Issue 10: Apr - Association of Muslim Professionals

ISSUE 10 • APR – JUN 2011 MICA (P) No: 068/10/2010 • ISSN 1793-8694A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER BY THE ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM PROFESSIONALSA DEDICATED HUBFOR YOUTHSThe official openingof AMP’s first youth hubHARD TRUTHSABOUT INTEGRATIONImpediments to integrationand how we can overcome themA CREATIVE FEAST!Young AMP’s first everregional arts showcaseUNBOWEDHow an AFYS familyis facing challenges head-onin achieving their goal of self-reliance© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

NEW FRONTIERS, NEW CHALLENGESDear ReadersThis issue of AMPlified highlights two significant milestones for AMP – the opening of AMP’s youth hub in Jurong Point,and Young AMP’s first ever regional creative arts showcase – in conjunction with AMP’s 20th anniversary celebrations.You can read about the opening of AMP’s first branch office, AMP @ Jurong Point, which acts as a youth hub for thoseliving in the West, on Page 1. Apart from providing youth-centric services such as academic and personal developmentenrichment programmes and youth counselling services, AMP @ Jurong Point also offers an alternative space foryouths to participate in structured activities with each other and the youth officers. The opening of AMP @ JurongPoint marks AMP’s commitment to harness the potential of the community’s youths.Just a week before the opening of AMP @ Jurong Point, Young AMP organised a vibrant arts event that will godown in AMP’s history books as the most creative event yet. The event, co-organised by the World Islamic EconomicFoundation (WIEF) Young Leaders Network, brought together arts enthusiasts and artistes from the region. This isAMP’s first foray into the field of arts, in an effort to tap on the accelerated growth in the local and global creative artsindustries. In addition to the burst of creativity witnessed at the event, participants also saw how arts facilitate culturaland religious understanding and foster integration. You can read all about it on Page 2.The importance of integration in ensuring harmony between communities was recently highlighted in the media,focusing on the Malay/Muslim community’s efforts to integrate with other communities. This had highlighted the needfor a more in-depth look into the issue of integration to ensure inter-racial and inter-religious ties remain strong andintact, and this issue is addressed in a special commentary by our Chairman, Mr Mohd Nizam Ismail, on Page 8.This issue of AMPlified also features the Community in Review forum organised by our research arm, Centre forResearch on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA), on demographic trends, in particular, the influx of foreign talent andhow this affects the Malay/Muslim community. The forum explored an area that had not been substantially discussedby the Malay/Muslim community, despite it potentially having a negative impact on the community. Four experts andpractitioners were invited to give their insights, which are highlighted on Page 3.We hope this issue of AMPlified provides you with interesting reads on a variety of topics that are relevant to you andthe community. Happy reading.Mohd Anuar YusopExecutive Director, AMPWHAT’S in STOREA Dedicated Hub for Youths 1A Creative Feast! 2The Future of the Community 3Quashing the Belief in the Supernatural 4Building a Strong Business Foundation 4Charting a Strategic Path 5Bonding through Friendly Futsal 5Our New Look! 5Islam and its Adaptation to Secular Societies 6Live Your Potential! 6Having Fun for a Good Cause 7Pick up the Phone 7Hard Truths About Integration 8Unbowed 9Marketplace 10Highlights 10For advertising enquiries, please email winda@amp.org.sg.We welcome feedback, comments and suggestions on the articlesthat appear in AMPlified. Please address your correspondence towinda@amp.org.sg.EDITORIAL LINE-UPSupervising EditorMohd Anuar YusopEditorWinda GuntorSubeditorRuzaidah RasidContributorsAbdul Shariff Aboo KassimAzean Juliawaty Abdul AzizFauziah RahmanHameet Khanee J HMohd Alfian Mohd IsmailMohd Nizam IsmailMuhd Hafiz Syahiddin JoharMuhd Haikal Mohd HarunNorsiah RejabNuramalina Abdul GhaniNur Liyana YunosRuzaidah RasidSaiful Nizam JemainPhotographyMuhd Fadhil Abdul LatifPicture URuzaidah RasidSarah YasinSmart Mat MediaEC 2009© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

o E V E N T S2.1.A DEDICATEDHUB FORYOUTHSby Mohd Alfian Mohd IsmailClockwise from Top Left:3.1. Guest of Honour, Mr Masagos Zulkifli Mohamad, andSpecial Guest, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, interacting with the YEPstudents present.2. & 3. The unveiling of the AMP @ Jurong Point centre’s logoand the cutting of the ribbon to mark the official opening ofthe centre.AMP celebrated a milestone on 26 February when it officially opened its first dedicated youth hub located at JurongPoint Shopping Centre. The ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour, Mr Masagos Zulkifli Mohamad, Minister ofState for Education and Home Affairs, together with Special Guest, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Member of Parliament forHong Kah GRC. The event was also attended by 25 invited guests including community leaders, principals, and keypartners.AMP @ Jurong Point provides an alternative space for youths to spend time in a structured manner as a way toprevent them from engaging in wayward activities. The opening of the centre reflects AMP’s commitment to play asignificant role in the community’s continuous efforts to harness the potential of its youths. This is especially criticalsince youths comprise 26% of the Malay/Muslim community, which is higher than the national average of 21% of thetotal resident population. This means that Malay/Muslim youths will play a more significant role in their community’sdevelopment as compared to their peers of other ethnicities.AMP @ Jurong Point, which is also AMP’s first branch office, offers a wide range of services focused on the academicand personal development of the youths through enrichment programmes, motivational workshops and youthcounselling services. The centre is equipped with two counselling rooms, a classroom, and a multi-purpose room witha host of entertainment services such as a foosball table, audio-visual system, board games and an internet kiosk. Thecentre intends to collaborate with secondary schools in the vicinity to reach out to youths who are in need, as well asrecruit and train potential volunteer mentors from the institutes of higher learning in the area to guide the youths.With opportunities abound, AMP @ Jurong Point is definitely off to a great start!WHAT OUR STUDENTS AND MENTORS THINK:“I can now go to this centre for self-studying and also have fun.”– Muhd Afizan Bin Md Riza, student from Juying Secondary School“Now I can spend my time studying and meeting my mentors here,instead of being limited only to our school compound.”– Janone Lim Jia Jun, student from Juying Secondary School“Having this new centre is helpful as it will encourage the youths tohang out in a positive and structured, yet fun environment.”– Fikry Fauzan, a mentor under AMP’s Youth Enrichment ProgrammeAMP @ JURONG POINT1 Jurong West Central 2, #06-02Jurong Point Shopping CentreOPENING HOURS:Mondays to Fridays, 9.30 am to 7.00 pmSaturdays, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm(Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays)For enquiries on the services available,please contact 6792 4155 oremail youth_dept@amp.org.sg.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.1

A group shot of both organisersand artists at the end of the whole event.A CREATIVEFEAST!by Nuramalina Abdul GhaniIndie pop duo from Indonesia,Endah & Rhesa captivated the audiencewith their stellar live performance.The Marketplace of Creative Arts: Singapore, the first-ever regional arts showcasejointly organised by Young AMP and the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF)Foundation, brought about an explosion of talent from the region to Singapore.The one-day creative feast on 19 February saw the convergence of 500 artsstudents and enthusiasts, activists, community leaders and corporate bodies atthe Asian Civilisations Museum. There, they witnessed vibrant performances,dialogue sessions and films by 20 contemporary and up-and-coming artistesfrom Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.Panelists (from left) Alvin Tan, Lucy Davis, MohamedPitchay Gani, Noorashikin Zulkifli and Audrey Wongin one of the dialogue sessions discussing the futureof the Singapore arts scene.The inaugural event was graced by Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Information,Communications and the Arts, together with Chairman of WIEF, Tun Musa Hitam.Participants poured in throughout the day to engage in the different showcasesacross multiple disciplines. They feasted their eyes on the intriguing visualarts display from the works of Khairuddin Hori, Muhd Noor Iskandar and JaneArieta Ebarle, to name a few. Audiophiles were entertained by the captivatingperformances of Endah and Rhesa, an indie acoustic duo from Indonesia; ZulkifliRamli, a gambus player from Malaysia; as well as local acts such as X-clusive,Aqmal Noor, Zul Mahmood, Seyra and many more. Participants also had theopportunity to view the screenings of short films by Sanif Olek, Mohd Yahssir,Zan Azlee and Yosep Anggi, among others.Artists, Iskandar Idris (left in blue) and Nassar Zainstanding beside their installation art, Fabrics ofSocieties.The museum’s Ngee Ann Auditorium also hosted four dialogue sessions featuringexperts and practitioners from the arts industry, during which participants were ableto discuss their perspectives on the arts scene – both local and regional. Amongsome of the topics shared include views on the future of the arts scene and possiblecollaboration between artists and corporate bodies as a form of investment forbusinesses. The stimulating discourse indeed paved the way for the appreciationof the arts and its future developments, which could be adopted by anyone, fromall walks of life.The event also featured an art piece, the Fabrics of the Societies, which is a longtrain of different fabrics sewn together to form the female prayer garb known asthe telekung, which is one of the central icons and commonly perceived image ofIslam. As its name suggests, the installation art piece portrays how arts can bridgecommunities and societies. Participants actively took part in penning their thoughtsabout the arts on small patches of cloth and pinning them onto the installation.One of the entertaining scenes of UtamaParameswaran, a sketch performed by theatregroup, Keelat Theatre Ensemble.We thank WIEF for the fruitful collaboration, as well as both artists and participantswho made the event a success! It is hoped that this event will be a stepping stonefor Young AMP in its endeavours to engage more young talents towards initiativesfor the community.2 ISSUE 10 • APR – JUN 2011© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

o E V E N T SThe influx of foreigners and the declining proportionof Malays among the resident population have raisedconcerns about the future of the Malay community,given that it is lagging considerably behind the othercommunities in relative socioeconomic terms.Overrepresented in the lower skilled job categories,the Malays are plagued by declining wages as foreignworkers present businesses with the option of loweringtheir operating costs.With foreigners now constituting 26% of the populationand with more students from the region applying to studyat the three local public universities, competition forplaces are also intensifying, inevitably putting an upwardpressure on the cost of education. The impact of this onthe Malay community is greater as there is a significantlysmaller proportion of Malay graduates compared to theother communities.In a bid to address these concerns, the Centre for Researchon Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA), in collaboration withAMP, organised its annual Community in Review seminar,themed Demographic and Immigration Trends: Impacton Malay/Muslim Community.Four experts and practitioners – Dr G Shantakumar,a consultant demographer; Dr Tan Ern Ser, AssociateProfessor, National University of Singapore; Mr SaktiandiSupaat, Vice President and Senior Treasury Economist,United Overseas Bank; and Mr Mohd Nizam Ismail,Chairman, AMP – comprised the panel members whowere invited to share their views on how demographicand immigration trends can affect the community withrespect to their fields of expertise.The forum highlighted that the Malay community’sproportion is unlikely to decrease by a wide margin overthe years, and despite the community being a minorityForum participants were given the opportunity to ask the panelistsquestions on demography-related issues that were of concern to them.proportionally, Malays in Singapore are less alienatedpolitically and enjoyed more say. The Malay communityin Singapore also has the youngest population, whichtranslates to a younger working population supportinga smaller older generation in the future. This also meansthat the Malays will be a more productive communityas there would be a higher percentage of Malays in thework force.Concerns were also surfaced on the relatively biggerproportion of Malays in the lower-skilled workforce, whichwould mean stiffer competition, given the introductionof cheaper foreign labour. This might force wages down,and on the lower level of the occupational distribution,lower wages would mean more Malay families wouldbe affected, while on the other spectrum, fewer Malayworkers might be hired as foreign labour would becheaper. This could potentially drive down the socioeconomicstatus of the Malays further.A total of 94 participants, comprising academics, keyofficials of voluntary welfare organisations and thegovernment, students, social workers and individuals,joined in the forum discussion.THE FUTURE OFTHE COMMUNITYby Abdul Shariff Aboo Kassim and Muhd Hailkal Mohd HarunParticipants of the forum comprised academics,students, and officials from voluntary welfareorganisations, among others.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.3

o E V E N T SQuashing theBELIEF IN THE SUPERNATURALINSPIRASI@AMP opened its series of Counsellors’ Hi-Tea sharingsessions this year with a discussion amongst invited counsellorsand social workers on the perceived role of the supernatural incausing the range of problems faced by clients. The session,entitled Belief in Supernatural and Bomohs Among Malay/MuslimClients: Part 2, is the sequel to the concluding session of lastyear’s series.by Norsiah RejabIn response to the positive feedback received from the participantsfrom the first session, Mr Benny Bong, a well-known familytherapist, was invited to further develop the helping strategy thatcounsellors and social workers can implement and to focus onproviding possible solutions to the presenting problems.In his presentation, Mr Bong emphasised that while the clients’strong beliefs in ‘black magic’ cannot be ignored or denied,counsellors need to understand their clients’ worldview andsubsequently re-orientate them to solving the problem at hand.He also highlighted the challenges which counsellors may facewhen helping clients with such predicaments. These includedifficulty in distinguishing mental disorders from ‘demonisation’;controversy over who can be ‘demon-possessed’; and theavailability of treatment.Invited speaker and well-knownfamily therapist, Mr Benny Bongdemonstrated possible approaches inhandling clients with strong beliefs inthe supernatural.The session was attended byparticipants comprising counsellorsand social workers from variousorganisations and of different races.Mr Bong also provided many relevant illustrations for counsellorsand social workers to ponder on and demonstrated someapproaches that can be adopted in handling such cases. He alsostressed that such a phenomenon not only exists amongst theMalay community but other communities as well. There were alot of questions and discussions over the issue at the end of thesession. Many felt that the session was a befitting conclusion tothe one held earlier.BUILDINGA STRONGBUSINESSFOUNDATIONby Fauziah RahmanParticipants of AMP’s Micro Business Programme this yearwill have the opportunity to build a strong foundation fortheir businesses through the partnership forged betweenAMP and EDC@SMCCI, a leading enterprise developmentcentre for micro enterprises. The participants will attenda five-day business workshop during the eight-monthprogramme, where they will pick up business concepts thatthey can then implement to their individual businesses.Additionally, participants will have several hands-on sessionswhich will enable them to put theories into practice, suchas registering their businesses, managing their financesand tapping on the new media to further propel theirbusinesses. It is hoped that the programme and businessadvice received by the participants will provide them witha good foundation to sustain their micro businesses andeventually expand in future.Applicants for the programme were assessed by AMP officers during theorientation.Officers from EDC@SMCCI also took part in the assessment process toevaluate the applicants’ business readiness.4 ISSUE 10 • APR – JUN 2011© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

o E V E N T SCHARTING A STRATEGIC PATHby Hameet Khanee J HAMP’s workplan retreat this year focused on aligning the objectives of the various operational units ofAMP with the organisation’s strategic initiatives developed during the inaugural Board - ManagementRetreat series in 2010.Value tracking via research and development was identified by the AMP management team as a criticalcomponent to ensure that AMP’s programmes and services are of the highest quality and create maximumimpact for its beneficiaries. The team also renewed its commitment to strengthen the family institution, nurtureyouth development, promote lifelong learning and sustain economic empowerment.To enhance AMP’s organisational development towards being a model Malay/Muslim organisation,the Corporate Support Division will further intensify efforts to enhance AMP’s capabilities and capacitydevelopment, tighten corporate governance, explore benchmarking, ensure financial sustainability, enhanceawareness of the AMP brand name and leverage on IT applications to increase efficiency.The annual management retreat, which is in its seventh year, aims to evaluate AMP’s contribution to theupliftment of the Malay/Muslim community and to constantly review its programmes and services to ensure itsrelevance in meeting the needs of the community.The champions of the Women’s Category – the YEP girls’ team.Bonding throughFriendly Futsalby Muhd Hafiz Syahiddin JoharTo promote racial harmony, 12 students from AMP’s YouthEnrichment Programme (YEP) participated in a friendly futsalcompetition organised by the Young Sikh Association on 22February at East Coast Park. The annual tournament is aimedat bringing youths of different ethnic groups together, fosteringgreater rapport and camaraderie while promoting a healthy andsporting lifestyle.The event, which attracted 200 participants, was gracedby Guest of Honour, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Senior ParliamentarySecretary for Ministry of Community Development, Youth andSports. Donning the AMP badge proudly on their sleeves, theYEP girls’ team, led by the swift duo of Nur Azima Bte Ahmadand Siti Nurhidayah Bte Abdul Majid, clinched the top prize inthe Women’s Category. Although the YEP boys’ team did notemerge as champions in the Open Category, they neverthelesstried their best in competing against their bigger and olderopponents. Well done to both teams for the good sportsmanshipshowcased throughout the event!ourNEW LOOK!by Ruzaidah Md RasidIn commemoration of AMP’s 20th anniversary this year, theAMP website at www.amp.org.sg has undergone a redesign.The new website will act as a one-stop information centre forAMP’s programmes and services. Visitors of the new websitecan read up on the success stories of individuals who havebenefited from AMP’s assistance and have triumphed againstthe odds.The new design promotes ease of navigation for visitorsto find the information they need. For those interested todonate to AMP or become a member of AMP, you can do soon the website with the click of a button.Check out our new website now!Add us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/AMP.Singaporeand follow us on Twitter:www.twitter.com/AMPSingaporeto get the latest updates on AMP!© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.5

o E V E N T SDr Olivier Roy (right), with moderator Dr Gabriele Marranci (left), takingquestions during the open discussion session.The joint lecture was attended by a diverse group of individuals whoactively participated in the discourse on the adaptation of Muslim minoritycommunities.Islam and its Adaptationto Secular Societiesby Muhd Haikal Mohd HarunThe influx of Muslims into Europe over the last few decades has brought about issues of integration between the Muslimcommunity and the mainstream European society. While the first generation of Muslim migrant workers had maintaineda close affinity to their parent countries, the second and third generation Muslims viewed themselves as citizens andsubsequently, as a minority community of their host countries. To address this issue, the Western European countriesadopted two models of integration – multiculturalism and assimilation. However, the two models failed to successfullyintegrate the Muslims into the mainstream European society, even to the point of isolation.The Centre for Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA), in collaboration with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore(MUIS), invited Dr Olivier Roy, a senior researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and a professorat the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences), to share histhoughts on why the two models did not succeed. The lecture, entitled Islam and Adaptation to Western Secular Society,was held on 3 January and attended by 100 participants made up of students, academics and educators. It forms a part ofRIMA’s three-year Islamic Studies Project, which began in June 2010.The lecture provided insights on the evolution of Muslim migrants as well as the strategies and policies to integrate themin the secular European society, which can be applied to the Muslim community in Singapore.LIVE YOU R POTE NTI A L !by Nur Liyana YunosCalling all youths! Here’s how you can adopt a positive lifestyle:››› GET LOTS OF RESTWe know you are constantly juggling school and your social life,so you have a tendency to stay up late and rise early. However,for your mind and body to function well, you need to get at leasteight hours of sleep each night. Try planning your day well so youcan go to bed early and wake up with lots of energy for schoolthe next day! Lower your blinds, turn off the television or radio,and silent or switch off your mobile phone to enjoy uninterruptedslumber.››› SAY ‘NO!’ TO CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOLAside from being illegal to those below 18, the substances presentin cigarettes and alcohol can affect your physical and mentalhealth especially when consumed excessively. Lifelong habitsstart during the school years, so ensure that you are forming goodones. Say ‘No!’ to your friends who pressure you into trying a sipof alcohol or a puff of the cigarette. They are not your real friendsif they force you to do something against your wishes.6 ISSUE 10 • APR – JUN 2011››› BE PART OF YOUR COMMUNITYVolunteering is the perfect way to discover something you arereally good at and develop a new skill at the same time. Findingnew interests and hobbies through volunteering can be fun,relaxing and energising. It will also enable you to give back toyour community!››› CONFIDE IN FRIENDS AND FAMILYGot a problem that has been bugging you for a while now? Yourfriends and family are there for you. Your teenage years might beone of the most emotional periods in your life, as you tend to spendthose years discovering who you are. If you are uncomfortablewith sharing your problems with your friends, family or teachers,head down to AMP @ Jurong Point to speak with one of ourcounsellors. We are always here to lend a listening ear!››› PARTICIPATE IN OUTDOOR OR ADVENTUROUSACTIVITIESOutdoor activities such as camping, rock climbing and canoeingnot only help to widen your social network and circle of friends, italso reduces stress, and improves your self esteem and confidence.Go to your nearest community centre to find out which outdooractivities you can participate in today!© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

o G I V I N GHAVING FUNFOR A GOOD CAUSEby Azean Juliawaty Abdul AzizIn a bid to raise funds for underprivileged families under AMP’sAdopt a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS), e-Ventions Internationaland Jumain Sataysfaction Pte Ltd organised a charity high teasession, Sepetang Bersama AB Shaik @ Asli Village (An Afternoonwith AB Shaik @ Asli Village), on 19 March 2011 at Asli Village,Downtown East.The event featured popular radio personality, AB Shaik, whokept the guests in stitches while hosting several games andgiving away attractive prizes sponsored by the organisers.Through the event, a total of $8,200 was raised towardshelping low-income families under AFYS. The event also raisedawareness among the public about AFYS and highlighted waysthat the programme assists these families.We hope the guests enjoyed the event and had fun whilecontributing to a good cause. A big thank you is in order forAB Shaik, Asli Village, e-Ventions International and JumainSataysfaction for their contribution to the event!AMP’s Executive Director, Mr Mohd Anuar Yusop receiving thecheque contribution from the Managing Director of Asli Village.Two sporting participants taking part in a game of ‘Scissors, Paper, Stone’ in a bid to contributeto AFYS.AMP collaborated with MediaCorpRadio’s WARNA 94.2 FM on a monthlongradio telepoll campaign from 14February to create awareness and garnersupport for the Adopt a Family & YouthScheme (AFYS).The radio campaign featured interviewswith AFYS beneficiaries who shared theirchallenges and how the assistance theyreceived under AFYS had lessened theirburden. The campaign raised a total of$91,000 from the generous listeners ofWARNA.However, more funds are still neededto help the families under this scheme.Join us in our efforts to uplift thesocioeconomic status of underprivilegedfamilies by picking up the phone anddialling these numbers:1900 112 4020(for a $20 donation)1900 112 4050(for a $50 donation)Telepoll lines will remain open until 10 August 2011.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.7

o T H O U G H THARD TRUTHS ABOUTINTEGRATIONby Mohd Nizam IsmailThe recent brouhaha over remarks made on Islam and integrationshows that the issue of integration is one which is well alive inSingapore and that there are two important (and fundamental)questions relating to integration that needs to be addressed:1) Who should bear primary responsibility for integration?What is the responsibility of the State and majoritycommunities in this?2) What is the end state of integration in Singapore(if there is one)?Who is responsible for integration?Turning to the first question on who should have responsibilityfor integration, I would argue that the State should carry theprimary responsibility. It would be in the interest of the State toensure that there is integration between the different ethnic andreligious communities that it governs.Whilst we have seen efforts at fostering integration (includingthe setting up of OnePeople.sg which is tasked to ensure racialharmony), more can be done.I would argue that policies such as having “race” mentionedin our identity cards, publication of data along racial linesand other forms of racial-based policies tend to highlight oreven exaggerate racial differences. This is putting aside otherinherent difficulties of force-fitting “race” onto children of mixedmarriages. In some countries, it is illegal to make reference tothe race of a person in relation to certain practices.Another factor that needs to be seriously relooked is thecurrent model of relying on ethnic-based self-help groups (e.g.MENDAKI, CDAC, SINDA, EA, or even AMP) as the primaryprovider of self-help to different communities.A lot of the issues (for example, education underattainment,dysfunctional families, and juvenile delinquency) cut acrossdifferent ethnic communities. Oftentimes, the argument thathelp is best administered through someone of the same raceis exaggerated. A counsellor who is sensitive to the needs ofsomeone of a particular race is equally effective in giving helpto a family in need. Also, it matters not whether a tutor whois helping an underachieving student comes from a differentethnic background.Having a race-blind approach in coming up with self-helpprogrammes could avoid any perception that a disadvantagedcommunity comes from a particular ethnic background, and thathelp can only be provided by someone from your same ethnicbackground. This is over and above efficiencies that can begained by pooling together counsellors or educational experts.I now turn to the role of majority community in integration. Here,the odds are always inherently stacked against the minoritycommunities to do their bit to integrate. It would be far easierfor the majority community to facilitate integration by reachingout to minority communities. This is not to say that the Malay/Muslim community (or other minority communities) should shirkaway from any responsibility to integrate. If the Malay/ Muslimcommunity has made special efforts to integrate with othercommunities, surely there has to be a greater expectation on themajority community – being in a more advantageous position- to facilitate integration.What is the end state of integration?The more fundamental question that has yet to be addressedis this – what exactly are we working towards? What is theend state of integration? Can we reach a stage where we canhappily conclude that Singapore has achieved integration, andtherefore there is no pressure on any community to put in place“special efforts” to integrate?The absence of clarity of an end state of integration is anomission that may cause confusion – as different groups mayend up working in different (or worse, conflicting) directions.It may be easier to define what integration is by stating what itis not.Integration is not assimilation. Integration is not an end-statewhere Singaporeans adopt only one Singaporean identity andput aside whatever ethnic or religious identities that they have.If it is at all possible to have an end state to integration, theremust be a rich diversity of practices.I prefer to imagine an ideal state of integration as one wherethere is free association of people from different racial or religiousbackgrounds. There is equal opportunity to all irrespective ofethnic or religious backgrounds. A manifestation of such an idealstate of integration would be to see minority communities beingactually represented in terms of employment, political influence,socio-economic standing, and educational attainment. The Statedraws on the richness of diversity of different groups and seesthat as a strength rather than a liability. There would be no needto force conformity of any particular group to the identity of abroader community.If we accept this ideal state of integration, then it becomes clearthat the role of the State in achieving this ideal becomes critical.This is because achieving such an ideal only becomes possible ifpolicy changes are made to remove barriers to integration.To reach this end state, the focus would be on looking at areaswhere there are impediments to equal opportunity, and how wecan strengthen minority communities such that they will be ableto meaningfully seize the opportunities that are present.8 ISSUE 8 4 ISSUE • OCT 10 – DEC • APR 2009 – JUN 2011© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

o S P O T L I G H TUNBOWEDby Saiful Nizam JemainThey say that life can change in an instant. This couldnot be truer for Mr Muhamad Bin Hadi, aged 48, andhis family. In February 2008, the normalcy of their liveswas shattered when Mr Muhamad suddenly suffered astroke and had to be hospitalised. His wife, Mdm SarruBte Mohmoh, suddenly found herself becoming thesole breadwinner of the family while her husband wasrecovering. This was on top of caring for four schoolgoingchildren and being her husband’s caregiver. Itwas indeed a big adjustment to make as she triedher best to adapt to the new responsibilities.Mr Muhamad’s stroke effectively halved thehousehold income while his medical costs added to thefamily’s financial liabilities. It was not long before the familystruggled under the weight of their problems. As his family’ssituation reached breaking point, Mr Muhamad approachedAMP’s Adopt a Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS) in early 2010 forfinancial, employment and educational support.Mr Muhamad’s family was assisted with his housing and utilitiesexpenses, and provided with tuition and transport assistance,as well as AMP Education Bursary and Ready for SchoolPacks for the children. Mr Mohamad was also referred to anagency that works with persons with disability for employmentopportunities.AMPlified recently met Mr Muhamad to chart his family’sprogress towards self-reliance.AMPlified: How has your stroke impacted you and yourfamily?Mr Muhamad: It was a very trying period for all of us; the stroketook me by surprise. One minute, I was moving freely and thenext, I was lying on the hospital bed, unable to move the rightside of my body. I was also very worried for my family. I wonderedhow they would cope with only my wife’s meagre salary and thecost of my medical treatment.We were not well-off to begin with. Before I had a stroke, I wasworking as a cleaner. Even with the dual income, we were tryinghard to balance between the daily expenses and the children’seducational needs. With my condition and the loss of stableincome, I had no idea how we were going to cope.AMPlified: What made you decide to approach AFYS forassistance?Mr Muhamad: My worst fears were becoming a reality. In justa couple of months after I suffered from stroke, we began toexperience the financial strain. The house rental payments,utilities bills and our children’s school expenses started piling up.We were not able to pay off our bills because my wife’s incomewas insufficient. I even stopped going for therapy sessions inorder to reduce our expenses.I wanted to return to work and tried applying for many jobs.Unfortunately, the stroke had limited the mobility of the right sideof my body and slowed my reflexes. It also slurred my speech.Mr Muhamad (wearing a songkok,second from right) and his family of six.Photo courtesy ofMr Muhamad Bin HadiThese probably made potential employers hesitant to hire me.My eldest daughter, who is now studying in a polytechnic, triedher best to assist us financially. With the income received fromher dance and kompang performances, she paid for her siblings’transport expenses. I felt that we had reached a point where Ihad no choice but to seek help. That was when I approachedAFYS.AMPlified: How has AFYS assisted your family?Mr Muhamad: AFYS has been of great help. My financial liabilitieshave been alleviated through the financial aid arrangements thatAFYS has helped to coordinate. The EZ-link reimbursements,tuition assistance, AMP Education Bursary, Ready for SchoolPack and subsidised computer and madrasah classes haveallowed my children to continue their educational development,unhindered by the limitations of our family’s financial situation.AFYS also assisted me in my job search by referring me to otherorganisations that help individuals with physical impairment tofind employment. The programmes that AFYS conducted havealso been very beneficial to our family.AMPlified: What are your hopes for the future?Mr Muhamad: My biggest hope is to get the opportunity tobe re-employed. It will mean a great deal to me if I can onceagain contribute towards my family’s well being. I also hope mychildren will do well in school and not to let my condition or thefamily’s financial situation be a reason for them to falter in thepursuit of their dreams and ambitions.To help disadvantaged families under AFYS likeMr Muhamad’s achieve self-reliance, you cansponsor a family at $250 a year or $20 a month.You can also call our telepoll lines at1900 112 4020 (for a $20 donation) or1900 112 4050 (for a $50 donation)(Telepoll lines will remain open until 10 August 2011)Visit www.amp-afys.sg or call us at 6416 3966to find out more about the scheme.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.99

MARKETPLACELYYANA CHOCOLATE CUPSFormed in 2008, Lyyana ChocolateCups started off with offering keklapis (or layered cake) only during thefestive season. It has since expanded itsproduct offering to include cupcakes,brownies, pastries, and specialoccasion cakes. With owner Mdm Lynaat the helm, Lyyana Chocolate Cupshas recently started offering macaroonsand ‘Pop’ cakes to its customers.For more information or orderson products and services, pleasevisit www.chocolatecups.blogspot.com or contact Lyna via email atlynn26@yahoo.com.ALYNAHZ COLLEZIONEAlynahz Collezione Wedding Craft and Accessories provides weddingcraft services specialising in exclusive handmade craft such as bungapahar, sirih junjung, bridal bouquet, ring cushion, potpourri berkat anda variety of flower arrangements.It also offers floral and chocolate arrangements and gift packingservices such as hampers for special occasions. Alynahz Collezionecustomises its products and services according to the client’s budgetand needs.For more information or orders on products and services, pleasevisit www.facebook.com/Alynahz-Collezione or contact Zalinah at8127 9624 or email goldfish_lynna@yahoo.com.sg.All products and services featured in Marketplace are offered by AMP’s clients who run home-based businesses to supplement their household incomes.UPCOMINGAPRIL■ AFYS Family EducationProgramme■ Young AMP RetreatMAY■ Young AMP WelcomeTea 2011JUNE■ AFYS Mid-Year Retreat■ Young AMP ExperientialLearning ProgrammeHIGHLIGHTSYoung AMP Welcome Tea 2011May 2011As part of its outreach efforts, Young AMP will be organising a networkingsession for student leaders from tertiary institutions, members of youth clubs andsocieties, and young professionals. The Young AMP Welcome Tea 2011 will providea platform for youths to be a part of Young AMP’s exciting line-up of activitiesfor the year focused on enabling youths to stay connected with the community.Participants of the session will also be able to interact with young professionalsfrom various industries to gain valuable career-related insights.For more information, please contact Mr Sirajuddin at 6517 4098 or emailhim at sirajuddin@amp.org.sg.Add us on Facebook and Twitterwww.facebook.com/AMP.Singaporewww.twitter.com/AMPSingaporeASSOCIATION 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 4 • OCT – DEC 2009© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.