Issue 3 - Association of Muslim Professionals

ISSUE 3 • JUL – SEP 2009
MICA (P) No: 260/10/2008 • ISSN 1793-8694
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A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER BY THE ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS
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FAMILY
KEEPING THEM ROOTED AND STRONG
1
BUILDING
STRONG FAMILY TIES
Dear Readers
Family is an important part of our lives. They form the strong support system we fall back on when facing
tough times. We see this in our clients, where the breadwinner loses his job, and the entire family rallies
together to help him pick up the pieces and share the burden. Together, they figure out cost-cutting measures
to ease the financial strain, be it shopping for cheaper alternatives or cutting down the use of electricity
where possible. We see housewives who have stayed at home for over a decade return to work or set up
home-based businesses to supplement the household income. The older siblings take on the ‘head of the
household’ role when both parents go out to work and at the same time, learn to be more responsible as they
care for their younger siblings.
In this issue of AMPlified, we feature several articles on the importance of family ties, starting with the AFYS
Family Day which AMP organised in April. The event brought together 57 families who enjoyed a whole range
of activities organised for the entire family, from the parents to the children. We also feature the Mother’s
Day lunch served to single mothers from our Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS) who are often so busy
earning a living in order to give their children a better future that they do not have the time to give themselves
a treat. Finally, an AFYS client shares the struggles her family faces and how they cope with only her husband’s
income to feed her family of 11. However, with strong support from her and her husband, their children have
gone on to do well in their studies.
We hope you find this issue inspiring and heartwarming. Happy reading.
Mohd Anuar Yusop
Executive Director, AMP
WHAT’S in STORE
Strengthening Familial Bonds
1
INSPIRASI Workshop Series
2
Spending Smart
3
Intercultural Exchange
3
Café Le Caire Mother’s Day Special
3
Be Smart, Be Cybersmart
4
Sanctuary for Youths
4
Take the Lead
4
Giving Back to the Community
5
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
5
Young AMP Reading Circles 2009
5
The Heroes of AMP
6
The Key to Strong Family Ties
6
Building A Skilled Community
6
Fees for Less
7
Pledge for Education for All
7
Towards a Brighter Future
8
Nurturing the Youth
9
Marketplace
10
Highlights
10
For advertising enquiries, please email winda@amp.org.sg.
We welcome feedback, comments and suggestions on
the articles that appear in AMPlified. Please address your
correspondence to winda@amp.org.sg.
2
ISSUE 3 • JUL – SEP 2009
EDITORIAL LINE-UP
Supervising Editor
Mohd Anuar Yusop
Editor
Winda Guntor
Subeditors
Nurul Jannah Mohd Ismail
Suziyana Hamid
Creative
Muhd Hafiz Syahiddin Johar
Contributors
Aspalela Mohd Salleh
Celia Hamid
Mariah Noor Mohd
Mariam Mustaffa
Mohd Shahar Hussein
Nurul Jannah Mohd Ismail
Salim Rafick Ali
Shereen Mohd Idris
Siti Izyan Hussain
Suhaili Saad
Suzieyati Malimar
Zaleha Ahmad
Photography
Fauziah Rahman
Juniati Idris Zein
Mariah Noor Mohd
Muhd Hafiz Syahiddin Johar
Norsiah Muslim
Shereen Mohd Idris
Suzieyati Malimar
Suziyana Hamid
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STRENGTHENING
familial
bonds
Workshop fo
r th
e parents on
how to cope
with the reces
sion
by Suzieyati Malimar
In times of economic instability, the need for family support is more crucial than before. In view of this, AMP
organised the inaugural AFYS Family Day for its beneficiaries under the Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme
(AFYS) on 4 April.
The full day event, conducted at Costa Sands Resort in Pasir Ris, featured a parental workshop, an
empowerment session for the youths and beach activities for the children. The day ended with a BBQ
dinner by the seaside for the families. A total of 167 beneficiaries participated in the event.
The event kicked off with the parental workshop entitled ‘Rising in Resilience: Outliving the Financial
Crisis’ conducted by Focus on the Family Singapore, a local charity dedicated to helping families thrive.
Participants found the workshop very useful as it covered topics such as managing finances, what to do
when someone loses his/her job and keeping the family together.
Activities for the youths and children were carried out close by. The children were kept entertained at
the beach with team building games such as the sandcastle building competition and telematch race.
Meanwhile, the youths attended a workshop on problem solving and learned how these skills can be
applied in school and at home by taking ownership of the problem at hand.
Later in the evening, the families gathered at the beach for the BBQ dinner. The families bonded while they
enjoyed the sea breeze and barbequed the food items together. The event closed with the presentation of
tokens such as food items, baby products and school materials to the families.
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1
INSPIRASI
by Zaleha Ahmad
Photos courtesy of INSPIRASI PPIS
WORKSHOP SERIES
Zaleha Ahmad, Centre Director of INSPIRASI@AMP, giving her opening
remarks
Participants during a group discussion
Even though many counsellors, social workers and mentors work closely with Malay/
Muslim clients, some may not have a good grounding of the cultural and religious
sensitivities involved when dealing with these clients. Some may also be unsure and
receive conflicting views on certain issues pertaining to the Malay/Muslim community.
To clear common misconceptions on such issues, INSPIRASI@AMP and INSPIRASI PPIS
co-organised two half-day workshops on 23 and 28 April.
The first workshop focused on family planning and contraceptive methods in Islam.
It was conducted by Ustaz Nazirudin Md Nasir, Head, Office of Mufti, Islamic Religious
Council of Singapore (MUIS), and Mdm Fatimah Eunos, a consultant at Insyirah Consultancy.
The workshop dispelled the notion that Islam was against any form of contraception.
Though the idea of not having children is against the concept of children as a
gift (rezki) from God, Islam stresses that the quality and well-being of each
member of the family must be fulfilled. Thus, the encouragement to have
children is within the context of the ability of the parents to remain
responsible and care for the children both materially and
spiritually. The session also discussed the various
modes of contraception permissible in Islam.
The second workshop was also conducted by
the two trainers and was entitled ‘Unplanned
Pregnancy: Is Marriage the Solution?’. It gave
an insight into the various fatwas or rulings with
regards to the issue of sex outside marriage and
the status of a child born out of wedlock. It also
discussed the legal rights of the child both from
the Syariah and secular perspectives. The session
also allowed the participants to deliberate on the
issue of whether marriage should be the solution for
unplanned pregnancies.
Both workshops were well-received by the participants
and many looked forward to more of such workshops to
be conducted in the future.
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ISSUE 3 • JUL – SEP
ISSUE 3 • JUL – SEP 2009
2 2009
$
PENDING
MART
by Aspalela Mohd Salleh
Loss of jobs, pay cuts and no salary increments. These
are common issues that arise during an economic
downturn. What then can be done to ensure that the
impact of the downturn is lessened?
This was what a group of 30 beneficiaries from AMP’s
Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS) and Ready
for School Fund (RFS) learned in the first of a series
of financial management workshops organised by AMP
under the Community Leaders’ Forum (CLF). The workshops
are aimed at ensuring that participants are better prepared
to face the challenges brought about by the current
economic slump through proper money management.
The invited speaker for the workshop was Abang Abu,
an enthusiastic motivational speaker and entrepreneur
who shared the fundamentals of money management.
Among others, he emphasised the importance of financial
Participants of the Projek Bijak
Belanja workshop, conducted by
speaker, Abang Abu
Participants of the Junior Boss
Workshop, which focused on
financial management for children
responsibilities, how to differentiate between ‘wants’ and
‘needs’ and how to manage cash flow and cash balance.
The session was well-received with many participants
leaving the workshop with a better understanding of how
they should manage their finances. The next two sessions
will focus on daily cash management, the importance of
setting short-term and long-term financial goals and credit
and debt management.
Intercultural
X
change
by Shereen Mohd Idris
Making AMP’s presence felt on a regional level, Young AMP hosted a
student delegation from Indonesia for dinner and conversation on 24 May
at the National Library.
Young AMP members, 15 Singaporean undergraduates and PropNex
CEO, Mr Ismail Gafoor, welcomed the delegation, which comprised
programme coordinators, lecturers,
and undergraduates. They were from
Institut Teknologi Bandung’s School
of Business and Management, on a
cross-cultural study trip to Singapore
and Malaysia.
Indonesian students looking on as
Mr Ismail Gafoor, CEO of Propnex, shares
his thoughts
The Indonesian entourage and their hosts
from Young AMP
The library was the chosen venue,
as a reflection of the rich repository
of knowledge that was exchanged
between the two groups. After
a warm introductory exchange
between
the
undergraduates,
Mr Ismail Gafoor shared with the
group his personal, fiery, and
inspiring reflections on tackling
business challenges. The Indonesian
delegation, in return, shared with
the Singaporeans the upcoming
business trends in Indonesia.
Café Le Caire
MOTHER’S DAY
SPECIAL
by Suzieyati Malimar
Mother’s Day is a day of appreciation for
all mothers, for their never-fading love and
unrelenting effort in raising and nurturing
their children. It is a day that is even more
special for single mothers who often have
to work much harder to raise their children
all by themselves without the support of a
husband.
This year, Mother’s Day was made a little
sweeter for five single mothers and their
eleven children from AMP’s Adopt a Family
& Youth Scheme (AFYS). They were treated
to a scrumptious Middle Eastern buffet on
9 May as part of Café Le Caire’s Mother’s
Day celebration.
One of the mothers, Mdm Maznah*,
was extremely touched by the gesture
and said that this was her first time
celebrating Mother’s Day. As the sole
breadwinner since her husband’s passing
in 2002, Mdm Maznah worked hard to
support her four young children. Feeling
deeply appreciated, Mdm Maznah had a
huge smile on her face as she sat back
and enjoyed the buffet with her children
that day.
*Name has been changed
3
3
BE SMART,
BE CYBERSMART
by Siti Izyan Hussain
On 7 March, officers from the Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA) ‘detained’ students and mentors
from the Youth Enrichment Programme after their
weekly lessons. Fret not! The students and mentors
had not breached any laws. They were voluntary
participants for a workshop on cyberterrorism which
was conducted exclusively for them.
The participants benefited greatly from the educational
session where they discussed what constitutes as
cyberterrorism and how to prevent themselves from
falling into the trap of radical ideology.
SANCTUARY
FOR YOUTHS
by Siti Izyan Hussain
Troubled youths can
now stop by the youth
drop-in centre in AMP
to share their problems
with a youth counsellor.
NUR@Pasir Ris opened
its doors in March 2009
and has since seen 25
youths and their parents
who have been assisted
in coping and dealing
with issues plaguing the
The cozy counselling room where the youths will
youths. Aged between
meet with their counsellor
12 and 21, most of
the youths were walk-in clients or referred by the NURteensLINE,
AMP Helpline and schools.
The centre was opened as part of the Integrated Programme for
Troubled Teenagers under the Community Leaders’ Forum (CLF) to
provide immediate crisis intervention and individual counselling. The
centre provides a safe and friendly environment for the youths, as
well as parents, to disclose issues that concern them.
Excited participants awaiting the start of the workshop
take the lead
YEP! The Youth Enrichment Programme (YEP) Annual Camp was
held again this year from 12 to 14 June at Si Ling Secondary
School. With over 90 students from various secondary schools
participating, it proved to be an overwhelming experience
for students and volunteers alike. This year’s theme was ‘Take
the Lead’ and it was targeted to develop students’ interest in
taking up leadership roles and building their inner selves.
Back in base camp, meal times were truly an experience.
Students were treated to several meal themes like ‘Italian
Dinner Night’ where students had pizza and ‘Dim Sum
Breakfast’ with a variety of pau as well as siew mai on the menu.
To give the students the experience of trying out various local
and halal cuisines, delicacies like nasi lemak, fried carrot cake
and Hainanese chicken rice were served.
Students were treated to various interesting activities like
‘Mac’s Trail’, which was held at the Jurong Bird Park. Within
their assigned groups, the students were left to solve several
clues involving Mathematics and general knowledge along
the trail. The students rose to the occasion by completing the
entire trail and were treated to the spectacular ‘Friends of the
Birdies’ show.
The overall aim of the camp was met through its activities and at
the same time, the students had fun while fulfilling their duties
and living in the Islamic way where they were nurtured to have a
prosperous and fruitful life. The students were enthusiastic and
are already looking forward to our next activity. Look out for
details soon!
The most popular activity was
the AMP Idol Night, where
students put acts together and
performed for an opportunity to
win movie tickets and Diadora
school bags. Local group,
‘Raven’, graced the event as
the Guest of Honour. They gave
smashing performances to an
explosive audience.
4
by Salim Rafick Ali
ISSUE 3 • 4JUL – ISSUE
SEP 2009
3 • JUL – SEP 2009
Students engaged in an afternoon of birds and Math puzzles Winner for AMP Idol Night, Aziz Bin Razali, impresses
at the Jurong Bird Park
students and judges with his drumming skills on a makeshift
drum set
GIVING BACK
TO THE COMMUNITY
by Mariah Noor Mohd
A few teared, humbled by the realisation that their lives were indeed blessed
compared to the less fortunate. Others vowed that they would work together
to build a happy home and give their children a promising future.
They were part of a group of 16 young couples from Club INSPIRASI who
participated in the INSPIRASI Gives Back project, aimed at providing a
platform for these couples to contribute back to the community. Under the
project, the couples visited 20 children from Darul Ma’wa Children’s Home
in June and took them on an excursion to Snow City.
To emphasise the importance of family unity and enhance solidarity, each
couple was paired up with one child and assumed parental roles to ensure
each child returned home happy.
Participants creating handmade cards for the children from
Darul Ma’wa
The event proved to be heartwarming and enlightening for all participants
involved. During the reflection session, the couples expressed the need to
build a strong and happy family. They were extremely touched when they
were given a thank you letter from the children saying how happy they were
to have their company for the day.
The children of Darul Ma’wa
HEALTHY BODIES, Young AMP
ReadingCircles
HEALTHY MINDS
by Mohd Shahar Hussein
As part of AMP’s staff wellness programme, the Human Resource
department organises bimonthly health talks with the objective of
enhancing the awareness and importance of health and how one can
strive for a healthy lifestyle.
The first in the series was a lunch talk in January on ‘Stress
Management’. The speaker, an Occupational Therapist from Changi
General Hospital, shared a list of workplace stress factors and how
these can be dealt with so that the organisation and employees can
function effectively and efficiently.
‘Diet and Cholesterol Management’ was the topic for the second
lunch talk. The topic was indeed a wake-up call and reminder for
those with a good appetite. The dietician presented a detailed
account of how managing one’s diet can be effective in individual
health management.
The third talk was on ‘Anger & Conflict Management’, where the
speaker shared how to manage emotions and issues that can trigger
anger and ways to overcome them.
With the knowledge gained from the talks, it was also hoped that
the productivity of AMP staff will increase, contributing to AMP’s
enhanced performance. As the common maxim in managing
organisations goes, ‘Workplace Wellness: Healthy Employees,
Healthy Families, Healthy ROI’.
by Shereen Mohd Idris
2009
Over the past four months, Young AMP’s monthly
Reading Circle sessions remained focused on
developing critical thinking abilities and instilling
strong faith in youths. The first two sessions, held at the
National University of Singapore (NUS), were facilitated
by Dr Syed Farid Al-Atas, Head of the Malay Studies
Department, NUS. The sessions covered various topics
such as media manipulation and religious thought in
secular contemporary society. The discussions impressed
upon the participants the necessity of developing and
maintaining critical perspectives and attitudes.
The next two sessions focused on reminding the
participants of Man’s ultimate dependence on the
Creator. The community’s absolute vigilance and efforts
expended for its advancement would have a better
chance of fruition when its members strike a balance
between their various personal, social, and religious
obligations and responsibilities. The sessions were
facilitated by Ms Naz Georgas, Community Organiser,
Lecturer and Board Member of American Society for
Muslim Advancement (ASMA) in New York.
The discussion will continue over the next few
months. The Reading Circle 2009’s theme focuses on
‘InSight: Changing the Outside from Within’. For more
information, please visit www.youngamp.sg.
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5
THE HEROES
OF AMP
by Mohd Shahar Hussein
Social workers assist individuals, families and communities
who are disadvantaged to address challenges and positively
impact changes in their lives. Social workers make an
essential contribution to the promotion of social cohesion,
through both preventive work and their response to social
problems. Their efforts are an investment in the current and
future welfare of our community.
On 6 May, the staff of AMP took some time off from their
daily routine and commitments to get together to reflect
on the significant role of the champions of social justice
and social inclusion over the last five decades. Shereen of
Young AMP presented a lively account of the well-known
personalities and luminaries who, over the years, have been
unselfishly involved in social work and the tremendous impact
of their contributions. Fun time with song and games and light
refreshments were part of the programme. The significance
of the session was well-encapsulated in the opening remarks
by Mr Mohd Anuar Yusop, Executive Director of AMP –
“All of us at AMP are involved directly or indirectly with social
work. It is now time for you to enjoy this afternoon and give
yourself a pat on the back for the efforts and contributions you
have given as a team in the social work field”.
And enjoy they did.
Working together on a jigsaw puzzle
STRONG
FAMILY TIES
by Celia Hamid
Family resilience is important, especially during troubled
times like this, with the recession still plaguing our economy.
When a family member loses his/her job, family support is
critical in helping him/her back to his/her feet. The amount of
time you invest in your family will help you weather any storm
and form a solid family foundation. Below are some tips to
help you achieve that.
1. COMMUNICATION
Communication is key to any relationship. More than that,
it is how you convey your messages through the tone used.
Positive facial expressions and body language are also
important. It is not just about what you say, it is also about
how you say it.
2. SPEND TIME WITH ONE ANOTHER
Uniting your family by engaging one another in activities that
everyone can take part in strengthens family bonds. Playing
board games, going cycling around the neighbourhood and
having a meal together are some of your options. If you have
the funds, plan for mini trips where the goal is to simply
spend time with one another.
3. SPIRITUALITY
Praying, attending religious classes or reading constructive
and inspirational material can heighten your sense of peace.
In turn, it lessens the risk to adversity. Religious beliefs and
observation could provide stability in maintaining a healthy
family relationship.
Suhaimi serenading Suziyana during
the ‘Don’t Forget the Lyrics’ game
4. BE THERE FOR ONE ANOTHER
When a member of your family faces a problem, spend some
time with him/her to talk things through. Be the shoulder for
them to cry on. Discuss as a family possible solutions to his/
her problem. This will help build trust and companionship.
building a skilled community
by Suhaili Saad
In the last issue of AMPlified, it was reported that AMP introduced the Temporary Assistance Package (TAP) to assist
families who had been affected by the recession and retrenchment.
A total of 55 applicants who fulfilled the eligibility criteria have been enrolled under TAP thus far. These applicants and
their families have undergone a thorough case assessment by AMP and will receive varying forms of assistance based
on their needs for one year. These include financial assistance and management, economic empowerment and socioeducational assistance.
Thus far, almost $20,000 has been disbursed to assist the clients. This amount goes towards paying off utilities arrears,
children’s school and tuition fees as well as providing sponsorship for the various skills upgrading courses and selfsufficiency skills programmes.
AMP expects to receive more applications for TAP and will continue providing assistance to those who need it. It is hoped
that TAP will help our community to be stronger and more resilient in this difficult time.
6
ISSUE 3 • 6JUL – ISSUE
SEP 2009
2 • JUL
3
APR –– SEP
JUN2009
2009
Photo courtesy of Iman Kindergarten & Childcare
FEES FOR
Students of Iman Kindergarten & Childcare get a good balance of work and play
in school
by Nurul Jannah Mohd Ismail
Good news, parents! Starting this month, a joint pilot programme by Iman Kindergarten & Childcare and AMP offers disadvantaged
preschoolers a spot in one of their preschool centres at a discounted rate. These students will pay a monthly fee of only $50 instead
of the usual $150. The programme, in line with AMP’s Ready for School Fund, hopes to assist 100 preschoolers in K1 and K2 from lowincome families in their academic pursuit. It will run from July to December 2009.
Iman Kindergarten & Childcare is an approved institution of early childhood by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Community
Development, Youth & Sports (MCYS). It provides a well-rounded 3-in-1 programme comprising academic subjects, enrichment and
moral orientation to children.
For interested applicants, please visit www.amp-rfs.sg or contact Ms Aspalela at 6416 1425 or visit AMP directly at 1 Pasir Ris
Drive 4, #05-11, Singapore 519457.
PLEDGE FOR
The Ready for School Fund Pledge Card Drive helps to raise funds for
disadvantaged students
Earlier in June, AMP collaborated with the Malay Language
Learning & Promotion Committee (MLLPC) to raise awareness
of the Ready for School Fund through the promotion of pledge
cards.
At the Malay Language Seminar 2009 held at Meridian Junior
College on 4 June, AMP garnered the support of several
schools to participate in the Pledge Card Drive which will take
place later this year.
The Ready for School Fund Pledge Card Drive is extended
to companies who wish to fulfill their Corporate Social
EDUCATION
FOR ALL
by Nurul Jannah Mohd Ismail
Responsibility (CSR) programme and schools who wish to carry
out their Community Involvement Programme (CIP).
Since October 2003, AMP’s pledge card programme has raised
almost $300,000 with the support of 24 schools as well as the
Islamic Bank of Asia. The funds raised will be channelled to
AMP’s Ready for School Fund, which assists disadvantaged
students from the preschool to university level.
Pledge your way into the hearts of the needy. Find out how
you can get involved by calling Ms Norizan at 6416 3966 or
emailing her at norizan@amp.org.sg.
7
7
by Suzieyati Malimar
Photo courtesy of Mdm Sahlawati and family
“How do you cope with nine children?”
That is what everyone always asks Mdm Sahlawati Salbi, 41, when
they find out how many kids she has.
It is definitely not easy, she readily admits, especially when there is
only one breadwinner in the family. Mdm Sahlawati’s husband, Mr
Mohd Shahrin Shamsudin, works as a sales coordinator and earns
$1,200 a month. For the moment, Mdm Sahlawati is unable to go
out to work as her youngest child is only 6 years old and requires
her full attention.
In 2007, she and her husband sought help from AMP’s Adopt
a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS) for financial and educational
assistance. The family has since received assistance for their utilities
expenses, payment of outstanding school and examination fees,
home tuition as well as Ready for School Packs for their schoolgoing children.
Mr Shahrin and seven of his children. Not in the photo are Mdm Sahlawati and two of her
daughters.
AMPlified caught up with Mdm Sahlawati recently to find out the challenges she faces in managing a large family.
AMPlified: What is a major concern for you and your husband in managing a large family?
Mdm Sahlawati: Our concern mainly revolves around our children. Though we may not have much, we always try to give our children the best.
Education is very important to us and we do not want our children to lose out on a good education just because we do not earn enough. This
was why we approached AMP for assistance.
AMPlified: What are the challenges you normally face?
Mdm Sahlawati: Our household income is definitely not enough to cover the monthly expenses. Most of my husband’s salary goes towards our
children’s transport expenses and food. Sometimes, we are able to give our older children $2 each to buy food in school but there are times
when we do not have enough, so they do not eat in school.
Another challenge is that we are unable to save. Last month, two of our children were sick but we did not have any money to see the doctor as
my husband had not received his salary for the month. Thankfully, we received emergency financial assistance from AMP and my children were
able to see the doctor.
AMPlified: What other measures have you taken to ensure that your children do not lose out on education?
Mdm Sahlawati: We have approached our children’s schools and they have placed our children under MOE’s Financial Assistance Scheme.
Some of my children are lucky as their school also provides food for them. We have also approached the Family Service Centre for the School
Pocket Money Fund for our children. However, they are only entitled to 24 months of assistance. At the moment, only my eighth child is eligible
to receive money from the Fund.
AMPlified: How are your children faring in school?
Mdm Sahlawati: All of my children are doing well in school and I am very proud of them. My eldest child has just finished her ITE course in
Beauty Therapy and has applied to further her studies in the same industry. My second child is also studying Beauty Therapy, a course which is
difficult to get into. My third child, who will be sitting for his GCE ‘N’ levels at the end of the year, came in 1st in standard for last year’s mid-year
and final year examinations. He intends to study Culinary Skills in ITE.
AMPlified: How do you encourage your children to do well in
their studies?
Mdm Sahlawati: My husband and I only studied until Secondary
4, so we want our children to do better than us. We explained to
them the importance of furthering their education for a brighter
future. We also tell them not to worry about money. As long as
they have the interest to further their studies, we will find a way to
support their education expenses.
8
ISSUE
• JUL3– SEP
• JUL
2009
– SEP 2009
8 3 ISSUE
To help Mdm Sahlawati or others like her,
you can sponsor a family under the scheme
at $250 a year or $20 a month.
Call us at 6416 3966 to find out more.
A ge: 23
O ccupation:
cc upation: Executive Of ficer, Youth
Orga nisatio n:
A sso ciation of M usli m Professionals
Years Worke d with Youths: 4
Volu nteers with:
C A R E Cor ner FSC Q ueensto w n
M erc y Relief
she also helps out at Mercy Relief.
hd Ismail
nnah Mo
a
J
l
ru
u
by N
Meet Izyan. A young, vibrant, dedicated counsellor whose passion
for youths drove her to join AMP’s Youth Unit.
Don’t be fooled by her small, demure exterior. Currently pursuing
a double major in Psychology and Criminology, she packs a punch
especially when it comes to dealing with troubled youths.
Izyan started working with youths when she was 19 and volunteered
with CARE Singapore. A year later, while working with Absorbent
Minds, a company which provides facilitation services for youth
camps, she returned to her alma mater, Pioneer Junior College,
to facilitate a camp organised by her juniors. Not long after, she
volunteered her services with CARE Corner FSC Queenstown for
their youth programme – ‘W.A.Y’ – We Are Youth. She still volunteers
as and when they need her help. When she has a moment to spare,
When asked why she chose to work with youths, she
said, “Youths are the assets of the future. Being young,
they are at the most volatile stage of their lives where
they are in constant search of their identities. They
need guidance but unfortunately, sometimes the
environment they are in is not conducive for them
to develop to their fullest potential. This is a shame
as more often than not, they are individuals that have a
lot more in them waiting to be unleashed yet others judge them
with a negative eye. Being a youth myself, I face the same challenges
most of them are facing. I believe I still have a lot more to contribute
in helping them challenge their own abilities.”
Challenges faced by youths today are too many to ignore. Izyan
pinpoints the main issues as “family issues in terms of communication
with parents and siblings, differences in the level of expectations,
confidence and motivation issues, smoking, peer pressure, their
coping mechanisms and sexuality.”
She added, “Youths have a fear of being judged so they put up a
tough exterior to protect themselves from anyone whom they think
might hurt them. These defence mechanisms make it hard at times
to really pinpoint what the actual issue at hand is.”
However, like every other job, there are its rewards. For Izyan,
satisfaction comes from seeing the youth able to cope and handle
their situation better rather than resort to the maladaptive methods
they are accustomed to. She said, “The most rewarding is definitely
when I see them achieve something for themselves; no matter how
small it may seem to others. It is often enough to satisfy the youths
and improve the belief system they have within themselves.”
An only child, she attributes her success to her supportive parents
who constantly encourage her to maximise her potential and to be
independent and self-confident.
On sharing her hopes for the youth of the community, Izyan said,
“My hope is for them to realise the potential they have within them
and the power they hold in their hands. I hope they will make use
of that power in the best way that will benefit them.”
You can also be a part of this fulfilling endeavour
by signing up as a volunteer with AMP.
Email us at people@amp.org.sg
for more details.
Izyan helps troubled youths and their parents work out their differences during
counselling sessions
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MARKETPLACE
MR ONN BIN DOLLAH
Mr Onn Bin Dollah first started out by
rendering reflexology services to his
relatives and friends while working as a
freelance Safety Engineer Inspector. With a
desire to expand his clientele, he enrolled
in AMP’s Micro Business Programme
and underwent numerous courses in
reflexology. Now a certified therapist
specialising in foot reflexology and body
massage, he operates out of his home, in a
mini clinic within.
MIL’S DESIGN
To loosen your tense muscles or for a
pampering treat, please contact Mr Onn
at 9721 8142 or 6765 1069 or email him
at onnkelisha@yahoo.com.sg.
MIL’s Design specialises in unique and
exclusive crystal favours and souvenirs
designed for weddings and special
occasions. It also offers traditional wedding
must-haves such as sirih junjung and sirih
dara. Injecting creativity into the products
of MIL’s Design is Mdm Tumilah Selamat, an
AMP Micro Business Programme graduate.
Through the programme, Mdm Tumilah perfected her creative flair and expanded her services to
offer delicious cakes, pies, pastries and traditional kuihs like koswi, lapis serikaya, bakar talam lauk
and lompang.
For more information or orders, please contact Mdm Tumilah at 6445 3447 or via email at
tumilah_selamat@yahoo.com.
JULY
■
INSPIRASI Counsellors High Tea –
Talaq & Women’s Rights
AUGUST
■
■
■
Financial Management Workshop –
Lifestyle
Financial Management Workshop –
Credit & Debt Management
AMP Charity Golf 2009
SEPTEMBER
■
AFYS Hari Raya Shopping & Iftar
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.
INSPIRASI Counsellors High Tea –
Talaq & Women’s Rights
July 2009
Women have always been seen as being on the receiving end of
talaq where they do not have much say in the matter – is this a fact
or just a myth? This will be one of the issues that will be discussed at
the upcoming Counsellors High Tea session. The session is open to
all social workers and counsellors. Please email Ms Rosedah Anuar
at rosedah@amp.org.sg for more information.
AMP Charity Golf 2009
August 2009
AMP’s third charity golf tournament aims to raise funds for its Ready
for School Fund. The Fund assists underprivileged school children
of all races, from preschool to tertiary level, by equipping them
with school essentials such as stationery and school bags, cash
disbursements and other financial assistance. To be a part of this
worthy cause, please contact us at 6416 3966.
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 3 • JUL – SEP 2009