Issue 6 - Association of Muslim Professionals

ISSUE 6 • APR – JUN 2010
MICA (P) No: 038/10/2009 • ISSN 1793-8694
A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER BY THE ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS
YOU T H :
THE FACE OF OUR TOMORROW
TRANSFORMATION
OF A GENERATION
What a large youth base
means for the community
FORGING A BENEFICIAL
PARTNERSHIP
A collaborative effort to enhance
Malay/Muslim micro businesses
INSPIRASI COUNSELLORS
HIGH TEA
Challenges of working with young
couples and their families
YOUTH IN ACTION
What Muslim youths can do for
the environment and the community
1
THE FUTURE OF
OUR COMMUNITY
Dear Readers
This issue of AMPlified focuses on youths – the future of our community. As Singapore faces the challenge of an ageing
population, the Malay/Muslim community is facing the unique challenge of having a large youth base – Malay/Muslims
aged below 25 form 42% of the community, compared to the national average of 31%.
This presents us with a valuable opportunity to look at ways that we can tap on their potential to benefit the community.
However, at the same time, we also need to identify challenges that can hamper their progress, such as delinquency
and other sociological problems. AMP and RIMA invited 4 esteemed speakers to discuss these issues at the recent
Community in Review Seminar, which you can read about on Page 1.
In the effort to develop our youths, the community can take a leaf out of Sharifah Zahidah’s book. Sharifah, whom we
feature in this issue of AMPlified on Page 9, enrolled into our Youth Enrichment Programme (YEP) in 2005 when she was
a Secondary 3 Normal Academic student and needed tuition in English and Mathematics. In 2008, she sat for the GCE
‘O’ level examinations and scored an A2 in Mathematics. She qualified for a place in Innova Junior College but decided
to continue her studies in Temasek Polytechnic. She is now a Year 1 student in the Diploma in Accounting and Finance
course and is back with YEP as a mentor.
This issue of AMPlified also highlights Sofiah Jamil, a youth activist, who feels passionately about the environment. You
can read about her effort in trying to get youths to be more involved in protecting the environment on Page 8.
We hope you enjoy this issue. Happy reading.
T
Mohd Anuar Yusop
Executive Director, AMP
WHAT’S in STORE
1
Forging a Beneficial Partnership
2
Focus Group Discussion on Community’s Academic
Underperformance
Editor
Winda Guntor
2
INSPIRASI Counsellors High Tea Series
3
Giving Thanks
3
Subeditors
Nurul Jannah Mohd Ismail
Suziyana Hamid
Motivating Youths
4
Engaging Youths
4
AMP: The Way Forward
4
Enhanced Plans for AFYS in 2010
5
Young AMP: What’s in Store for 2010?
5
The Gift of Giving
5
Pledging Help for Their Peers
6
Fall in Love with Math!
6
Save the Environment!
6
What’s Hot
7
Youth in Action
8
From Student to Mentor
9
Marketplace
10
Highlights
10
We welcome feedback, comments and suggestions on the articles
that appear in AMPlified. Please address your correspondence to
winda@amp.org.sg.
ISSUE 4 • OCT – DEC 2009
Supervising Editor
Mohd Anuar Yusop
Transformation of a Generation
For advertising enquiries, please email winda@amp.org.sg
2
EDITORIAL LINE-UP
Creative
Muhd Hafiz Syahiddin Johar
Contributors
Abdul Shariff Aboo Kassim
Aspalela Mohd Salleh
Celia Hamid
Fauziah Rahman
Habibah Mohd Saleh
Hameet Khanee J H
Muhd Hafiz Syahiddin Johar
Nurul Jannah Mohd Ismail
Rosedah Anuar
Salim Rafick Ali
Sheikh Farhan Salleh Bawthan
Sofiah Jamil
Sunaryo Darno
Suzieyati Malimar
Suziyana Hamid
Winda Guntor
Photography
Fauziah Rahman
Juniati Idris Zein
Norsiah Muslim
Nur Liyana Yunos
Suziyana Hamid
O
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The four panelists, with moderator Ms Hidayah Amin (centre, in white),
taking questions during the plenary session
TRANSFORMATION
OF A GENERATION
by Abdul Shariff Aboo Kassim
The Centre for Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA), in collaboration with its parent company, the
Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), held its annual Community in Review seminar at Furama City Centre
Hotel on 13 March 2010. Youth-related issues took centrestage in this year’s seminar as the Malay population has a
large youth base, with 42% of Malays aged below 25, as at June 2009. Hence, Malay youths have a more significant
role than their peers of other ethnicities in charting the community’s socio-economic and socio-political progress.
The seminar, themed ‘The Malay Youth: Transformation of a Generation’, explored the development trajectory of
Malay youth against a backdrop of changing circumstances contributed by a constantly evolving global outlook.
Four speakers from diverse backgrounds were invited to provide a blend of expertise to cover a wide range of
youth issues. They were Associate Professor Gabriele Marranci, a Visiting Senior Fellow from the Department
of Sociology, National University of Singapore
(NUS); Associate Professor Ho Kong Chong, from
the Department of Sociology, NUS; Ms Sharifah
Farah Syed Mahmood Aljunied, Deputy Director
of Islamic Development at the Islamic Religious
Council of Singapore (MUIS); and Mr Amran Jamil,
Centre Manager of INSPIRASI PPIS.
Participants of the seminar were from various backgrounds including
educators, activists and youths themselves. Here, educator Mr Shamsuri
Juhari (centre, holding the microphone), poses a question to the panelists.
A wide spectrum of youth issues was covered
including the effects of globalisation and
consumerism on youths and sociological problems
among youths such as minor marriages. The
audience, who comprised leaders of organisations,
academics, community activists, teachers and youth,
participated in a lively plenary session following the
presentations by the speakers.
1
1
FORGING
A Beneficial Partnership
IN
by Fauziah Rahman
AMP inked a partnership agreement with EDC@SMCCI
to boost micro businesses in the Malay/Muslim
community on 15 March 2010. This partnership comes
amidst calls for continuous learning in the community
to enable greater productivity. The memorandum
of understanding was signed to formalise the two
organisations’ commitment to enhance the capabilities
and growth of businesses under AMP’s Micro Business
programme.
Since its inception in 2005, the programme has aimed
to empower individuals to be economically self-reliant
as well as instill the entrepreneurial spirit within them.
The programme hopes to increase the productivity and
economic worth of these individuals who may have
limited access to other forms of economic activity.
The strategic cooperation between AMP and
EDC@SMCCI will strengthen and tap on the areas of
expertise of both organisations. Participants of the
AMP Micro Business Programme will stand to benefit
from value-added services such as the profiling tool kit,
business mentoring and business roadmapping that will
elevate their micro businesses to the next level.
Formalising the partnership between AMP and EDC@SMCCI to
benefit micro business entrepreneurs. From L to R: Mr Mohd Nizam
Ismail, Chairman AMP; Mr Mohd Anuar Yusop, Executive Director
AMP; Mr Akbar Kader, Chairman EDC@SMCCI; Mr Abdul Rohim Sarip,
President SMCCI
Mr Nizam Ismail (left, standing) expressed his hopes that the partnership
will help to grow micro businesses in the community in scale and size
G
FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION ON
COMMUNITY’S ACADEMIC
UNDERPERFORMANCE
by Hameet Khanee J H
Seventeen academics, practitioners and activists participated in a Focus Group Discussion
(FGD) on 27 February 2010 to deliberate on the macro and structural issues giving rise to
academic underperformance.
The crux of the FGD was – while there have been many studies and projects done within
the community over the last two decades, why have these interventions not sufficiently
yielded results, especially in terms of relative performance of Malay students compared
to their peers? The participants of the FGD debated on the possible reasons for this,
including socioeconomic status, curriculum and pedagogy and the home environment that
the children are in.
Going forward, plans are in the pipeline to engage the community in the effort to
address the issue of academic underperformance.
2
ISSUE 6 • APR – JUN 2010
A to
ded
As
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an
IN
20
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INSPIRASI Counsellors
HIGH TEA SERIES
by Rosedah Anuar
common problems these families face and the issues
that arise when dealing with such families. To that end,
INSPIRASI@AMP organised a sharing session under its
Counsellors High Tea Series entitled “Working with
Malay/Muslim Young Couples and Their Families” on 19
March 2010, attended by 60 counsellors, social workers
and welfare officers from various social service agencies
and family service centres (FSC).
During the session, Mdm Rasimah Jar of ProWISE Consultancy shared
useful insights on issues that young Malay/Muslim couples often face
The problem of dysfunctional families in the Malay/
Muslim community is a worrying one, especially
since the issues they face are often multi-faceted.
This is made worse by the limited number of Malay/
Muslim social workers in the community. One way to
mitigate the situation is to equip non-Malay/Muslim
social workers with an in-depth understanding of the
The participants, 70% of whom were non-Malay/Muslims,
benefited from a presentation by Mdm Rasimah Jar,
Managing Director of ProWISE Consultancy Pte Ltd, on
the profile of young Malay/Muslim couples and their
families and the common issues they face. She also
highlighted some issues that may be highly sensitive
to such families that the counsellors need to consider
when working with them.
The participants found the session helpful and gave them
a better understanding of the mindset and unique needs
of these families. These insights, they said, will better
enable them to assist their Malay/Muslim clients.
GIVING THANKS
by Habibah Mohd Saleh
helping the young couples to strengthen their marriages.
She acknowledged that it was definitely not easy dealing
with these young couples, given their unique challenges.
However, she noted that many of the mentors had gone the
extra mile in helping these couples and expressed hope that
the mentors would continue their dedication towards the
programme.
A total of 27 mentors attended the tea session held in appreciation of their
dedication towards helping young married couples.
As a way of thanking the mentors of Club INSPIRASI for
their hard work over the past year, both INSPIRASI@AMP
and partner, INSPIRASI PPIS, organised the Mentor
INSPIRASI Appreciation Tea at Royal Plaza on Scotts on
20 February.
The event began with a short note of appreciation from Mdm
Zaleha Ahmad, Centre Director for INSPIRASI@AMP. Mdm
Zaleha applauded the effort put in by the mentors towards
The highlight of the event was the sharing session with
Mdm Siti Hamidah Bahashwan, a renowned family therapist
in the community. She shared with the mentors on what
contributes to the positive outcome of the mentor-mentee
relationship. She also gave them practical examples and tips
based on her vast experience to help them overcome their
challenges in their mentoring journey. As one mentor aptly
commented: “Mdm Hamidah provides a new dimension in
how I see myself as a mentor. I am now more motivated to
get to know my mentee better.”
The Mentor INSPIRASI is a mentoring programme launched
in 2009, where married couples act as mentors to young
couples, aged below 21 years old, who have been married
for less than five years.
3
MOTIVATING
MOTIVATING YOUTHS
YOUTHS
by Salim Rafick Ali
The Youth unit of AMP had a busy 2009, organising special themed outings as part of a series of workshops for students from various
schools to the Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoological Gardens and East Coast Park. During the year, the students, who were from
the Normal Academic and Technical streams, indulged in objectivebased games that promote the development of positive experiential
learning, teamwork and initiative. The students competed with each
other for movie tickets and tokens that were presented to those who
performed well in the activities.
It was heartening to know that more than 95 percent of the students
who attended these workshops wanted to attend more similar ones.
They commented that they were given a “reality check” on life and
were motivated to do better in school and in life. The Youth unit
has since been approached by several schools to also conduct such
programmes for their students.
Students learn the importance of teamwork through activities held at the
workshops
So, look out for more of such sessions in 2010!
E N G AG I N G
YOUTHS
by Mohd Hafiz Syahiddin Johar
“Angguk-angguk, geleng-geleng, tunduk-tunduk, ikut telunjuk
Iya-iya, saya-saya, kiri kanan, ikut saja”
Recognise the lyrics? You are right if you thought Angguk-Angguk Geleng-Geleng
by Ahli Fiqir, the song that took the local Malay music industry by storm with the
catchy tune. It was also one of the songs that jolted the Malay hip hop group into the
spotlight, making them well-loved by the community.
The group’s ‘tukang kata’ (composer), Mr Samsolnahar, made a special appearance
at the AMP Youth Enrichment Programme (YEP) last year to share his thoughts with
the programme participants. Mr Samsol, as he prefers to be called, regaled the
participants with his stories on his quest for knowledge and developing resilience in
pursuing his dreams to be an artiste. He also shared tips on what it takes to become
an artiste, the challenges faced, the art of song writing and performance.
The students were thrilled to have had the opportunity to speak with him. Several
came forward to show off their talent during the session and was highly commended
by Mr Samsol. Many of them said that the session motivated them to pursue their
dreams to the highest level possible. Mr Samsol expressed his interest in including
some of the students in his future productions, so keep a look out for them!
Mr Samsol (centre) emphasised to the students the importance of resilience in pursuing their dreams
during the sharing session
4
ISSUE 6 • APR – JUN 2010
E
F
Cli
ex
eff
ye
ad
Mo
be
wh
the
the
Ad
un
AMP:
THE WAY
FORWARD
by Sunaryo Darno
The newly formed AMP Board of
Directors met for the inaugural Board
Retreat on 30 January 2010 to set the
new strategic direction for AMP and
provide a platform for active dialogue
between them, the Centre for Research
on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA)
and Young AMP directors and the AMP
management team.
During the session, the directors and
managers assessed the roles that AMP
plays in realising its three key strategic
thrusts – Think Tank, Mobiliser, Problem
Solver.
Gr
vis
Ho
pro
var
un
rec
Un
var
A
AM
on
ex
yo
ou
To complement the discussion at the
Board retreat, the AMP management
team met for AMP’s annual workplan
retreat on 18 February 2010. During
the session, AMP managers discussed
the operational units’ core purpose,
Yo
on
on
lea
functions and contributions to AMP’s
effort in uplifting the community.
Fo
ww
This annual exercise is aimed at
reassessing AMP’s role in the community
and to constantly review its programmes
and services to ensure its relevance in
meeting the needs of the community.
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ENHANCED PLANS
FOR AFYS IN 2010
Clients of AMP’s Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS) can
expect more employment assistance this year as it steps up its
efforts to ensure all its adult clients secure employment this
year. Those who are already employed will be equipped with
additional skills to ensure they remain relevant and employed.
More homemakers who are unable to join the workforce will also
be encouraged to enrol into AMP’s Micro Business Programme,
which will allow them to earn supplementary income to help
their families. This is in line with the scheme’s goal in ensuring
the low-income families under AFYS achieve financial stability.
Additionally, AFYS will also enrol all school-going children
under the scheme into part-time madrasahs where they will
receive basic religious education
that will enhance their holistic
development.
Some
120
children are now attending
part-time madrasahs all over
the country.
AFYS currently assists approximately 500 beneficiaries from 100
families, who receive a combination of financial, economic and
socio-educational assistance. As a transitional scheme, AFYS
hopes to strengthen these families holistically, for them to be
self-reliant within two to three years.
WHAT’S IN STORE
2010?
FOR
by Sheikh Farhan Salleh Bawthan
Grooming youths into future leaders for the community – this is Young AMP’s
vision for the years ahead.
Hoping to become a ‘Hub for Young Professionals’, Young AMP’s focus towards
proactive networking will include students and working professionals from
various educational backgrounds, namely the ITEs, madrasahs, polytechnics and
universities, to involve them in Young AMP programmes and activities. Young AMP
recently hosted a dialogue session with students from the Nanyang Technological
University (NTU) Muslim Society to discuss areas of collaboration and views on
various issues. Tea sessions with more schools are in the pipeline.
A directory of Malay/Muslim professionals has also been placed in the Young
AMP website (www.youngamp.sg) for youths and emerging professionals to tap
on. Students can write to these professionals to seek advice or listen to their
experience as a way to prepare them for their future careers. At the same time,
young working professionals can sign up on the website to support and prepare
our aspiring students for their careers.
Young AMP also hopes to involve more youths and young professionals in “handson” community programmes this year to raise their awareness of the situation
on the ground. This will provide them the necessary tools to complement their
leadership and thought process when they discuss potential strategies for the
P’s
For more information or feedback on Young AMP programmes, please log on to
www.youngamp.sg.
community.
Young AMP Essay Competition deadline extended to
1 July 2010!
Win up to $3,000 and have your essay
published in Young AMP’s second book!
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The Gift
of Giving
by Suzieyati Malimar
Several generous individuals recently
stepped forward to offer donations in kind
to selected families under AMP’s Adopt
a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS). Several
families received new vinyl sheet flooring
for their homes while others had their flats
painted by a group of volunteers. Some
also received brand new furniture from
these kind-hearted donors.
In addition, an AFYS beneficiary, Abdul
Hafiz Haron (pictured), recently received a
new pair of soccer boots from a generous
radio listener, who tuned in to AMP’s radio
campaign in January this year. Hafiz’s
mother spoke on the air about her
financial struggles after her
husband left. She mentioned
in particular, how proud she
felt when Hafiz was elected
as the team captain
of his school soccer
team yet dejected
that she was
unable to buy him
a pair of soccer
boots, which he
needed.
AMP would like
to thank its donors
for their generous
contributions and
look forward to
their
continued
support.
Visit www.youngamp.sg for more details.
5
5
PLEDGING
HELP
for Their Peers
W
A
e
S
“
Y
1
2
3
by Nurul Jannah Mohd Ismail
N
W
Four collectors emerged top in the RFS Donation Card Drive 2010,
colckwise from top L to R: Beh Yuan Cheng, Mohd Anaqi Ridz Syakib,
Teo Jun Kei and Irsyad Abdullah
A total of 2,000 students from the
following schools participated in the
Ready for School Fund (RFS) Donation
Card Drive. Together, they raised more
than $26,000 towards the Fund.
• Canberra Primary School
• Elias Park Primary School
• Fuhua Primary School
• Griffiths Primary School
• Henderson Secondary School
• Kidz Meadow Child Care @ Buangkok
• Kidz Meadow Child Care @ Yishun
• Kidz Meadow Child Care
@ Woodlands
• Kidz Meadow Kindergarten
@ Pasir Ris
• Lianhua Primary School
• Northland Primary School
• Whitley Secondary School
A big shoutout to the top four collectors
of the drive!
• Beh Yuan Cheng
– Whitley Secondary School
• Irsyad Abdullah
– Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Yishun
• Mohd Anaqi Ridz Syakib
– Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Yishun
• Teo Jun Kei
– Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Buangkok
Special thanks goes to Mdm Siti Rosmala
Rahmat from Northland Primary School
and Mdm Nurni Isnain from Elias Park
Primary School for their strong support
and assistance over the past four years.
FALL IN LOVE
WITH MATH!
by Aspalela Mohd Salleh
1.
MATHEMATICS BEGINS @ HOME!
Inculcate the love for numbers in your children when they are young. Let them
immerse in the world of numbers at home and make it a part of your daily lives.
2.
FUN WITH NUMBERS
Make learning mathematics fun. Playing games like UNO or Snake and Ladder
will make the learning of numbers for our children much easier and fun!
3.
FACE YOUR FEAR IN MATH
Do not instill fear in your children towards Maths. Instead, motivate them to love
the subject.
4.
IDENTIFY THEIR WEAKNESS
Spot your children’s weakness in learning mathematical concepts. For example,
if your child is good in multiplication but poor in understanding fractions, focus
their learning on understanding the concept of fractions but still continue to
practise multiplication!
5.
6
PATIENCE, PASSION & PRACTICE!
You need to have patience in teaching mathematical concepts in order for your
child to have passion for the subject. However, passion without regularly practising
mathematical problems will not be enough. So, Practice! Practice! Practice!
ISSUE 6 • APR – JUN 2010
SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT!
L
by Sofiah Jamil
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Take or buy only what
you need. Do not
waste.
T
6
1
i
C
t
l
Reduce your carbon
footprint. For example,
take the public transport
or walk, take the stairs
instead of the lift, switch
off the lights when not
in use.
Know your stuff: Find
out more about the
environment
beyond
what you hear in the
media and engage your
family and friends.
Always believe that
every action (however
small) does count, as
others around the world
are doing it too.
A
T
e
A
1
u
G
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ail
,
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ort
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hat
not
WE ARE ON FACEBOOK!
Add AMP to your Facebook friends list to find out the latest
events in AMP!
Simply search for “AMP Singapore” in Facebook and click
“Add as Friend”.
You can also add:
1) AMP’s youth unit – search for “Belia AMP”;
2) AMP’s youth wing – search for “Young Association
of Muslim Professionals”; and
3) AMP’s subsidiary, Centre for Research on Islamic &
Malay Affairs (RIMA) – search for “Rima at AMP”
YOUNG AMP’S
NEW LEADER
Young AMP, the youth wing of AMP,
has a new president – Mr Saktiandi
Supaat, a Lead Economist with the
Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Mr Saktiandi, or Andi, as he prefers to
be called, has been a Young AMP
volunteer since its inception in
2004. He takes over the vacated
seat of Mr Mohd Nizam Ismail, who
is now the Chairman of AMP.
NEW FACES IN AMP
We welcome four new members of the AMP and RIMA families:
1) Lendra Putra Nurezki, 28
Research Officer, RIMA
Lendra worked as a producer-presenter
with MediaCorp Radio and Operations
Executive at the Port of Singapore
Authority (PSA) prior to joining AMP
on 1 February 2010.
3) Sheikh Farhan Salleh Bawthan, 30
Executive Officer, Young AMP
Farhan was an infantry officer with the
Singapore Armed Forces for six years
before he entered the private sector
doing finance and operations work. He
joined Young AMP on 25 January 2010.
2) Muhd Sirajuddin Jumat, 22
Executive Officer, Young AMP
Before joining the youth wing of AMP
on 1 February 2010, Sirajuddin worked
as a Library Officer in the American
Club and volunteered with a number of
Malay/Muslim organisations including
Yayasan MENDAKI and 4PM.
4) Tito Husein Batubara, 22
Research Officer, RIMA
Tito moved here from Jakarta, Indonesia
to pursue a double degree programme
in economics and electrical engineering
in the National University of Singapore
(NUS) in 2005. He became the newest
member of the RIMA team on 1 March
2010.
LONG SERVICE AWARDS
The management of AMP thanks Mr Jailani A Rahim (left),
62, and Ms Zarinah Omar (right), 45, for their service since
1994. Mr Jailani is AMP’s Finance manager while Ms Zarinah
is a senior administrative assistant with the Corporate
Communications department of AMP. They both received
the Long Service Award for 15 years of service last year. We
look forward to more years of dedicated service from them!
on
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ort
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WHAT’S
HOT
by Winda Guntor
nd
he
nd
he
our
hat
ver
as
rld
AFYS NEEDS YOUR HELP!
AFYS IS NOW ONLINE!
The Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS) needs $400,000
each year to help the 100 families under its care. Call the
AFYS telepoll lines at 1900 112 4020 to donate $20 or
1900 112 4050 for a $50 donation. The lines will be open
until 21 July 2010. Call now!
Check out AMP’s Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS)
website on www.amp-afys.sg! Visit the website to find
out more about the programme and its beneficiaries. You
can also donate to AFYS or adopt an AFYS family on the
website.
7
YOUTH IN ACTION
by Winda Guntor
Name:
Sofiah S
u
Age: 26
aad Bin
te Moha
Occupa
med Jam
il
tion: Re
search A
nalyst
Organis
ation:
S. Rajara
tnam Sc
hool of
Nanyan
Internati
g Techn
onal Stu
ological
dies,
Univers
Years Vo
ity
lunteere
d at AM
P: 1½ y
Volunte
ears
ering as
:
Membe
r, Young
AMP Bo
ard of M
anagem
ent
The lack of attention Muslims are paying
towards the environment worries
Sofiah Jamil.
Sofiah on Hawaii’s Diamond Head
Crater, one of the island’s most
famous natural landmarks
“We are not doing enough!
Muslims all over the world
should do more to protect the
environment, especially since
Islam states the need to do so
and provides various principles of
leading environmentally friendly
lifestyles. But for some reason,
not many are practising this,”
the environmental activist
said in a recent interview with
AMPlified.
Anyone can see that Sofiah, who is also a member of the Young AMP
Board of Management (BOM), has a special place for the environment
in her heart. This was especially so after she participated in an
environmental leadership programme in the United States. There,
she engaged with like-minded activists from the Pacific Islands and
the United States on how they address their environmental concerns
in their countries. However, it was the natural beauty of Hawaii and
California that fuelled her passion for the environment. “We don’t see
much of that on this little concrete island of Singapore,” she said.
Sofiah regularly participates in efforts aimed at raising awareness of
environmentalism among Singaporeans, especially Muslim youths
– the latest being the creation
of an online discussion group
known as Project ME: Muslims
and the Environment, by
Young AMP, to provide news
and updates of environmental
developments. The rest of
her time is occupied by her
job as a research analyst at
the S. Rajaratnam School
of
International
Studies
(RSIS), her part-time Master’s
degree course in International
Relations and her volunteer
Sofiah with Professor Emil Salim, who is the
work with Young AMP.
advisor for environment and sustainable
development issues to President
Yudhoyono of Indonesia
8
F
ISSUE
• OCT6 –•DEC
APR2009
– JUN 2010
8 4 ISSUE
Oh, and bellydancing.
Personal life
Some might not know this, but Sofiah is an avid bellydancer and has
been for eight years, occasionally performing during parties and
weddings. Many might also not be aware that Sofiah spent her early
childhood in Medan, Indonesia, where her father, a retired Army
major, served as Singapore’s Consul. She moved back to Singapore
and lived with her aunts and grandmother to complete her education
in Singapore, where she spent twelve years in Catholic mission schools
– CHIJ Katong Primary School, St. Anthony’s Canossian Secondary
School and Catholic Junior College.
Contrary to what some might think, she said, “Going to a Catholic
school allowed me to experience and engage with people of other
faiths at a personal level, and thereby generate greater inter-faith
understanding. I never felt like I was in danger of straying away from
the Islamic faith as my family had laid a strong religious foundation
within me.” Indeed, her maternal grandfather is the late Kiyayi
Ahmad Zohri bin Mutamim, one of the Islamic scholars who laid the
foundations of PERGAS, the Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious
Teachers Association.
The youth community
As an active member of the Young AMP BOM, Sofiah contributes
fresh ideas and perspectives to community issues in her discussions
with other youths. However, she says, “Malay/Muslim youths must
be rid of two opposing sets of shackles – One, the perception that
the community is being “left behind” and two, that the community is
exclusive and “better than the rest”. The latter – though perhaps at
a sub-conscious level – seems to be increasingly perpetuated with a
“holier than thou” disposition. There is a need for greater willingness
to think outside the box, and ability to take on challenges outside
their comfort zone, with the confidence that their beliefs and faith
would not be shaken. Muslim youth must make the effort to reach out
and learn from and with other communities.”
The youth community must also do more for the environment, she
says. “We should look beyond our shores and learn from the initiatives
and experiences of other countries. For many, being green seems to
be a cool fad that would wane off after awhile. It may be easy to say
“Yes, I’m environmentally conscious because I recycle” but the key
would be to see whether such actions can be sustained in the long
run. This, I feel, is what may not be so easy for many people.”
She adds, “I also believe it is important for Muslim youths to be
aware of what Islam teaches us regarding the environment. They
should put these simple principles into practice, and live up to being
environmental stewards in their own right.
It is also important that Muslim youths take advantage of the breadth
of job and volunteer opportunities related to the environment.
Whether it be scientific research in clean energy, water management
or green architecture, starting up a social enterprise or simply by just
incorporating green principles at their workplace.”
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To join the mailing list of Project ME:
Muslim and the Environment, email
the.green.bush.is@gmail.com.
Check out Sofiah’s top five tips on how you can
save the environment on Page 6!
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From
STUDENT
to
MENTOR
by Muhd Hafiz Syahiddin Johar
Every Saturday at Bedok Town Secondary School, you can find Sharifah Zahidah Binte Syed
Mohd working her magic on students, either tutoring them or leading them in personal
development activities in AMP’s Youth Enrichment Programme (YEP).
She interacts with them effortlessly, receiving their full attention whenever she speaks. For
Sharifah, working with these students comes second nature to her because she was in their shoes
once. Three years ago, she too was a student of YEP.
Sharifah joined YEP in 2006 as a Secondary 3 Normal Academic student, seeking tuition as she
needed help in English and Mathematics. She got more than she bargained for. At YEP, she gained
valuable friendship in the form of her mentors who guided her in academics as well as life skills.
With the encouragement and support that she received from her mentors, she was able to reach
her highest potential as a student.
She did very well for her ‘N’ levels and was promoted to Secondary 5. In 2008, she scored
an aggregate of 19 points for the GCE ‘O’ level examination, with an A2 in Mathematics. She
qualified for a place in Innova Junior College but decided to enrol into Temasek Polytechnic to
pursue a diploma in Accounting and Finance instead.
To pass on the torch that her mentors have gifted her, Sharifah is back with YEP this year, but as a
mentor. This is her way of giving back to the community. With great character, a winsome personality and a
sweet smile, Sharifah is definitely a positive influence on the students under her care. Her younger sister, Sharifah Zulaiha is also in YEP this
year. She too is showing shades of her elder sister as she has managed to be promoted from the Normal Technical stream to the Normal
Academic stream and will be taking her ‘N’ levels this year.
AMPlified recently caught up with Sharifah as she shared her story on the lessons she had experienced as a student in YEP.
AMPlified: How has YEP helped you out in the three years you were there as a student?
Sharifah: YEP has taught me a lot of things which I don’t think I would be able to learn from elsewhere. I have learnt how to be true to
myself. If I put effort into what I want to do in life, it will eventually pay off.
There was once when we had a camp at Dairy Farm. All of us were encouraged to be involved in all the activities. There were high
elements, my greatest fear. Almost everyone tried them, including the juniors. So, when I looked at how they have tried, it motivated me
to try them too. At first, I thought it was impossible for me to overcome my fear, but I managed to do it. That was when I told myself that
nothing is impossible now, as long as I push myself beyond the limits.
AMPlified: What is the most important life lesson that your mentor has taught you?
Sharifah: Just be yourself. You don’t need to be someone else just to get what you want. Believe in yourself and be confident and positive
of who you are. Set your goals right and go for it!
AMPlified: What are your plans for the future?
Sharifah: YEP has enriched my life in so many ways. My mentors inspired me when I was in YEP and I too, want to be an inspiration to
others. That was when I thought of ‘giving back’ to the programme and return to YEP as a mentor. I also like teaching, so it is a good fit
for me. However, my dream is to be an accountant, so I hope to complete my diploma in Temasek Polytechnic and work towards that!
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MARKETPLACE
BUNBOX
The proud owner of BunBox, Ms Noraisa Majid, owns a home-based business specialising in halal
cakes and pastries. With prior experience in sales and product design, coupled with her passion for
baking, the former engineer is currently pursuing the National ITE Certificate (NITEC) in Baking at the
Baking Industry Training Centre (BITC). BunBox offers customised birthday cakes, log cakes, basket
weave cakes and 3D cakes. She also takes orders for pastries ranging from éclairs, pastry tarts, Oreo
puffs, mini apple crumble pies and many others.
For more information or orders, please visit http://bunbox.multiply.com or contact Ms Noraisa
at 9823 3056 or e via email at bunbox_mail@yahoo.com.sg.
NANNY CREATION
MAIMON TRADITIONAL
KUEHS
Nanny Creation provides a wide range of
wedding crafts services including customised
hantaran gift sets, bunga paha, sirih dara
and hand bouquets.
Maimon Traditional Kuehs offers simple yet
delectable breakfast and tea time treats. Mdm
Maimon, the owner, has been baking and selling
Malay traditional cakes such as kueh kaswi,
lompang, ondeh-ondeh, keria and many others
to stalls, individuals and corporate bodies since
2005.
Nanny Creation also offers customised
costume jewellery made from beads and
Swarovski crystals. You can choose from
various designs of brooches, bracelets,
earrings, tasbih and mobile phone holders.
For more information or orders, please visit http://nannynora.blogspot.com or
contact Mdm Noraini at 8222 3102 or via email at norjayakarim@yahoo.com.sg.
SAMEEQ CATERING
Mdm Saripa started her home business small, by selling homemade frozen food to order.
However, Sameeq Catering has since grown to include catering services for individuals and
corporate bodies. It also offers take-away dinners for busy mothers staying in the East area.
Different selections of food are available daily.
For more information or orders, please visit http://sameeqcatering.multiply.com or contact
Mdm Saripa at 9370 9100 or 6640 1301 or via email at sameeqcatering@gmail.com.
For more information or orders, please
contact Mdm Maimon at 6581 7341
or 9364 2270.
APRIL
■
AFYS Family Retreat
MAY
■
AFYS Examination Preparatory
Workshop for Parents & Students
JUNE
■
■
Youth Enrichment Programme Camp
Madrasah Aljunied Charity
Golf Tournament
HIGHLIGHTS
UPCOMING
All products and services featured in Marketplace are offered by AMP’s clients who run home-based businesses to supplement their household income.
AFYS Examination Preparatory Workshop
for Parents & Students
May 2010
In sync with the Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme’s (AFYS) enhanced
plans for 2010, a focused preparatory workshop will be conducted
for AFYS families whose children are sitting for the PSLE, GCE ‘N’
or ‘O’ level examinations. The workshop aims to equip the students
with essential tools and techniques to tackle pre-examination
anxiety and revisions. Their parents will also pick up useful tips on
how to motivate their children in their examination preparation.
Youth Enrichment Programme Camp
June 2010
With the aim of pushing their personal limits and unleashing their
real potential, 150 youth participants from AMP’s Youth Enrichment
Programme will be roughing it out at the Sarimbun Scouts Camp
during the June school holidays. This camp promises to be an
exciting experience for the youths.
ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS
AMP @ PASIR RIS, 1 Pasir Ris Drive 4, #05-11, Singapore 519457 | Tel: 6416 3966 | Fax: 6583 8028
Email: corporate@amp.org.sg | Website: www.amp.org.sg | Co. Reg. No: 199105100D
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ISSUE 4 • OCT – DEC 2009