Issue 2 - Association of Muslim Professionals

ISSUE 2 • APR – JUN 2009 MICA (P) No: 260/10/2008 • ISSN 1793-8694A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER BY THE ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM PROFESSIONALSRESILIENCE INTOUGHTIMES

FIGHTINGTHE RECESSIONDear ReadersThe current economic slump looks set to worsen. The future is uncertain and seems bleak. What is certain,however, is that we, as a community, must spare no effort in weathering this storm. The government hasannounced a multi-faceted assistance package to help those in need. The package is focused towardsretraining and re-skilling. In this rapidly changing world, there is a need to constantly upgrade ourselves withthe latest relevant skills. While in the past, a worker is able to do the same job for decades, this no longerholds true. The challenge now is to ensure that we are able to adapt ourselves to the changes in the worldand the economy.In this issue of AMPlified, we have a special pullout page on the various skills upgrading courses offered byAMP, other Malay/Muslim organisations and agencies. We urge you to keep the section for yourself or anyoneyou know who might need it. Take advantage of the subsidies offered by the government and upgradeyourselves. This is one way to ensure that we stay relevant.This issue of AMPlified also features the $500,000 fund that AMP is making available to workers who havebeen retrenched and their families. This is the lifeline we are offering to the community. We have also includeda section featuring tips to better manage your finances in preparation for the future.We hope that you find this issue helpful and interesting. Happy reading.Mohd Anuar YusopExecutive Director, AMPWHAT’S in STORE$500,000 Lifeline for the Community 1Inspiring Lives, Enriching Ties 2Family Violence in Islam: Condemn or Condone? 2Islam and the Youth of Today 3Spirit of Self-Enrichment Perseveres in spite of 3Harsh TimesRGB-Live! 4Managing Your Finances Wisely 4Help is Available! 5Weathering the Storm 6AFYS Donation Form 7The Spirit of Volunteerism – Raziff Hamid 9Marketplace 10Upcoming 10For advertising enquiries, please email winda@amp.org.sg.We welcome feedback, comments and suggestions onthe articles that appear in AMPlified. Please address yourcorrespondence to winda@amp.org.sg.EDITORIAL LINE-UPChief EditorMohd Anuar YusopEditorWinda GuntorSubeditorsNurul Jannah Mohd IsmailSuzieyati MalimarSuziyana HamidCreativeMuhd Hafiz Syahiddin JoharContributorsFauziah RahmanHabibah Mohamad SalehMohd Shahar HusseinMuhd Hafiz Syahiddin JoharRosedah AnuarShereen Mohd IdrisSuzieyati MalimarSuziyana HamidWinda GuntorPhotographyMariah Noor MohdMuhd Hafiz Syahiddin JoharNorsiah MuslimShereen Mohd IdrisSiti Izyan HussainSuzieyati MalimarUN 2009

$500,000Lifelinefor the Communityby Winda GuntorThe economic downturn has caused many Singaporeans to lose their jobs. With the recession forecasted to lastlonger than expected, AMP recently announced its $500,000 assistance package to help those affected. Namedthe Temporary Assistance Package (TAP), the off-budget allocation is expected to assist 200 families or 1,000beneficiaries for a maximum period of one year.AMP’s Temporary Assistance Package (TAP)Objectives of TAP• To support retrenched workers in their effort to regain employment• To support retrenched workers in their skills upgrading and re-skilling efforts• To provide opportunities for alternative means of supplementary income• To ensure that children’s education are not affected by the family’s loss of incomeEligibility Criteria• Retrenched in October 2008 or later as a result of the current economic crisis• Have school-going children• Prepared to be retrained and consider a career switch• Have the potential to be re-employed within one year• Monthly household income of less than $2,500 or per capita income of less than $500 after retrenchment• Still unemployed at point of applicationThrough the scheme, the families will receive, depending on the varying needs of the families,the following:Financial Assistance and Management• One-off partial payment of arrears – utilities, town council, flat rental and telecommunications bills• Development of installment plansEconomic Empowerment• Skills upgrading courses to increase employability• Skills training to set up a micro business as an alternative source of incomeSocio-Educational Development• Tuition classes and educational enrichment• Madrasah education on a part-time basis• Parental education programmes and family life skills workshops• Ready for School FundOthers• Counselling• Referral to other agencies• Ad-hoc assistanceAMP’s efforts to help the community will not only focus on helping them cope with the current economiccrisis, but is also aimed at bringing about long-term socioeconomic betterment. AMP also understands thatthe community’s journey ahead will be a very challenging one. As such, AMP is prepared to dip further intoour reserves to help the community through this, should there be a need to. It is hoped that AMP’s efforts, aswell as the efforts of other MMOs and agencies, will make the community self-reliant and resilient in facingfuture challenges.1

INSPIRING LIVES,ENRICHING TIESby Habibah Mohamad SalehClub INSPIRASI, a marriage enrichment programme run by INSPIRASI@AMP and INSPIRASI PPIS, recently launched a mentoringprogramme to train couples who have been married for more than five years to be mentors to young couples. Known as MentorINSPIRASI, the programme aims to enrich the lives of both mentors and mentees and enhance the ties between them and thecommunity network.The two-week recruitment drive caught the interest of 70 prospective mentors who attended a preview session held on 29 Januaryat the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The session informed the attendees on what they can expect from the training programme,what is expected of them as mentors and at the same time highlighted the benefits that they can gain from being a mentor.The mentors attended an intensive two-day training workshop where they learned, among others, the various skills in mentoringand understanding the mentee’s mindset. Specific skills such as handling difficult situations and avoiding common pitfalls inmentoring were also taught at the workshop.The training programme ended with a graduation ceremony on 7 March graced by Dr MohamadMaliki Osman, Parliamentary Secretary for National Development. The 38 mentors whosuccessfully completed the programme shared that they have learned muchfrom the programme and that some of the tools they havepicked up during the workshop will be usefulfor them to also apply in their daily lives.Mentoring Skills Training Workshop held byClub INSPIRASIMentors-to-be at the previewsession held in JanuaryAn enriching journey now begins for thementors. They will be attached to youngcouples who have been married for less thanfive years, whom they will mentor for a periodof one year. Together with INSPIRASI, it ishoped that the mentors will play a fulfilling partin guiding the young couples to build strong,resilient and successful marriages.FAMILY VIOLENCE IN ISLAM:ONDEMN orCONDONE?by Rosedah AnuarThis year’s series of Counsellors High Tea sharing sessionskicked off on 20 February with a thought-provoking topicentitled “Family Violence in Islam: Condemn or Condone?”.The speaker for the session was Ustaz Firdaus Yahya whoholds an MA in Prophetic Traditions and Sayings from theInternational Islamic University Malaysia. Presently, he is theVice President of the Singapore Islamic Scholars and ReligiousTeachers Association (PERGAS) and a member of the FatwaCommittee as well as a council member of the IslamicReligious Council of Singapore (MUIS).The session was aimed at discussing issues relating to familyviolence from the Islamic perspective. The need for such asession arose from the experience of many counsellors andsocial workers, who in their line of work, have seen manyMuslim individuals who try to justify their violent actionstowards their family members. They often claim that Islamgives them the allowance to discipline their family members.The discussion, which was participated by 44 counsellorsand social workers of all races, clarified that nothing in theAl-Quran or Hadith supports the claim. On the contrary, theyboth show that Islam does not condone violence.Ustaz Firdaus Yahya addressing the audience made up of social workersand counsellorsThe session was well-received, especially by the non-Malay/Muslim counsellors and social workers, who said that theynow have a clearer view on Islam and violence.APR – JUN 2 2009 ISSUE 2 • APR – JUN 2009

andby Shereen Mohd IdrisTHE YOUTH OF TODAYThe Muslim Youth Intelligentsia Series2008 organised by Young AMP came toan end in February 2009 with a seminarentitled InSight: Changing the Outsidefrom Within. The seminar was attendedby a total of 93 participants comprisingundergraduates, students from juniorcolleges and madrasahs, members ofmosque youth groups, as well as youngprofessionals and activists.Seminar participants writing and sharingtheir thoughtsRiveting performance by Fezhah MaznanThe seminar was the culmination of the reading circlesseries held over seven months, where the participantsdiscussed the role of knowledge and consciousness inthe life of Muslims. It provided a platform for Muslimyouths to congregate and discuss the challenges faced bycontemporary society.Led by esteemed speakers Dr Zainiy Uthman from theInternational Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Dr SyedFarid Alatas from the National University of Singapore(NUS) and Dr Chandra Muzaffar, President of theInternational Movement for a Just World, the participantsfound the seminar insightful and reflective. The speakersalso shared practical coping mechanisms to assist youthsin their daily struggles.One of the highlights of the seminar was a skit presentedby playwright Ms Fezhah Maznan entitled Confessionsof a Muslim Girl, which had the audience rooted to theirseats with her riveting performance. The skit shared theinner struggles of a Muslim girl and how she eventuallyovercame them through a deeper consciousness of Islam.The upcoming Muslim Youth Intelligentsia Series 2009will focus on developing critical thinking abilities andinstilling strong faith in youths. The series hopes toproduce more conscious Muslims, who will be moreaware of their responsibilities towards the Creator andHis creations, as well as address their personal, socialand global challenges in a constructive manner.Visit www.youngamp.sg forthe latest information and events!BE A MEMBER TODAY!SPIRIT OF SELF-ENRICHMENTPerseveres in spite of Harsh Timesby Muhd Hafiz Syahiddin JoharReflecting on a hearteningnumber of students signingup for the Youth EnrichmentProgramme (YEP), thespirit of self-enrichmentamong our youths remainsimpervious to the currentharsh economic climate.YEP mentors introducing themselves Students and parents reversing rolesin role-playYEP students displaying theiracting chops in a role-play sessionIn an encouraging start to the year, the YEP Orientation Dayheld on 7 February received overwhelming response fromstudents of Chai Chee and Si Ling Secondary Schools. Inaddition to those who signed up for the programme, YEPofficers saw many more curious students ‘gatecrashing’the event. A total of 140 students acquainted themselveswith the programme and the YEP mentors in the highlyinteractive half-day session. They were also given aninsight into what they can expect from the programme,which has a twofold focus on academic enrichment andpersonal development.This year, YEP will introduce more activities underthe personal development component which willbe categorised into five broad areas – interactive,motivation, health and sports, creative arts and mentormenteebonding. This will enable a more holisticapproach in developing interpersonal, communicationand team building skills within the students.Plans to extend the programme to students at two othersecondary schools are in the pipeline.3

-Live!by Suziyana HamidWhat if someone stole your identity and used it as theirs? Whatif someone makes an indecent request online? These weresome of the questions addressed at RGB-Live!, the inauguralcyberwellness event for Malay youths.The event was graced by Mr Zaqy Mohamad, MP for Hong KahGRC, on 7 March at Woodlands Regional Library Auditorium. Itwas aimed at reaching out to Malay youths and bringing onlinemessages and discussion on cyberwellness to real life in a funand interactive way.Mr Effendy Ibrahim, Consumer Business Lead for Asia SouthRegion from Symantec Asia, was also invited to share hisexpertise on Internet security and cyber threats. ThroughMr Effendy’s insightful and light-hearted presentation, thestudents were equipped with Internet security knowledge thatwill help them guard against and from committing cybercrimes.This, together with a better understanding of cyber threats, willhelp to develop the students into cybersmart Internet users.‘RGB-Live!’ is part of a bigger cyberwellness initiative entitledProjectRGB (Remaja Generasi Baru – New Generation Youths).ProjectRGB, founded by three undergraduates from NanyangTechnological University (NTU) and supported by AMP, aimsto educate Malay youths about cyberwellness and increaseawareness on the importance of cyber safety. In the era ofInternet technology where the Internet has become an integralpart of everyone’s lives, these are important especially foryouths of today who spend a lot of time on the computer andare exposed to many dangers online.And fun it was for the 150 students who attendedRGB-Live!. They had the opportunity to listen to whatcelebrities Hyrul Anuar, Oniatta Effendy and Huda Alihad to share about blogging and cybercrimes duringthe RGB-HangOut discussion forum. The students alsolearned about cyber safety and online ethics throughthe interactive icebreaker games and the RGB SiapaCepat Dia Dapat Quiz with the celebrities.‘RGB-HangOut’ discussion forum with (L to R)Asnida Daud, Hyrul Anuar, Huda Ali, OniattaEffendy and Mr Effendy IbrahimStudents participating in the RGB Siapa CepatDia Dapat QuizMANAGINGYOUR FINANCES WISELYby Mohd Shahar Hussein and Winda Guntor1.2.3.4.5.PLAN AHEADBeing without a sound plan to manage your finances is like driving a car without a steering wheel andwith your eyes closed. Start by asking yourself what you want in your future, then prepare a budget.This allows you to see where your money is going so you can make the necessary adjustments to getyou where you want to go.LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANSCan’t afford something? Don’t buy it. That sounds simple, but too many people buy that nicepurse that they think they can’t live without or that latest electronic gadget that they must haveand get in over their heads in debt. Learn to keep spending in check while you are young and you’llsave thousands of dollars over the years .... And save yourself a lot of stress too.MAKE SAVING A HABITYou work hard for your money, so when your paycheck arrives, why not make yourself the first person you pay?Arrange with your bank to automatically divert part of your paycheck every month into a savings account. Thatway, you won’t have to remember to transfer the money manually, and you won’t miss it when it’s gone. Outof sight, out of mind.PAY OFF YOUR CREDIT CARD BILLSDon’t get a credit card if you are not ready to do so. If you can, pay off your credit card bill before itaccumulates interest. It is the interest that will bring you down.CREATE AN EMERGENCY FUNDNo one can predict when a crisis will happen. But you can make sure you are prepared for one. Put asidea portion of your savings for emergencies. Never use that money unless, of course, it is an emergency.Ideally, it should be sufficient to last you for at least three months.SUE 1 • 4APR – ISSUE JUN 2009 2 • APR – JUN 2009

HELP IS AVAILABLE!There are many skills upgrading programmes and schemes available to those who are looking to upgrade their skills or who want acareer switch. Keep this special pullout section for yourself or someone who you think might need it.WHAT IS IT?WHO ISOFFERING?WHO CANBENEFIT?TELL ME MORE!WHERE TO GO?Please cut along the lineSkillsProgrammefor Upgradingand Resilience(SPUR)ProfessionalSkillsProgrammeCareerlink@E2iContinuingEducation& Training(CET)SurrogateEmployerProgramme(SEP)WDACDCsCET Centres*WDACET Centres*Employment& EmployabilityInstitute (e2i)CET Centres*AMPYayasan MENDAKINTUC Learning HubRank andfile workersPMETs(Employed andunemployedindividuals canapply)PMETs(Employed andunemployedindividuals canapply)Rank andfile workersPMETs(Employed andunemployedindividuals who areSingapore citizensor PRs can apply)Rank andfile workersPMETs(Employed andunemployedindividuals canapply)Employedindividuals canapplyIndividuals can tap on theenhanced financial supportfor skills upgrading coursesunder SPUR. Those who areunemployed can go to the CareerCentres at their CDCs or E2i formore assistance.PMETs can acquire new skills toswitch careers into the growthsectors and also help themimprove their employability in therelated industry.e2i is a one-stop centre providingthe avenue for employabilityassessment and coaching, skillstraining and job placement forworkers.Individuals can approach CETcentres* for the requirements andenhanced funding support forskills upgrading courses.To assist working adults to taponto the Skills DevelopmentFund (SDF) through the surrogateemployers to upgrade their skills.(Please refer to individual agencies foreligibility criteria)Links South East CDC All can apply A new initiative by Career Centre@ South East to link workers withprospective employers. It alsoprovides career resources andtips for job seekers.iCope South West CDC Retrenched workerswho are residents ofSouth West districtcan apply* Please visit www.wda.gov.sg for the complete list of CET CentresiCope brings interim relief toSouth West district residents whohave been retrenched and whomeet the qualifying criteria forthe assistance schemes. It aims tohelp them build resilience and beready and able to rebound fromthe impact of the downturn.www.wda.gov.sgwww.cdc.org.sgwww.wda.gov.sgwww.e2i.com.sgwww.wda.gov.sgwww.amp.org.sgwww.mendaki.org.sgwww.ntuc.org.sgwww.links.org.sgwww.southwestcdc.org.sgInformation is accurate at the time of printing. This list is not exhaustive. Please refer to the various agencies’ and organisations’ websites for other available programmes and schemes.5

Weatheringby Suzieyati MalimarTHE STORM2005 was a year Mdm Rahmah Anes wishes she could forget.Not only did she find out that her husband was having an extramarital affair, she was also diagnosed with breast cancer that year. Inaddition to this, she was also suffering from arthritis, high blood pressure and chronic asthma at that time.It seemed that her once-perfect life had shattered into pieces but she strengthened her resolve and did not allow herself to wallow insadness and self-pity. She knew that her three school-going children needed her to be strong, especially without their father around.In 2006, Mdm Rahmah looked to AMP through its Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS) for financial, employment and educationalsupport. She was then placed in AMP’s Train and Place Programme while her children were given tuition assistance and school essentials.Through hard work and steely determination, Mdm Rahmah successfully gained employment as a therapist and managed to bringstability to her family’s financial situation.AMPlified recently visited Mdm Rahmah at her workplace to find out how she was doing.AMPlified: What went through your mind when you were first diagnosed with breast cancer and how did this affect your family?Mdm Rahmah: When I first knew, I kept crying. Life seemed hopeless. I wondered what would happen to my children. I was workingas a cleaner then and was the sole breadwinner of my family. My husband was never around and my children were left on their own.My youngest child was then only in Primary 6. The news affected my children, especially my youngest, who first had to deal with herfather’s extramarital affair and then her mother’s illness. She fell into depression and had to be monitored by KK Women’s and Children’sHospital.AMPlified: How is your health now?Mdm Rahmah: In June 2006, doctors found a blood clot in my throat that had to be removed. As a result of that surgery, the nerves inmy mouth are now paralysed. I am expected to undergo root canal surgery soon. The doctors have also detected new lumps in my leftbreast. It is now under observation. I really hope I do not have to go through another round of treatment as it hurts a lot.AMPlified: Anyone can see that you are a strong-willed and independent woman. How do you do it?Mdm Rahmah: I had a lot of support from the nurses while I was hospitalised after my mastectomyin November 2005. I then decided to join the Singapore General Hospital Breast Cancer SupportGroup. I received a lot of support from my friends in the group. Still an active member, I now visitother cancer patients and accompany them to chemotherapy sessions. AFYS also gave me a lot ofsupport then. Their programmes helped to keep my family together.AMPlified: What are your concerns for the future?Mdm Rahmah: My only concern is my children. I want them to be strong, especially after I am gone.I want them to live their lives to the fullest, continue their education and secure good, stable jobsso that they can care for themselves in the future.To help Mdm Rahmah Anes or others like her,please call our telepoll lines at1900 112 4020 for a $20 donation or1900 112 4050 for a $50 donation.You can also sponsor a family under the schemeat $250 a year or $20 a month.Call us at 6416 3966 to find out more.Mdm Rahmah Anes hard at workSUE 1 • 6APR – ISSUE JUN 2009 2 • APR – JUN 2009

Please seal here. Do not staple.AFYS is an all-encompassing scheme that represents a family-based approach in providingassistance to disadvantaged families. In July 2007, AFYS became a transitional scheme fordisadvantaged families to be self-reliant within 2-3 years. These families were taken into thescheme based on their monthly household income of less than $2,500 or per capita income ofless than $350, have young school-going children and the potential to be self-reliant.Under the scheme, a donor sponsors one disadvantaged family at $250 per year or $20 permonth. Donors will receive a profile of their respective adopted families and two progress reportsduring the year detailing the family’s progress and assistance rendered by AFYS.With the current economic downturn, an increasing number of families require assistance as more breadwinners are retrenched.AMP believes that with more hands extending assistance, we can help lessen the burden of these families.I WISH TO ADOPT!Donation per family is $250 per yearR Please tick accordingly:You can contribute to the scheme through our telepoll lines1900 112 4020 for $20 donation1900 112 4050 for $50 donationORo Adoption via Cheque/ Money Order/ Postal Order:o 1 Family – $250 o 2 Families – $500 o 4 Families – $1,000o Others (Please specify) No. of Families: Amount ($):Enclosed is my Cheque/ Money Order/ Postal Order made payable to “Association of Muslim Professionals”.Cheque/ PO/ MO No.:(for cheque payment, please allow 1 week for issue of receipt)Please seal here. Do not staple.o Adoption via GIRO:(for monthly contribution, please tick the number of families you would like to adopt below and complete the shaded portion)o 1 Family – $20 monthly o 2 Families – $40 monthly o 5 Families – $100 monthlyo Others (Please specify) No. of Families: Amount ($):DONOR’S PARTICULARS & APPLICATION FOR INTERBANK GIRODonor’s Name:Name of Bank (POSB/ DBS/ Others):My/ Our Name(s) as in Bank’s records:(1) (2)My/ Our NRIC No.:My/ Our Account No.:(1) (2) Contact No.:Gender: Male/ FemalePlease seal here. Do not staple.My/ Our Address:My/ Our Signature(s)/ Thumbprint(s)(1) (2)Postal Code:a) I/ We hereby instruct you to process the BO’s instructions to debit my/ our account.b) You are entitled to reject the BO’s debit instruction if my/ our account does not havethe sufficient funds and charge me/ us a fee for this. You may also at your discretionallow the debit even if this results in an overdraft on the account and imposecharges accordingly.c) This authorisation will remain in force until terminated by your written notice sent tomy/ our address last known to you or upon receipt of my/ our written revocationthrough BO.FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY ATTN TO: FUND RAISING DEPARTMENT, AMP @ PASIR RIS, 1 PASIR RIS DRIVE 4, #05-11, SINGAPORE 519457AMP’s BankBank BranchAccount Number7 3 7 5 0 2 5 1 2 5 3 0 4 5 1 5 4Bank/ Finance Co.BranchAccount No. to be DebitedName of Approving Officer/Authorised Signature / DateReference No.:Please cut along the lineThis Application is hereby REJECTED for the following reason(s):o Signature/ Thumbprint* differs from Bank/ Finance Co. records o Wrong account numberAttn to: Banko Signature/ Thumbprint* incomplete/ unclear*o Amendments not countersigned by customer (NO payment limit applicable)o Account operated by signature/ thumbprint*o Others (please specify):* Delete where inapplicableAll donations will be auto-included in your Tax Assessment. Kindly ensure correct NRIC/ FIN No. The Government has allowed for 2.5 times tax relief for all cashdonations to AMP (e.g. every $1 donation = $2.50 tax relief).Please complete and mail this form to us using the self-addressed envelope overleaf.Please seal here. Do not staple.7

Thank you for your generosity.Your kind support and contributionwill brighten their lives.Postage will bepaid by licensee.For posting inSingapore only.BUSINESS REPLY SERVICEPERMIT NO. 03007ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM PROFESSIONALSAMP @ PASIR RIS1 PASIR RIS DRIVE 4, #05-11SINGAPORE 5194578 ISSUE 1 • APR – JUN 2009

THE SPIRIT OFVOLUNTEERISMAge:39Occupation:Business Transformation ManagerOrganisation :Societe Internationale deTelecommunications Aeronautiques (SITA)Years Volunteered at AMP:1997-presentVolunteering as:• Member, AMP Board of Directors• Member, Young AMP Board of Management• Chairman, Ready for School FundManagement Committee• Activist, RIMARaziff Hamidby Winda Guntorlearn so much throughout the years especiallyfrom the senior founding members. I feel that Ihave received more than what I have given.”Between shuttling back and forth the officeand AMP, he also found the time to volunteerat The HSBC Women’s Champions golf tournament heldrecently and the first Singapore Grand Prix last year as a senior official.He says of the experience, “When 22 cars whizz past you at full speed,a sudden rush of wind that I can only liken to a mini hurricane followsthrough; that is something only F1 can offer. For the volunteers, theexcitement began even before the race because it was, after all, theinaugural F1 race in Singapore and the first ever night race in theworld. However, the climax was of course, the main event on the lastday. I met individuals of varying backgrounds, local and internationalvolunteers, which added to the whole experience. I am proud to bepart of an historic moment and certainly hope to return this year.”With most of his time taken up by his job and volunteer work, it is notsurprising that he spends all of his free time with his wife, Nurul, andson, Adyan, whom he says is “growing up so fast”. Some might knowNurul better as Nurulaini Ariffin, the national runner who broughtpride to Singapore in the 1997 SEA Games when she won a bronzemedal in the 4x100 women’s relay race. Raziff shared that Nurul hasbeen a constant source of strength and support for him. This selfconfessedfamily man says living with four generations under one roofhas been “a great blessing”. He says, “Adyan gets all the attention heneeds from his grandparents and great-grandmother. This also givesNurul and me peace of mind when we are at work.”Raziff (in black) as a senior official at the first Singapore Grand PrixSuccessful, committed and passionate about the community.That is how one would describe Raziff Hamid, who embodies thedesired traits of an AMP volunteer.The good looks and charming smile? A bonus.To those who are thinking about volunteering their time in AMP, hesaid, “It does not take much to be a volunteer, except passion. Thechallenge is not in volunteering yourself, because that is the easypart, but it is in keeping up with and meeting expectations. Whenyou volunteer, do it for the community and continue doing it for thecommunity as part of your contribution to Singapore. If your intentionis to network, to get a leg up or to learn a new skill, you will. But it willbe most beneficial if you do this for the community.”Sharing his hopes for AMP, he added, “I hope that AMP will continueto be in the forefront in handling community issues despite thegrowing challenges. In terms of the AMP spirit, my hope is that AMP’sfuture leadership will strive even harder to achieve greater goals thanthe last two decades.”Raziff began volunteering with AMP as a mentor to freshundergraduates in the National University of Singapore (NUS) in1997. Then a carefree bachelor, Raziff had wanted to give back to thecommunity. Twelve years on, happily married with a two-year-old boy,Raziff is still contributing his time to help the community and now sitson the AMP and Young AMP Boards.As an AMP Board member, he deliberates and charts the strategicdirection for the organisation and the community with other membersof the Board. His passion is, however, Young AMP, for which he hasbeen a board member since 2005, a year after its inception. He says,“Being with Young AMP has enabled me to relate to the youth oftoday and play a part in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. We havea great bunch of activists who are passionate about the community,which is a good signal for the future.”He was also recently appointed the chairman of the newly mintedReady for School Fund Management Committee and overseesthe management of the Fund, along with four other committeemembers.When asked what about volunteering he finds rewarding, he said,“The rewards are intangible. Sometimes you are not aware of theskills that you have acquired until much later, especially those that youcannot pick up elsewhere. You are given the opportunity to share yourthoughts and shape the decision in any given project. Besides, youRaziff with his wife, Nurul, and son, AdyanBe a part of this fulfilling endeavour bysigning up as a volunteer with AMP.Email us at people@amp.org.sgfor more details.9Photos courtesy of Raziff Hamid9

MARKETPLACEWANITA CREATIONSWanita Creations’ motto is to provide unique designs andcreations for the happiest moments in one’s life. The creativeperson behind this business setup is Mdm Hanita Rahim, whoholds qualifications in the area of baking and cake decoration.Wanita Creations specialises in cakes for special occasions, bridalroom and event decor, custom-made curtains, bedspread andcushion covers as well as wedding favours.For more information or orders, please visit www.wanitacreations.multiply.com or contactMdm Hanita at 9130 0893. You can also email her at hanitarahim@gmail.com.SPECIALINIQUESEWING SERVICESSpecialinique, as the name suggests, is no ordinary tailoringand sewing business. The services offered by Specialiniqueranges from the tailoring of traditional and non-traditionalclothes for all ages to curtain sewing services for homes orspecial occasions. Specialinique also provides embroideryservices to give your clothes the extra embellishment tomake them unique. With more than ten years of experiencein sewing, the owner, Mdm Rafidah, is versatile in hersewing capabilities.For more information, please visit www.specialinique.multiply.com or contact Mdm Rafidah at 6314 7245 or9299 7053.NISHA CUISINE & MASSAGE SERVICESWith two home businesses in tow, Mdm Nisha hopes to single-handedlysupport her family with the money she makes from her catering and massageservices.Aside from working as a school canteen vendor, Mdm Nisha also whips up adelicious variety of dishes for events with her speciality menu of black pepperspaghetti, tom yam fried rice, devil’s curry, roast chicken and many more. MdmNisha, through AMP’s Micro Business Programme, has also recently became acertified massage therapist offering post natal and full body massage.For more information or orders, please visit www.nisha68.multiply.com orcontact Mdm Nisha at 6582 2551 or 9092 0865. You can also email her atisha.90@hotmail.com.All products and services featured in Marketplace are offered by AMP’s clients who run home-based businesses to supplement their household income.UPCOMINGAPRIL■ AFYS Family Day■ AFYS Parental Talk – Projek Bijak Belanja■ INSPIRASI Workshop Series –Unplanned Pregnancy:Is Marriage the Solution?■ INSPIRASI Workshop Series –Family Planning & ContraceptiveMethods: What Islam Says■ Career Awareness Series (Part 1)■ ProjectRGB – Cyberterrorism WorkshopMAY■ INSPIRASI Counsellors High TeaJUNE■ Career Awareness Series (Part 2)■ AFYS Parental Talk on LifestyleHIGHLIGHTSINSPIRASI WORKSHOP SERIESUnplanned Pregnancy: Is Marriagethe Solution?April 2009The issue of unwed pregnancies amongst teenagers has been aconcern amongst the Malay/Muslim community. What is worryingis that many of these teenagers and their parents either do notknow or have misconceptions about the implications of havinga child out of wedlock or think that marriage is a solution to anunplanned pregnancy. This workshop is open to all social workersand counsellors who work with such Malay/Muslim clients. Pleasecall 6416 3963 for more information.PROJECTRGB – Cyberterrorism WorkshopApril 2009ProjectRGB brings you a workshop on cyberterrorism to explainwhat constitutes as cyberterrorism and what steps you can taketo prevent yourself from falling into the trap of radical ideology. Ifyou’re a secondary school or tertiary student and are interested tojoin us, call 6416 3963 for more information.ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM PROFESSIONALSAMP @ PASIR RIS, 1 Pasir Ris Drive 4, #05-11, Singapore 519457 | Tel: 6416 3966 | Fax: 6583 8028Email: corporate@amp.org.sg | Website: www.amp.org.sg | Co. Reg. No: 199105100D10 ISSUE 1 • APR – JUN 2009