Issue 9: Jan - Mar 2011 - Association of Muslim Professionals

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1
Through
Through
THE YEARS
THE
The Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) had its beginnings in 1991, as a result of the first National
Convention of Singapore Malay/Muslim Professionals held a year earlier. The Convention served as a
platform for the voices of 500 Malay/Muslim professionals representing the community’s interests, to be
heard. After the two-day Convention, they achieved what they had set out for – a new strategic direction
for the Malay/Muslim community to catalyse its progress in 21st century Singapore, in the form of AMP.
OUR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
To say that the first few years were tough for AMP would be an understatement. A huge task had
been placed upon its shoulders – to chart the path for the Malay/Muslim community, with minimal
manpower and financial resources. It operated out of a small office in Joo Chiat, with only two
full-time staff managed by a team of volunteers who would head to the AMP office after their fulltime jobs everyday to serve the community. These pioneer members of AMP gave their utmost
dedication, time and at times, even money from their own pockets, to ensure AMP was able to
achieve its goals.
From the office in Joo Chiat, it moved to its bigger premises in Jalan Tembusu in 1994, where
AMP operated from for eight years. From there, the community started reaping the rewards of
the efforts by AMP – more programmes and services were offered to serve the community’s
needs such as training services for workers, the first Malay/Muslim preschool centre in
Singapore and enrichment programmes for at-risk youths.
EXPANSION OF OUR EFFORTS
In 1998, AMP’s first subsidiary was established – its research arm, the Centre for Research
on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA). RIMA was formed to strengthen AMP’s role as a
think tank for the community, where it identifies future opportunities and challenges
that the community needs to prepare for. Apart from ad-hoc research projects, RIMA
now regularly engages the community on hot-topic issues that are of interest to the
community through its seminars, focus group discussions and workshops.
Source: © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reprinted with permission.
A year later, in 1999, AMP’s second subsidiary, MERCU™ Learning Point was formed.
MERCU™ started out by providing workers’ training and education to students. It
has since streamlined its business focus towards child and youth education, and
childcare and student care operations.
In 2002, AMP moved to its present location within the Pasir Ris East Community
Building, where it regularly conducts its programmes and activities for its clients.
AMP and its subsidiaries now employ 150 teachers, tutors, social workers,
researchers, counsellors, youth officers and other administrative officers who
serve more than 10,000 clients a year through its programmes and services.
In January 2010, AMP opened its first branch office in Jurong Point Shopping
Centre, which operates as a dedicated centre for youths to drop-in and engage
in structured activities.
THE FUTURE
Having dedicated 20 years of effort towards serving and uplifting the
community, AMP looks forward to more fulfilling years in propelling the
Malay/Muslim community towards success and one that takes its pride of
place in the larger Singaporean society. The success that we have been able
to achieve thus far would not have been possible without the constant and
unrelenting support from our supporters, partners and donors. However, our
greatest appreciation and gratitude goes towards our founding members and
volunteers, without whom the current landscape of the Malay/Muslim community
would be decidedly different.
2
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
ISSUE 9 • JAN – MAR 2011
MICA (P) No: 068/10/2010 • ISSN 1793-8694
A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER BY THE ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS
A Look at the
Culminating Events
of 2010 and what lies ahead
READY FOR SCHOOL,
READY FOR THE FUTURE
Underprivileged students prepare for the
new school year with new school packs
INSTILLING POSITIVE
YOUTH VALUES
BELIEF IN THE SUPERNATURAL
Are the problems we face
the result of supernatural forces?
IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
A young man’s challenging journey
towards his dreams
Youths have fun while learning key values
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
3
CELEBRATING A MILESTONE
Dear Readers
A belated Salam Maal Hijrah and many blessings to you and your loved ones for the new year.
The coming year marks a significant milestone for AMP as we celebrate our 20th year in serving and uplifting the Malay/Muslim community in
Singapore. Reminisce the old days with us in the special section we have included in this issue, where we give you a look into AMP’s history, in
commemoration of our 20th anniversary. We invite you to rejoice with us as we reflect on AMP’s accomplishments in our effort to catalyse the progress
of our community, and appreciate your feedback on how AMP can further improve its efforts.
Each new year comes with the intention of a fresh start, and that is no different for our community in need. AMP is pleased to bring joy to more
than 2,300 disadvantaged students as they started their school preparation early this year through our Ready for School (RFS) Fund Disbursement
Ceremony. You can read more about this event, which saw the highest number of recipients to date, on Page 1.
AMP’s subsidiary, Centre for Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA), has been actively providing a platform for discourse on significant issues
affecting the community throughout 2010. Most notable was the educational workshop RIMA organised in December, which featured renowned
speaker Eric Jensen, from the United States. Eric is well-known for his brain-based approach in motivating underperforming students. The workshop
was well-received by the 250 educational stakeholders who shared a common interest in addressing the problem of underperformance in education.
You can read more about the workshop on Page 5.
AMP is also proud to have supported a good number of beneficiaries who have triumphed over their hardship and used it as a driving force for their
success. Individuals like our Micro Business graduate, Ms Tuty Alawiyah Isnin (featured on Page 4), and RFS youth recipient, Muhammad Shawal Ziyad
(featured on Page 9), are exemplary of such beneficiaries who have paved their way to a brighter future. We hope they will inspire others like them to
work hard and conquer the challenges that they face.
The new year also brings with it new beginnings and this issue introduces a new section – Thought. This section highlights contemporary issues facing
the Malay/Muslim community and features commentaries and opinion pieces from community stakeholders.
We look forward to your continued support in the years to come. Let us work together towards developing a dynamic Malay/Muslim community taking
its pride of place in the larger Singaporean society.
Mohd Anuar Yusop
Executive Director, AMP
WHAT’S in STORE
EDITORIAL LINE-UP
Ready for School, Ready for the Future
1
Instilling Positive Youth Values
2
Youths Advocating Change
3
Building a Community of Entrepreneurs
4
Confronting the Fixation on the Supernatural
4
Nurturing Underprivileged Children
5
Addressing the Issue of Underperforming Students
5
19th Annual General Meeting
5
A Helping Hand
6
On the Radio
6
Belief in the Supernatural
8
In the Face of Adversity
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.
4
ISSUE 9 • JAN – MAR 2011
Supervising Editor
Mohd Anuar Yusop
Editor
Winda Guntor
Subeditor
Ruzaidah Md Rasid
Contributors
Abdul Shariff Aboo Kassim
Aspalela Mohamad Salleh
Fauziah Rahman
Luqman Hakim Ilham
Mohd Alfian Mohd Ismail
Muhd Sirajuddin Jamat
Nur Liyana Yunos
Rosedah Anuar
Sunaryo Darno
Suzieyati Malimar
Zaleha Ahmad
Photography
Habibah Mohammad Saleh
Mohd Hafiz Syahiddin Johar
Muhd Sirajuddin Jamat
Nur Liyana Yunos
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
o EVENTS
READY FOR SCHOOL,
READY FOR THE FUTURE
by Aspalela Mohamad Salleh
Guest-of-H
onour, Mr
Chairman
S
of AMP, M Iswaran (centre in
bl
r
a sharing
session w Nizam Ismail (right, ue) and
ith one of
the benefi in white) having
ciaries.
One of the RFS
Pack recipients
beaming
in delight.
The recipients had
new school shoes.
their feet measured
ir
before collecting the
Singapore Expo was uncharacteristically abuzz with the excited chatter of eager parents and children early on the morning of 4
December 2010. They were there for AMP’s annual Ready for School (RFS) Fund Disbursement Ceremony, where more than 2,300
students from low-income families were about to receive new school essentials from AMP.
The official disbursement ceremony, which started at 10.00 am, was graced by Mr S
Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Education, as the Guest
of Honour. He was joined by Mr Mohd Nizam Ismail, Chairman of AMP, and Mr Raziff
Hamid, Chairman of the RFS Management Committee, in disbursing a total of 100
RFS Packs and 50 AMP Education Bursary awards to the students at the ceremony.
The remaining recipients attended the mass disbursement ceremony held later in the
afternoon.
The RFS Packs worth between $95 and $110 were disbursed to students from the
preschool to post-secondary levels. The Pack contains a school bag, school shoes,
socks, water bottle, stationery and book vouchers. Students were also allowed to get
a reimbursement for their school uniform purchases from AMP. The AMP Education
Bursary worth $500 and $1,000 was awarded to polytechnic and university students
respectively.
, an increase
n-Malays
ipients were no
16% of the rec
last year.
from
AMP would like to extend its sincere appreciation to all individual and corporate
donors who made this event possible through their generous contribution. Their
support will go a long way towards easing the financial burden of these students
and their families, in the bid to develop their confidence to pursue their academic
aspirations for a brighter future.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
1
o EVENTS
The three-day Positive Youth Development
Camp organised under AMP’s Youth Enrichment
Programme (YEP) from 20 to 22 November 2010,
was definitely unlike those held previously. For
the first time, the camp was held in a hotel – the
Mercure Golf and Palm Resort Hotel – in Johore.
The activities arranged for the camp were, by
design, less strenuous, and participants indulged
in the delicious buffet spread provided by the
hotel daily. This time, the camp was organised
specifically to reward deserving YEP students
who were graduating from secondary school,
for the hard work and commitment they had put
in towards their exam preparations throughout
the year.
A total of 117 youths took part in the fun-filled
activities arranged, such as the Fun Trail Blazer
Race, which had them go through traditional
games at various pit stops. The games included
how to use traditional hunting tools such as
the sumpit and catapult. They also put their
teamwork skills to the test during a raft-building
telematch. The youths especially enjoyed the
free time given to them, where they explored
the resort’s sports and recreational facilities
with their mentors, playing squash, billiard and
bowling.
The unique approach to the camp proved to be
a success as the youths were more participative
in the group activities held, which instilled
positive youth development values such as the
importance of making wise decisions. The camp
was also one of the rare occasions that the YEP
students from all participating schools were
able to meet and socialise with one another.
The camarederie formed between the students
during the camp led to many of them organising
several post-camp outings among themselves.
AMP hopes that the bond established among
the youths will be a good source of support for
them to achieve success in the future.
A participant trying out the traditional sumpit.
2
ISSUE 9 • JAN – MAR 2011
The participants built on their team
efforts in constructing a raft and tested
it in the water.
INSTILLING
POSITIVE
YOUTH
VALUES
by Mohd Alfian
Bin Mohamad Ismail
The participants took part in Mine Sweeper, an activity that inculcated the importance of wise
decision-making.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
o EVENTS
Group photo after the presentation at the Arts House.
Some 60 selected youths from various tertiary institutions
gathered at the Singapore Sports School on 17 December
2010 for a three-day residential workshop, PRAXIS, coorganised by Young AMP and MENDAKI Club. PRAXIS hopes
to encourage the involvement of youths in addressing societal
needs and issues through critical thinking and reflection.
The participants underwent intensive workshop sessions on
the first two days of the camp, led by the founder of School
of Thought, Mr Tong Yee, and his team. They were also given
the opportunity to interact and gain valuable insights from the
experiences shared by a group of professionals and activists in
the areas of education, entrepreneurship, environment, media
and technology, and society and culture.
Day Two witnessed the participants embarking on field trips to
three different locations: the National University of Singapore
(NUS) Enterprise Incubator, PERTAPIS Halfway House,
and Mandai Mudflats. They were able to further develop
their critical-thinking skills and became more aware of the
numerous social efforts happening ‘on the ground’. At the
end of the second day, the participants formed a group of 6
to 8 members and brainstormed possible project ideas to be
presented to a panel the following day.
Having to present their proposals to a panel of distinguished
individuals including Member of Parliament for Hong Kah
GRC, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, proved to be no easy feat! The
participants were given constructive feedback on the feasibility
of their projects to better improve the ideas presented. While
the residential workshop concludes the first phase of PRAXIS,
it also marks the beginning of the mentoring process for the
implementation of the project ideas. Mr Zaqy also applauded
the efforts made by both organisers and look forward to more
of such youth programmes that allow them to eventually lead
meaningful projects for the community and nation.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
YOUT H S
ADVOCATING
CHANGE
by Muhd Sirajuddin Jamat
Young AMP board member and fellow
active environmentalist, Ms Sofiah Jamil
(extreme left) shared her experiences with
the participants.
Participants getting their hands and
feet dirty in the mission to save trapped
horseshoe crabs.
CALLING FOR PRAXIS MENTORS
If you are a young professional with at
least 2 years of experience in the areas
of focus, and wish to be a part of PRAXIS
as a mentor, please email your details to
Mr Sirajuddin at sirajuddin@amp.org.sg or
visit Praxis on Facebook.
3
o EVENTS
This year, for the first time ever, 58 Micro Business
Programme participants had the opportunity to
be individually mentored by business consultants
from the Enterprise Development Centre at the
Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce & Industry
(EDC@SMCCI). The technical business advice
rendered by EDC@SMCCI aimed to elevate the
participants’ micro businesses to the next level by
emphasising the importance of a good basic business
infrastructure.
Ms Tuty Alawiyah, the
valedictorian of this year’s batch
gave a speech about her journey
through the programme at the
graduation ceremony.
The seven-month programme culminated in a
graduation ceremony on 4 December 2010 upon the
completion of the participants’ training in the various
areas of their choice and business and IT workshops.
The participants and their respective businesses
were also assessed by EDC@SMCCI in terms of their
business model readiness, experience and exposure
to the chosen field, liquidity and stability.
Among them were four individuals who emerged
with micro businesses that were deemed to have
sustainable models and the highest potential to
expand. They were awarded with the capital grant
of $1,000 each. The valedictorian for this year’s
graduating batch, Ms Tuty Alawiyah Isnin, was invited
onstage during the graduation ceremony to share her
learning experience in setting up her business. The 29year-old spoke about how she picked herself up after
failing in her business venture previously and decided
to look for ways to improve her business knowledge
through the AMP Micro Business Programme. Ms
Tuty also highlighted how proper guidance and
networking with like-minded entrepreneurs can make
a significant impact on your business.
AMP hopes that what started as a way for these
graduates to supplement their household income,
will eventually create a community of successful
entrepreneurs in the near future.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY
OF ENTREPRENEURS
by Fauziah Rahman
The graduates of AMP Micro Business Programme 2010.
CONFRONTING THE FIXATION
ON THE SUPERNATURAL
by Rosedah Anuar
INSPIRASI@AMP concluded its series of Counsellors’ High Tea last year by organising the Belief in
Supernatural and Bomoh among Malay/Muslim Clients sharing session. The controversial topic for
the session held on 12 November 2010 attracted a number of professionals from the social service
and medical fields to attend, including doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists.
A number of counsellors face the dilemma of assisting clients, particularly those from the Malay/
Muslim community, who believe that problems with their marriage, relationship and finances are
a result of ‘black magic’. As a result, these clients may turn to traditional healers or bomohs for
assistance, which causes apprehension among the counsellors.
The participants comprised many professionals from the
social service and medical fields.
4
ISSUE 9 • JAN – MAR 2011
On account of her extensive experience as a counsellor, resource person and trainer, Ms Siti
Hamidah Bahashwan was invited to lead the session. She discussed the sensitivities of dealing with
such clients and shared anecdotes, which offered understanding of the community’s view towards
bomohs. She also provided the participants with guidelines for differentiating between credible
traditional healers and bogus ones.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
o EVENTS
Executive Director of AMP, Mr Mohd Anuar Yusop (back row, extreme left) and Guest of
Honour, Mr Matthias Yao Chih (back row, in centre), Mayor of South East District taking a group
photo with the graduating students under the care of AMP.
NURTURING
UNDERPRIVILEGED
CHILDREN
by Aspalela Mohamad Salleh
On 18 December 2010, the Maxwell Auditorium of the Singapore Science Centre was packed with
47 families whose children were graduating from the Learning Family Programme 2010, a joint
community project fronted by the South East Community Development Council. For the first time
ever, AMP came on board as one of the community partners in this year’s programme to nurture
Kindergarten 2 students from low-income families with sound educational foundation.
The 22-week programme that started in July 2010 aimed to help these students develop their
self-confidence and improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Their parents were also roped in to
participate in some of the activities so that the learning process can continue at home with their
support and encouragement.
AMP would like to wish the graduating families all the best in their children’s educational pursuit
and will continue our efforts in collaborating with other agencies to uplift the community.
Addressing the Issue of
Underperforming Students
by Abdul Shariff Aboo Kassim
Employing
a
neuroscience
approach
to understand the issues faced by
underperforming students, the Centre for
Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA)
and Yayasan MENDAKI jointly organised a twoday workshop attended by 250 stakeholders
in education. Held at the Grand Mercure
Roxy Hotel on 2 and 3 December 2010, the
educational workshop aimed to provide
insights into how educators could engage
underperforming students within a class of
differing levels of ability.
The participants snapping a picture with Mr Eric
Jensen (centre) after the workshop.
The ballroom was filled with teachers from primary and secondary schools, madrasahs as well
as private educational institutions. Taking centre stage as the lead trainer for the session was
renowned American education psychologist, Mr Eric Jensen, who has conducted twenty years
of research on educational neuroscience, with practical classroom applications. Mr Jensen,
who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Jensen Learning Corporation, is also a
member of the prestigious Society for Neuroscience and the New York Academy of Science.
Mr Jensen shared with the participants useful insights and practical techniques that they can
employ when dealing with underperforming students. The objectives of the session were
threefold:
a. To understand the differences in students, including socioeconomic background
and disabilities, which affect learning capacity, as a way to explore more effective teaching
practices
b. To identify areas where students have deficits and how to invest in these areas
c. To explore strategies on what drives students’ motivation so as to effectively engage
and teach a diverse student population made up of different learning abilities
The participants who attended the workshop found it useful and relevant to their course of
work, and felt that they could put the ideas into practice. RIMA wishes to thank the Jensen
Learning Corporation, Embassy of the United States, Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel and Marina
Bay Sands for sponsoring the event.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
An AMP officer showcasing some of the coursework done
by the students in the programme to the Mayor.
19th Annual
General Meeting
by Sunaryo Dano
AMP’s 19th Annual General Meeting
(AGM) was convened on Saturday, 20
November. As it was a non-election
year, there was no balloting for a
change of Directors at the AGM. The
meeting adopted the Audited Financial
Statements for the year ending on 30
June 2010, in which Messrs Rohan Mah &
Partners were re-appointed as Auditors of
the Company.
The current Board of Directors in office
are as follows:
Chairman Mr Mohammad Nizam Ismail
Members Mr Abdul Hamid Abdullah
Mr Azmoon Ahmad
Mr Mohamad Azmi Muslimin
Mr Mohamed Farid
Mohamed Hamzah
Mr Mohammed Raziff
Abdul Hamid
Mr Mohd Azhar Khalid
Mr Mohd Zaidi Mohd Yacob
Two directors, Mr Hasnain Mustafa
Siddiqui and Ms Nor Hidayah Mohd Amin
resigned from the Board on 5 June 2010
and 30 September 2010 respectively.
5
o EVENTS
The top collector of the drive, Omar Esa Alkhatib (right) from
Changkat Primary School.
The second highest collector was Eugene Lee (right) from
Changkat Changi Secondary School.
The third highest collector was Abdul Hakim Maz’ali
(right) from Changkat Changi Secondary School.
A HELPING HAND
by Luqman Hakim Ilham
AMP would like to express its appreciation to the schools
which participated in the Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme
(AFYS) Donation Card Drive 2010. Their commitment and
unwavering support have helped raise more than $20,000
towards our cause.
A big thank you also goes to the top three collectors of
the drive for going all out to garner contribution from their
families and peers.
• Omar Esa Alkhatib – Changkat Primary School
• Eugene Lee – Changkat Changi Secondary School
• Abdul Hakim Maz’ali – Changkat Changi
Secondary School
The
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
16 participating schools were:
Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School
Bowen Secondary School
Changkat Changi Secondary School
Changkat Primary School
Deyi Secondary School
First Toa Payoh Primary School
Greenridge Primary School
Hong Kah Secondary School
Jurong West Secondary School
Juying Secondary School
Northbrooks Secondary School
Pasir Ris Primary School
Pei Hwa Secondary School
Regent Secondary School
Unity Primary School
Yusof Ishak Secondary School
ON THE RADIO
by Luqman Hakim Ilham
For the first time ever, AMP collaborated with WARNA 94.2FM to build awareness and garner support
for AMP’s Ready for School (RFS) Fund last year. The three-week radio campaign saw the radio deejays
from WARNA rallying listeners to contribute to the Fund to assist students from low-income families.
The campaign featured interviews with these students and uncovered the youths’ everyday challenges,
as well as how the Fund has helped alleviate their financial burden. The campaign raked in $55,000 from
the generous listeners of WARNA 94.2FM.
You can do your part in building a brighter future for these students by calling the
telepoll lines below. The telepoll lines will be open for donations until February 2011.
WARNA 94.2FM
1900 112 4001 ($10 donation)
1900 112 4005 ($50 donation)
6
ISSUE 9 • JAN – MAR 2011
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
o ADVERTORIAL
PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS
WITH A LASTING POWER
OF ATTORNEY
Our ability to make decisions can be hindered by a debilitating accident or illness. Under the Mental Capacity Act,
people are empowered to plan in advance for such an eventuality.
What happens if you lose the mental capacity to make your own decisions? Who should take
charge of your personal welfare, and what happens to your financial affairs in the event of that?
To protect the interests of those who have lost their mental capacity and have become vulnerable,
the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports introduced the Mental Capacity Act
which came into effect on 1 March 2010. There are many causes of mental incapability - dementia,
effects of a stroke and accidents are just the few that can happen to anyone.
The Act enables people to plan ahead and gives them the power to make choices for their future
before they lose their mental capacity. Under the Act, individuals with mental capacity, aged 21
years or older (the ‘donor’), can make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to appoint one or more
persons (‘donee[s]’) whom they trust to make decisions for them in the event they should lose
mental capacity one day. Powers can be granted to specific donees in the areas of personal welfare
as well as property and affairs matters. By indicating one’s considered choices and preferences
in an LPA, family members and loved ones would have clarity of an individual’s preferences and
greater peace of mind.
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), a Division within MCYS, is responsible for
administering the Mental Capacity Act. For more information, please visit their website at
www.publicguardian.gov.sg or call the OPG Hotline at 1800 226 6222. You may also email your
queries to enquiry@publicguardian.gov.sg.
OPG also conducts free workshops regularly at the end of each month for members of the public
who are keen to find out more about the Act and how they can make an LPA. Do visit the OPG
website for registration details on these workshops.
LASTING POWER
OF ATTORNEY
A legal document which allows
an individual of at least 21 years
of age (the ‘donor’) and who has
mental capacity, to voluntarily
appoint one or more persons he
trusts (‘donee[s]’), to act and make
decisions on his behalf if he should
lose mental capacity one day.
FREE LPA
WORKSHOPS
Regularly held on the last Saturday
of each month for members of the
public who are keen to find out
more about the Act and how they
can make an LPA.
TO REGISTER
Call 1800 226 6222
or email
enquiry@publicguardian.gov.sg
Do visit
www.publicguardian.gov.sg
for more details.
The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reprinted with permission.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
7
o THOUGHT
In my 20 years as a marriage counsellor, I have come across many clients who blame external factors for the breakdown in their
marriage and relationships, and other problems that they face. However, more often than they should, these clients blame the
supernatural for causing these issues. For example, some attribute their husband’s or wife’s infidelity on a ‘black magic spell’ cast on
their partners, causing them to have extra marital affairs. In other cases, they claim that bomohs or ‘traditional healers’ hired by those
‘jealous’ or ‘envious’ of them, have used ‘black magic’ to cause their financial issues and other difficulties that they face.
However, after several sessions of exploring their problems together, we often discover that the couples themselves are partly
responsible for what they faced. Some of the attributing factors include poor communication between the partners and irresponsible
behaviour on the part of either or both parties.
I recall a case which I handled once, involving a couple who had been married for more than twenty years. The wife believed that her
husband had been ‘charmed’ through her Facebook account. According to her, an ex-boyfriend had used her husband’s photographs
from her Facebook account to cast a spell on him. This, she believed, caused her husband to behave irresponsibly towards her so
that she would leave her husband and return to the ex-boyfriend. Her husband dismissed all this and suspected that his wife had
been having an affair with her ex-boyfriend for the last seven years and that her claims were just an excuse for her to seek a divorce
from him.
In other cases, where the clients are probably less technologically-savvy, they claim that other elements such as food, soil and insects
were ‘sent’ by others to cause the problems that they face. However, after discussing and exploring these problems with the clients,
it seemed that many of them were using these supernatural factors as a way of absolving themselves from blame. Being intangible,
these factors are an easy way for the clients to shift the blame from themselves or their partner to an ‘unknown’ party. However, what
it truly is, is a systemic failure of their interaction with each other within their family system. Such a failure leads to the breakdown in
communication, which if not attended to at an early stage, could lead to further deterioration of their relationship.
In light of the modern world we
live in and given the ubiquity
of religious resources in the
community, one would expect
the belief in the supernatural
to be waning. On the contrary,
many still turn to bomohs for
assistance
when
faced
with
difficulties or problems. The
fear of the unknown could also
have been passed down from
the previous generation to the
BELIEF IN THE
SUPERNATURAL
by Zaleha Ahmad
next or between peers and
family members. Their belief in
the supernatural is further reaffirmed and reinforced with the increased number of films, dramas and ‘documentaries’ on paranormal
activities. An example is a very popular radio show here which invites listeners to call in and give accounts of their experience with
supernatural beings. Such shows breed irrational fears among the community, even though their aim is ultimately to entertain. Many
who tune in or watch such shows might, over time, be conditioned into thinking that supernatural beings possess the ability to
influence others to do ill towards others.
In the past, stories about ghosts were told to scare the young children from going out at night, but it has since taken a different spin.
Because it is something that is unknown, many take anecdotes shared by others as the gospel truth. While there are many things in
the world that is not known to us and peculiarities do exist, there is a need to put our fears aside and look at the actual root of the
problem. It is, of course, easier to blame others, or even better, a pontianak or an orang bunian for causing problems that we face,
but it takes a courageous person to look into himself or herself and to assess the role he may have played in contributing to that
problem in the first place.
Zaleha Ahmad is the Centre Director of INSPIRASI@AMP, which is a hub for marriage preparation and enrichment in AMP.
She has 20 years of experience as a marriage counsellor. The opinions expressed in this article are her own.
8
ISSUE 9 • JAN – MAR 2011
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
o SPOTLIGHT
IN THE FACE OF
by Suzieyati Malimar
Muhammad Shawal Ziyad still remembers the day six years ago
when his family received a phone call about his beloved father
passing away suddenly at the expressway. His family had been
waiting for his father’s return from work so they could break their
fast together. However, the phone call had put a halt to all their
plans. His father had suffered a heart attack during a delivery job
and had to stop his van by the road shoulder. He passed away soon
after. His father left behind his mother, Shawal and his two brothers,
who were all too saddened to celebrate Aidilfitri that year. Shawal,
who is the second child, was twelve years old at the time.
After his father’s passing, Shawal saw his mother faced with the task
of raising three young children on her own. In 2006, his mother, a
former homemaker, eventually approached AMP’s Adopt a Family &
Youth Scheme (AFYS) for financial and socio-educational assistance
in the form of payment of utilities expenses and examination fees,
tuition and religious classes, as well as transport expenses. Shawal
and his brothers also received the AMP Ready for School Pack and
Education Bursary.
Despite the adversities he faced, Shawal forged on and focused
his attention on his studies. Now 18, Shawal has grown up to be
a matured and responsible young man. He is now a second-year
student at Republic Polytechnic, pursuing a Diploma in Sonic Arts.
Photo courtesy of Muhammad Shawal Ziyad.
AMPlified recently met up with Shawal and he shared the challenges
his family faced back then.
Shawal (extreme right) and his family.
AMPlified: How difficult was it for you and your family when your
father passed away?
Shawal: It was difficult for me mentally and emotionally. I could
not accept the fact that my father had passed away – it was all too
sudden. I wished I had spent more quality time with him. After his
passing, I did not have the heart to return to school after my PSLE
examinations. All I wanted to do was stay at home and mourn. My
whole family was at their lowest, with the exception of my youngest
brother, who was barely four years old and did not understand
that he had just lost his father. I deeply sympathise with him as he
had to grow up without a father. My mother often encouraged us
to stay strong even though she felt lost as my father was our sole
breadwinner. My elder brother tried to put up a strong front but I
often saw him on the verge of tears when he was alone.
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.
AMPlified: How did you and your family overcome the challenges
you faced?
Shawal: My mother found a job as a stall assistant several months
after my father’s passing. Until today, she is the one who supports
the family. She often works long hours just to provide for us. I try
to help her out by cutting down expenses as best as I can. For
example, I would bring packed food to school and try my best not
to spend. I would save my allowance and use it only when needed
or during emergencies. I also often remind my younger brother not
to waste electricity by switching off all lights and appliances after
use. It has been a challenge for me and my elder brother to take
care of him, since we have to play the role of a father figure to
guide him.
AMPlified: How have AMP and the Ready for School Fund
assisted your family?
Shawal: It has definitely eased my mother’s financial burden. The
Ready for School Fund has been really useful as it has helped to
pay for our educational expenses. Thanks to the AMP Education
Bursary, I need not ask my mother for money too often and that
really makes a difference.
The AMP Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS) has really made
an impact in my life as it has supported our family through the hard
times. The activities organised under the assistance are memorable
and has helped strengthen our family bond. Due to our busy
schedules, we rarely have the opportunity to spend time with each
other, so the activities organised by AMP gave us the chance to do
that. AMP has become a big part of our lives as we have grown up
with it over these years. I truly appreciate the assistance rendered
to my family and hope that other families in need will be able to
benefit as well.
AMPlified: What are your educational and future plans?
Shawal: My current diploma course is what I am interested in
pursuing long-term. I am doing well at school and look forward
to going for classes as I am doing the things that I enjoy. Now, I
am also doing ad-hoc recordings for friends and acquaintances to
earn some money and gain experience. I hope to open my own
recording company in the future. Most importantly, I want to be
able to make a difference in the local music industry, make a name
for myself and make my mother proud.
To help disadvantaged families under
AFYS achieve self-reliance like Shawal’s,
you can sponsor a family at $250 a year
or $20 a month.
Visit www.amp-afys.sg or call us at 6416 3966
to find out more about the scheme.
9
MARKETPLACE
T’HARACAKES
T’haracakes specialises in halal fresh decorative cakes
at affordable prices for every occasion. It also offers
favours such as decorative cupcakes and mini cakes
that are individually wrapped and customised to the
client’s preferences. Ms Tuty Alawiyah, the proud
owner of T’haracakes, has a wide range of experience
in participating in numerous cake decorating
competitions.
For more information or orders on products and
services, please visit www.tharacakes.blogspot.com.
You may also contact Tuty at 9664 4804 or
email thara142@hotmail.com.
SRP CATERING
& SERVICES
Madam Siti Rodziah,
who has 5 years of
experience in making
and supplying kuehs,
recently set up SRP
Catering Services. The
business offers catering
services for weddings,
engagement parties
and
other
small
functions. It also provides wedding services
such as pelamin (wedding dais) set-up, karaoke,
kompang, Mak Andam (make-up artist) services,
wedding car decoration and many others.
For more information or orders on products and services, please contact
Siti at 8203 3839 or email siti_srp@hotmail.com.
SORJANA
SATAY
Mdm Haliza Hassan and her business
partner offer a variety of satays at their
stall, Sorjana Satay, located at the
Bukit Batok Heavy Vehicle Carpark,
off Jurong Road. Established 5 years
ago, Sorjana Satay also offers catering
services for events and functions.
For more information or orders on products and services, please contact
Haliza at 9456 3365 / 9271 5500 or email lizaman_6566@hotmail.com
SITI TAILORING
& TRAINING
Mdm Siti of Siti Tailoring & Training has over 20 years’ experience in sewing and
dressmaking for a range of women’s and men’s clothing, as well as bridal room
bedcovers. With numerous certifications under her belt, she also offers training
to interested individuals, particularly the underprivileged. For a nominal fee,
she will share basic sewing skills
during the training sessions. Siti
Tailoring & Training’s speciality lies
in its exclusive and sophisticated
designs.
For more information or orders
on products and services,
please visit
www.facebook.com/
StitchHouse. You may also
contact Siti at 9456 4071 or
email sitiaghani@yahoo.com.
JANUARY 2011
■
■
Official Opening
of AMP @ Jurong Point
Registration for
Micro Business
Programme 2011
FEBRUARY 2011
■
■
WIEF – Marketplace
of Creative Arts,
Singapore Leg
AMP Community
in Review
MARCH 2011
■
■
Young Couples
Programme Retreat
AFYS Family
Education Programme
HIGHLIGHTS
UPCOMING
All products and services featured in Marketplace are offered by AMP’s clients who run home-based businesses to supplement their household incomes.
Registration for Micro Business Programme 2011
January 2011
This year’s Micro Business Programme will be open for registration in January 2011. Individuals
from low-income families (monthly household income of less than $3,500 or $500 per capita) who
are interested to further develop their entrepreneurial spirit and strengthen their skills in courses
such as sewing, food or catering and wedding crafts or accessories are welcome.
For more information, please contact Ms Fauziah at 6416 3974 or email her at fauziah@amp.org.sg.
WIEF – Marketplace of Creative Arts, Singapore Leg
February 2011
Young AMP will be organising the Singapore Leg of the World Islamic Economic Forum’s (WIEF)
Marketplace of Creative Arts in February 2010. The event hopes to develop a strong presence of
Muslim artists from all countries and identify platforms and partnership opportunities to encourage
young artists to strive for their creative expressions through the Arts. Visual artists, great musicians
and thought-provoking filmmakers from upcoming artists in the Southeast Asian region will be
a part of the showcase! Head on down to the event and expect a day filled with entertainment,
inspiration and positive vibes! Spread the word!
To register, kindly fill in the registration form at www.wief.org/marketplace-of-creative-arts.html.
You can also contact Mr Sirajuddin at 6517 4098 or email him at sirajuddin@amp.org.sg.
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
10
ISSUE 9 • JAN – MAR 2011
© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.