He has taught at the
Business School of the National University of Singapore and is
an Adjunct Professor of The Maastricht School of Management.
He currently runs his own consultancy firm, Ameen Talib &
Associates, and is the Managing Director of Café Le Caire.
The event provided a platform for both AMP and RIMA
members to network with some 30 invited guests
from the research community.
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JUL
SEP
2013
EVENTS
Developing
The youth wing of AMP, Young AMP, organised its Corporate
Leadership Series (CLS) on 13 May at Singapore Management
University, to provide an avenue for youths and young
professionals to interact with industry leaders and gain insights
on ways to excel in a particular trade or sector. Themed
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Entrepreneurship,
the inaugural session featured two established entrepreneurs,
namely Mr Saurav Bhattacharyya, Chief Executive Officer of
Quantum Inventions Pte Ltd, and Mr Benedict Soh, Executive
Chairman of Kingsmen Creatives Ltd.
outh Entrepreneurs
by Sharifah Nur Huda Zuhairah Hussien
The two speakers, with moderator Mr Muhd Shamir Rahim
(extreme right), taking questions from members of the audience.
Some 40 youths and young professionals gained
more insights on starting and sustaining their
own business from the session.
Mr Saurav shared on the challenges he faced in starting his
own tech firm and how he managed to sustain his business in
a competitive landscape over the years. Subsequently, Mr Soh
spoke about his passion for organisational and human
resource development, which he believed are essential in
managing a business. He also shared on the necessary traits
to prosper in a particular trade, how to ride on emerging
market trends, as well as how the success of his business lies
in upholding quality.
To conclude the session, Ms Farah Fahmi from SPRING
Singapore presented on the various support mechanisms
available for SMEs in Singapore. A total of 40 members of the
audience certainly benefited from the session and were
inspired by the speakers’ entrepreneurial journey to start their
own venture. Young AMP hopes to expand to other trades and
sectors under the series with more of such insightful sessions
in the future.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
TOWAR DS A
POSI TI V E
NET WO RT H
C OMM UNI T Y
by Saiful Nizam Jemain
On 1 April, AMP launched its Debt Advisory Centre (DAC), which is a one-stop centre that provides advice and
education to individuals who face debt problems. Despite the low-key launch, the DAC is a significant pioneering
implementation of one of the strategies proposed during the 3rd National Convention of Singapore Muslim Professionals,
organised by AMP in June last year. The DAC represents a unique collaboration between AMP, as a social service
provider, and expert volunteers from the financial, legal and real estate professions, in adopting a multi-pronged approach to tackle
debt issues within the community.
Debtors, who approach DAC for assistance, are provided with roadmaps comprising recommended solutions that are available to
them – either administered by AMP or other relevant external agencies. Through DAC, debtors also partake in support group sessions
that allow them to share their experiences, as well as gain emotional support from others who are facing similar issues. They will
also have to attend workshops, which will educate and enhance their financial literacy, and most importantly, reduce their risks of
relapsing into debt problems.
Since its launch, the DAC has seen a number of clients with multiple debt issues and has been able to link up with other relevant
agencies to ensure these clients receive the necessary assistance. The DAC has also engaged with various volunteers, who have
come forward to provide their moral support and expertise to benefit the clients. In addition, the DAC will also collect quality data for
research on the debt issues within the community, of which further inferences on the extent of these issues can be made useful in
the future. Eventually, the DAC aims to increase the number and level of positive net worth individuals within the community. It also
hopes to expand its operations and extend its services to general members of the public in due course.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
pg
03·04
JUL
SEP
2013
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
EVENTS
Senior Manager,
Mdm Hameet
Khanee (standing,
extreme left, in pink)
addressing some
138 AFYS
beneficiaries
during the retreat.
by Amalina Sujak
Some 138 beneficiaries from the Adopt a Family &
Youth Scheme (AFYS) braved the scorching sun
on 15 June to participate in the AFYS Mid-Year
Retreat at Gardens by the Bay. Held in conjunction
with the June holidays, the annual retreat witnessed the eager
AFYS families exploring the garden paradise and having fun
with crafts at the same time.
Gardens for most of the AFYS families, it was indeed a
challenge for them as they meandered through the unfamiliar
yet distractingly dazzling terrain to perform their tasks within
a given time frame. There were a total of nine stations, where
they not only solved puzzles but also completed craftworks
such as origami, weaving, ketupat-making and windmill-making.
The families were then treated to a scrumptious lunch at
Texas Chicken. At the end of the event, each family were
given some sweet treats and complimentary access to a
Conservatory – choice of either the ‘Flower Dome’ or ‘Cloud
Forest’. The AFYS families thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity
to bond with their families while cultivating important values
such as leadership, teamwork and patience during the retreat.
The main highlight of the retreat was the ‘Incredible Garden
Trail’, which required the families to put on their thinking caps
and work together to complete various station activities. They
had to solve clues by studying the maps provided, to figure out
the location of their next station. As it was a first visit at the
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© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
With the theme I Care, You Care, We Care, AMP held its
inaugural Social Workers’ Day on 12 April at AMP Auditorium
to recognise and commemorate the invaluable service and
dedication of its helping professionals. Led by the Marriage
Hub team, all of AMP’s staff was tasked to don something
with a heart shape as part of the event‘s dress code.
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The celebration started off with everyone getting in groups
for some ice-breaking activities, followed by a line-up of fun
games relating to social service. One of the activities included
a role-playing segment, where four staffs were put in their
social work colleagues’ shoes to attend to challenging clients,
played by the social workers and counsellors themselves.
It was indeed an entertaining yet insightful experience, getting
to learn more about the social service profession!
t
Some of the staff also collaborated to put on an amusing
video entitled, A Day in Social Services Division, where
parodical scenes of the challenges faced by our social
workers and counsellors were re-enacted. At the end of the
event, everyone received tokens of appreciation in the forms
of Care Bears and USB flash drives, and was treated to a
scrumptious reception.
A group shot of
the organising
committee.
Kudos to all of our helping professionals for their tireless
contribution towards uplifting the community!
Chronicles of our RIMA Internship
by Nur Ashikin Hamidon and Syifa Azhar
Our internship at the Centre for Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA) was indeed an insightful experience. Although we
have minimal prior knowledge on what research work truly entails, we were introduced to various research methods and were
given the opportunities to hone a wide range of skills under the tutelage of Dr Mohd Shamsuri Juhari, Centre Director of RIMA.
During our very first day, we acquired a firsthand experience in observing a focus group discussion for a research project on
housing issues. Henceforth, we were adequately exposed to how researchers obtain both qualitative and quantitative data –
from being observers in a psychiatric rehabilitation session to gathering secondary data from online and printed sources.
We are better able to appreciate the technicalities of research work and more importantly, develop an in-depth understanding
and awareness of the different contemporary issues faced by the Malay/Muslim community. We concluded that many
approaches can be undertaken to tackle these issues at their root causes to spearhead the progress of the community. Our
internship has also allowed us to realise that active participation in intellectual thought and discourse can be an integral step
towards actualising many often-overlooked initiatives to propel the community forward.
Nur Ashikin Hamidon, 19, aspires to improve the welfare and quality of life of others by pursuing a career in the public sector. Her
experience as vice-president in Raffles Institution gave her the opportunity to explore various socio-economic problems that inundate
the differing social classes within the community. She has developed an interest in issues such as social stratification and social
mobility, and thus made a decision to read Sociology and Economics at the National University of Singapore following her internship.
Syifa Azhar, 19, comes from the four-year Victoria-Cedar Alliance Integrated Programme in Victoria Junior College prior to her
internship. Her schooling years have propelled her to pursue medicine at the National University of Singapore come August. She
aspires to be a physician in the future and contribute back to society by helping to give others a new lease of life.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
pg
07·08
JUL
SEP
2013
THOUGHT
Reflections
on Ramadan
by Sharifah Norashikin SSA
“O’ children of Adam,
take your adornment at every
,
and eat and drink,
but be not excessive; surely,
He likes not those who commit excess.”
[ S u r a h A l - A’ r a f 7 : 3 1 ]
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pg
09·10
It is almost that time of the year again, when bright fairy lights will adorn the trees along
Geylang Serai; vendors peddling their wares will fill the sidewalks of Tanjong Katong Complex;
and we consumers will have big holes in our pockets. Yes, Ramadan is here again!
This is also the time we ironically get swayed (by both hunger and the irresistibly deliciouslooking kuih-muih and other yummy treats, which seem to scream, “Buy me!”) into overeating
and grossly over-spending, when moderation should be key instead.
Guilty as charged, I too cannot resist the lure of shopping at the bazaar. For instance, I once
bought enough food to feed a family of eight when I was actually breaking fast with only two
friends. Worst of all, after gulping down my bandung (and Coke, and a few other icy cold
beverages), I was so full I had to guiltily force myself to swallow a morsel of my nasi campur.
All that food were then kept in the fridge for the next day’s sahur (pre-dawn meal). Yet, the routine
come 5.00 am was: take a sip of water, tip the leftovers into the bin, and head back to bed.
Over the years, I have seen products sold at the bazaar change to accommodate the altering
palates of the consumer – where the old Geylang Serai market were once adorned with stalls
selling ayam percik, baju kurung and greeting cards; the modernised façade of the vicinity is
now accompanied by an array of shopping items, ranging from carpet auctions, zero-dollar
down payment cars, to real estate agents hoping to close exclusive deals with home owners.
Perhaps in the years to come, it might not be uncommon to also see maid agencies parading
available-for-service domestic helpers at the bazaar.
So who is to blame – consumers like me with less-than-formidable willpower to resist from
buying too much, or vendors who capitalise on the spirits of the festivities? The present
capitalist culture today pressures the ‘have-nots’ to keep up with the ‘Joneses’. So when
Pakcik Jones has a new car or Makcik Jones changes her curtains with matching sofa covers
each year, others feel compelled to do the same. A helper also becomes necessary for when
we decide to throw lavish open house parties. While we are encouraged to break our fasts
simply with kurma (dates), we also buy copious amounts of food to satiate our hunger.
It is this same need to look good or fulfil superficial desires that could cause our community
to overspend. Perhaps we could all do with a little reprioritising by detoxifying our spending
habits and chaining up the naughty devil who asks us to wear Prada. A little reminder on how
moderation is quintessential in life never hurts. It helps maintain our faith, the contents of our
wallets and a trim waistline. Have a blessed Ramadan, everyone!
Sharifah Norashikin SSA is a Research Associate with the Centre for Research on Islamic and
Malay Affairs (RIMA). The opinions expressed in this article are her own.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
JUL
SEP
2013
SPOTLIGHT
Mohd Fahmy Abdul Rashid, 23, was inspired off the
movie The Pursuit of Happyness, where Chris Gardner,
played by Will Smith, told his son to protect his dream and
work towards achieving it no matter the costs. The mentor of
AMP’s Youth Enrichment Programme (YEP), who is also a
second year mechanical engineering undergraduate at the
National University of Singapore, holds steadfast to this advice
especially in pursuing his childhood dream – that is to fly.
Recently, Fahmy was accepted into a coveted flight school to
be trained as a commercial pilot but could not proceed due to
insufficient funds. Instead of mourning over the lost
opportunity, he intends to pursue a career in the aviation
industry upon graduating from his degree course.
AMPlified caught up with Fahmy of late, where he shared his
mentoring journey in the youth programme.
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© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
Photo courtesy of Mohd Fahmy Abdul Rashid.
pg
11·12
JUL
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2013
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AMPlified: You have been a YEP mentor for almost two years. How would you describe this experience?
I would say that it has been a pretty interesting and fulfilling one, having to interact with the same group of youths on a
weekly basis. It has also been educational for me as I am exposed to youths of differing capabilities, where I start to realise
that not every one of them will have the same response to a particular method of engagement.
AMPlified: In your opinion, what do you think makes a good mentor?
To me, a good mentor is someone who can interact with the youths under his or her care at a level where these youths feel
comfortable enough to open up, or where there are no barriers between them and yet at the same time, maintain respect
from the youths. First and foremost, the mentor should also be well-versed academically so that the youths can look up to
him or her as a role figure.
AMPlified: Your youths enjoy how you coach them in Mathematics. Can you share some tips on how our
youths can excel in the subject?
Once you start to grasp the basic concepts, it is all about constant drilling – practise, practise and more practise! It is not
exactly a secret because everyone knows that. The key factor in improving and excelling in the subject is by clocking in the
hours for practice and being disciplined about it.
There is also no such thing as a silly question. If you have any doubts, do not be shy to ask your teachers, your older siblings
or even your friends. I believe these tips can also be applied to other subjects as well.
AMPlified: How have you been successful in instilling positive values in the youths under your care?
Instilling a positive value in anyone requires time. Personally, I have made the decision not to allow the setback of not being
able to pursue my dream get to me. Life moves on, and I still harbour my dream of becoming a pilot one day. I hope the youths
under my care will learn from my experiences and in due course, adopt the value of resiliency.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.