Issue 14: Apr - Association of Muslim Professionals

WHAT’S in STORE01 Social Media and Multiculturalism03 Striving for Academic Excellence04 Strengthening the AMP Leadership04 Leadership Renewal05 For Love and Chocolate06 Strategising for the Future06 Boosting Micro Businesses07 A Diplomatic Visit07 In Aid of Disadvantaged Families08 Improving Productivity at Work09 Budget 2012: What’s Missing11 Paying It Forward13 Marketplace13 HighlightsEDITORIAL LINE-UPSupervising EditorMohd Anuar YusopEditorWinda GuntorSubeditorRuzaidah Md RasidContributorsAcmad Toquero MacarimbangAmirah AlkaffFauziah RahmanKhairun Nisa YusniNuramalina Abdul GhaniMariam MustaffaMohd Shahar HusseinRuzaidah Md RasidSharifah Norashikin S S ASharifah Nur Huda Zuhairah HussienShazana SharifSuffirah Md MansorSunaryo DarnoSuzieyati MalimarWinda GuntorFor advertising enquiries, please emailwinda@amp.org.sg.We welcome feedback, comments and suggestions onthe articles that appear in AMPlified. Please addressyour correspondence to winda@amp.org.sg.PhotographyMuhd Sirajuddin JamatRuzaidah Md RasidSaiful Nizam JemainSuhaili SaadSumarni Suaidi© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

Dear ReadersAs the old adage goes, ‘Change is the only constant.’ Indeed, the new line-up ofthe AMP Board of Directors introduced last December has catalysed a stringof strategic changes within the organisation to better serve the community.Since assuming leadership of AMP, Mr Azmoon Ahmad, the new Chairman,has reorganised the organisational structure of the AMP Group, which youcan read about on Page 4. In the same spirit, AMP’s youth wing, Young AMP,also underwent a minor restructuring of its Board of Management after aone-day strategy retreat, aimed at streamlining its programmes for the year.You can read about this on Page 6.ISSUE1 4APRJUN2012Changes in technology have brought forth a transformation in the way weprocess information and communicate with each other. This year’sCommunity in Review seminar, spearheaded by AMP’s research arm, Centrefor Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs, RIMA, looked at the impact ofsocial media on multicultural Singapore. You can read more about the seminaron Pages 1 and 2.The recently-announced Singapore Budget 2012 also saw a change in thegovernment’s approach in tackling the socio-economic issues ofSingaporeans – shifting from short-term monetary incentives towardslonger-term assistance. The government addressed salient issues such aselder care, healthcare and foreign workers’ policy in their endeavour to build amore inclusive society. This issue of AMPlified features a thought piece byour RIMA Research Associate, Sharifah Norashikin S S A, who shares heropinions about the Budget on Pages 9 and 10.Adapting to change is never easy but it is necessary. The AMP Conventionwill be held in June this year and I am sure it will bring about more changesfor us. It is my hope that we work together as a community to embracethese changes and forge on towards our shared vision for a better future forour community.Mohd Anuar YusopExecutive Director, AMP© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

FacebookxTwitter x YouTube xEVENTSSEARCH:To Post or Not To Post?SOCIAL MEDIAMULTICULTURPDFsSingaporeans saw several cases recently involving religiously and racially insensitive comments towards specific communitiesposted on various social media platforms. The resulting backlash from these insensitive comments demonstrated howirresponsible posting could hurt inter-ethnic relations. To discuss the recent developments of the social media sphere and itsimpact on the Singaporean society, the Centre for Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs (RIMA) and AMP organised its annualCommunity in Review seminar on 10 March at Orchard Hotel Singapore.Themed To Post or Not To Post?: Multiculturalism in the Social Media, the seminar addressed the stereotypes that some had formedof certain religious communities as depicted through their online postings. It also examined the role of social media and how ithas been utilised in addressing social issues and government policies.FavouritesThe four panellists, with moderator Mr Mohd Nizam Ismail (centre),Chairman of RIMA, taking questions during the plenary session.Participants of the seminar were from various backgrounds includingacademics, community leaders and youths.Like . ShareAMP and 1,044 others like thisView all comments© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

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EVENTSby Suffirah Md MansorDiscovering chocolates and the key to marital bliss.That was what ten young couples did during a Discovering Chocolates workshop, jointly organised by INSPIRASI@AMP and INSPIRASIPPIS under their Resipi Cinta (Recipe for Love) programme on 11 February.The group was warmly welcomed by Mr Julian Gomez, a celebrity chocolatier who is also the owner of Chocolate Kaki LLP where theworkshop was held. The young couples first watched a video on chocolate making to better understand the process. Mr Gomez thenshowed them the various chocolate molding processes, which the eager couples immediately delved into. From the course of mixing,to decorating and chilling, the participants were seen enjoying themselves as they worked patiently with their partners to ensure theirend results were chocolate masterpieces.Towards the end of the workshop, Mdm Rasimah Jar, a marriage educator from ProWISE Consultancy, shared how the art ofchocolate making can be applied in fostering intimacy in a marriage. The couples clearly enjoyed spending time together and found ituseful in strengthening their marital relationship.The young couples tried their hand at making basic ganachesand pralines.Marriage educator, Mdm Rasimah Jar (centre in orange headscarf) shared withthe group how maintaining a marriage is like making chocolate, where patienceis a valued trait.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

y Sharifah Nur Huda Zuhairah HussienSTRFOR THEFUTUR ETEGISINGThe youth wing of AMP, Young AMP,organised a one-day strategy retreat forits Board of Management (BOM)members, comprising nine youngprofessionals from diverse backgrounds.Held on 11 February at Rendezvous Hotel, the session was led by a facilitator from Chesterfield Manufacturing, and utilised theBlue Ocean Strategy to aid in the strategic planning process. The interactive session introduced a shift of strategic focus towardsa more collaborative approach to identify fresh initiatives and steer Young AMP to greater heights. To outline Young AMP’s newstrategic direction, the Young AMP BOM developed the action statement ‘We Plan, We Partner, We Execute’.pg05·06APRJUN2012‘We Plan’ highlights the use of rational objectives to serve future needs of aspiring and emerging Singapore youths taking intoconsideration the dynamic changes in the local and global landscape. ‘We Partner’ focuses on leveraging on Young AMP’s professionalnetworks to develop partnerships to maximise the impact of community initiatives. ‘We Execute’ highlights Young AMP’s commitmentto translate plans into action and to steer the community into the future.Following the retreat, the Young AMP BOMplans to further refine their strategies andput them into actionable plans.For the latest updates on Young AMP, visit the official website at www.youngamp.sg.You can also follow Young AMP on Twitter at www.twitter.com/YoungAMPsg or‘like’ the Young AMP Facebook Page.by Fauziah RahmansuccessMicro BusinessesOn 3 March, some 50 individuals from low-income families looking to boost their householdincome attended an orientation session for the AMP Micro Business Programme. They werebriefed on the programme details, after which, they were individually assessed on their levelof skills and business acumen to review their readiness and commitment to the programme.Prospective participants had to undergo a businessassessment by EDC@SMCCI’s business advisors.This is the fourth year AMP is partnering with EDC@SMCCI for its Micro BusinessProgramme where it taps on EDC@SMCCI’s business advisory expertise to elevatethe participants’ home-based businesses. The programme provides a platform forunderprivileged individuals within the community to achieve self-reliance throughdeveloping and sustaining a home-based business as a source of alternative income.Some 50 individuals attended the AMP Micro BusinessProgramme orientation session to understand moreabout the programme.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.We wish success to the new batch of the Micro Business Programme and hope thatit will be a fruitful journey for them.

EVENTSby Winda GuntorAMP hosted a visit by Mrs Kamsiah Kamaruddin,Deputy High Commissioner of Malaysia, and threedelegates from the High Commission of Malaysia onthe morning of 9 February. The High Commissionhad initiated the visit to find out more about theprogrammes and services of AMP. The visithighlighted several programmes that the delegatesfelt could be usefully applied to address certainchallenges faced by the Malaysian society.The visit ended on a high note with both partieslooking forward to more such goodwill visits aimedat strengthening ties and enhancing understandingof the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore.CA group shot of Mrs Kamsiah Kamaruddin (third from left, in grey baju kurung),Deputy High Commissioner of Malaysia, the delegates and AMP representatives.MYCMMYCYCMYKby Nuramalina Abdul GhaniAMP’s Fund Raising department has embarked on another collaboration withMediaCorp radio station WARNA 94.2FM for the Adopt a Family & YouthScheme (AFYS) Radio Campaign. The month-long campaign, which ran from13 February, aimed to promote awareness of AFYS as well as garnerdonations for the scheme from the station’s listeners.A group shot of WARNA 94.2FM radio deejayswith Mdm Sariah (extreme right, in black), anAFYS beneficiary, who was featured in thethird talkshow session for the radio campaign.Despite the projected bleak economy, listeners proved that they were morethan willing to lend a helping hand to others as the campaign managed toraise more than $50,000. AMP would like to extend its deepest appreciationto the radio deejays for their tireless efforts in campaigning as well as thedonors who had supported the cause. More funds are still needed to help thedisadvantaged families under this scheme. You can assist our efforts inuplifting the socioeconomic status of these families by calling:1900 112 4020 (for a $20 donation) or1900 112 4050 (for a $50 donation)The telepoll lines will remain open until 9 August 2012 for your continued support.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

THOUGHTBUDGETWhat’s Missingby Sharifah Norashikin S S AWhen the Singapore Budget 2012 was finally unveiled by the Government in February,many reacted positively to it, including myself. However, as I followed the parliamentarydebates on the Budget, I began to have mixed feelings about it. Let’s begin with what Iliked about the Budget.I applaud the Government in their move to tighten the foreign labour market as well assupporting small- and medium-sized enterprises. Although it may seem overdue, I amhappy to know that the Government has recognised the detriment of over-reliance onforeign talent on the economy and how it can erode the civilian’s faith and trust in theGovernment to secure their livelihood.The needy, the elderly and the disabled groups’ interests are given more attention thistime round, with enhanced affordability of healthcare in Singapore. With rising costs,extended life expectancies and lower fertility rates, any means to assist in footing themedical bills is greatly valued.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

pg09·10APRJUN2012So what grievances do I have?The biggest one was the Government’s shift to pump in $1.1 billion for privatisedtransport companies in aiding them to increase their fleet of buses. I feel that the onusshould be on our transport companies to fund for themselves. The Governmentrationalised their move as a way to ensure that consumers will not end up absorbingcosts with another fare hike, but I feel that this could be flawed.Transport companies rake in huge profits. In coping with increased demand, buscompanies should increase their bus count on their own accord. Simply put, morepassengers equal more profits, so why are the people paying for them to increase theirfleet (and in turn, reap more profits)? I cannot fathom the reason why we shouldprovide for already-profitable companies with additional funding for them to garnereven more returns. A chicken rice seller does not receive additional sacks of rice fromthe government to cope with increased demand. If ordinary local companies do notreceive funding to cope with their increased demand, neither should bus companies.This year, I am not getting anycash handoutsfrom the Government and most of theBudget’s initiatives will not apply to me, because I belong to the middle-income group.While I am all for the government helping the elderly, the needy and the disabled, Ibelieve more can be done for us, the forgotten class. Granted, we are young andable-bodied and earn seemingly decent incomes. However, offset this with the high(and constantly increasing) cost of living, we really are just scraping by.While salaries have not increased much over the years, the cost of food and transportare constantly rising. Childcare fees remain expensive, even after subsidies. While I amnot proposing pay cuts to childcare teachers, I wish the government would offer moresubsidies for childcaremiddle-income. With two children in childcare, it can easily wipe out one parent’saverage-sized monthly salary. Bearing this in mind, couples are less likely to have morechildren, for fear of not being able to cope with the exorbitant cost of bringing them up.Children are not expensive, lifestyles are. In order to live a comfortable enough life inSingapore, both parents have to go out to work. Sky-high childcare fees meanmiddle-income parents have to make tough choices between having one parent leaveher/his job (and save on childcare fees), forgo comforts like the family car (and jostlefor space on the very overcrowded and increasingly unreliable public transport) or havefewer or no children.Lest the government is content with the abysmal fertility rates, morehelpfor theis needed, to help us cope with our expensive Singaporean lifestyles andhopefully be spurred to have more children.Sharifah Norashikin S S A is a Research Associatewith the Centre for Research on Islamic and MalayAffairs (RIMA), which is the research arm of AMP.The opinions expressed in this article are her own.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

SPOTLIGHTby Suzieyati MalimarRinihartini Md Ibrahim never expected that she would one day develop a passion forhelping others and for working with young children. At 22, Rinihartini is the perfectexample of a youth whose family had gone through a difficult time in their lives butmanaged to overcome the odds and is now giving back to society. Rinihartini attributesthe passion she has developed for helping others to her family’s experience of being abeneficiary of AMP’s Adopt a Family and Youth Scheme (AFYS).In March 2009, Rinihartini’s father approached AMP for assistance particularly for his sixchildren’s educational needs. The family had incurred outstanding bill arrears after yearsof being financially stretched, as he was the sole breadwinner for his family of eight.Under AFYS, Rinihartini and her siblings were provided with socio-educational supportin the forms of tuition, part-time madrasah and transport assistance, as well as theReady for School Pack, which consists of school essentials. Her GCE ‘A’ levelexamination fees were also paid for by AMP under the scheme. During the 2 ½ yearsthat the family was in AFYS, they attended regular enrichment workshops and receivedassistance to complete their festive Aidilfitri preparations.Rinihartini’s family is now doing well financially and had graduated from AFYS inDecember last year. Rinihartini is now working as a student care teacher while pursuinga part-time degree in counselling at SIM University. She hopes to become a counsellorafter graduation and help others in need as a way of giving back to the community.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

Photo courtesy of Rinihartini Md Ibrahimpg11·12APRJUN2012Rinihartini (extreme left)and her family of eight.AMPlified recently caught up withRinihartini to recount how her familyovercame their challenges as well asshare her passion in counselling.AMPlified: How would you describe your family’s situation before joining AFYS?Rinihartini: Although my father’s income was stretched back then, it was thankfullyenough to put food on the table and meet our daily needs. Tuition classes wereconsidered a luxury that we could not afford. In order to save money, we usedsecond-hand school books donated by our relatives and recycled our school bags andstationery. My siblings and I were aware of our family’s financial constraints so werarely asked our parents for non-essential items and made do with what we had.AMPlified: What did your family do to overcome this challenge?Rinihartini: My family worked together as a team. We would always discuss as a familybefore making any major decisions. We also prioritised our needs against our wants.My parents were determined to clear off their arrears. Being in AFYS gave them theopportunity to concentrate on improving the family’s financial situation without havingto worry about our educational expenses.To help disadvantaged families underAFYS like Rinihartini’s achieveself-reliance, you can sponsor a family at$300 a year or $25 a month.You can also call our telepoll lines at:1900 112 4020 (for a $20 donation)or1900 112 4050 (for a $50 donation)Telepoll lines will remain open until9 August 2012.Visit www.amp-afys.sg or call us at6416 3966 to find out more aboutthe scheme.Recently, I have started helping out my parents by contributing to the householdincome. I am also paying for my own school fees so that my parents would be able tofocus on my younger siblings.AMPlified: How has being in AFYS shaped your passion in helping others?Rinihartini: I have started out by taking on the role of a facilitator in AFYS programmes.Looking at the dedication of the AFYS staff in helping others, I was inspired to enter thehelping profession. Being a beneficiary myself, I also witnessed first-hand how a smallform of assistance can go a long way in relieving a family’s burden and thus, having apositive impact on them. By choosing this profession as my career, I hope that I cangive back to society.AMPlified: What advice do you have for other underprivileged youths?Rinihartini: You may not be the top student in your class or have the financial resourceslike some of your peers, but these should never be a hindrance for you to succeed inlife and the hereafter. There will always be opportunities available out there, so keep ongoing and aim high. God willing, there will be success with every effort put in. In addition,do give back by doing your part in helping your family and the community to improve.© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction.

Palm Pastries started its operations in 2009, offeringfreshly-made traditional cookies and pastries. Its owner,Mdm Erlin, then expanded its selection to includedesigner pastries such as pop cakes and cup cakes. As acertified baking trainer since 2010, Mdm Erlin alsoconducts baking classes for adults as well as children atvarious community centres. She also provides individualcoaching for those who wish to learn basic baking skills.For more information or orders on products and services,please visit www.palmpastries.com.sg. You may alsocontact Erlin Supandi at 9372 4827 or emailerlinns@hotmail.com.Mdm Mazlina had the idea of running a mobile cookingstation for a while before deciding to set up QikiDeliDessert Corner. She has now established partnershipswith several wedding planners and caterers to provideboth Malay and Western desserts such as pisang goreng(banana fritters), mini samosa, cream puffs, cakes andpastries at weddings. QikiDeli Dessert Corner catersto all other occasions from company functions tofestive celebrations.For more information or orders on products and services,please contact Mazlina Hashim at 8236 1486 or emailqikideli@hotmail.com.PALM PASTRIESQIKIDELI DESSERT CORNERAFYS FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAMMEJUNE 2012YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME CAMPJUNE 2012In line with its aim to instill financial awareness andpromote financial stability within the family, AMP’s Adopta Family & Youth Scheme (AFYS) will be conducting anenhanced financial counselling programme for thefamilies under the scheme. The programme will include apersonalised session on reducing arrears, managinghousehold expenses, instilling good money values, andwill also provide practical examples and tips on how toapply these in their daily lives.During the June school holidays, 120 youths under AMP’sYouth Enrichment Programme will have the opportunity toattend an adventure camp in Desaru, Johore. The youths willbe honing their leadership and communication skills througha series of team-building activities while they enjoy thenatural surroundings of the campsite.Like us on FacebookAMP.SingaporeFollow us on TwitterAMPSingapore© Association of Muslim Professionals. Permission is required for reproduction. MICA (P) 192/11/2011 ISSN 1793-8694