SINGAPORE \u2013 A task force focused on Malay\/Muslim youth has begun engagements, and has more planned to reach young people from various backgrounds \u2013 including those not usually engaged through traditional channels.<\/p>\n
This will ensure it hears from the full spectrum of youth in the community, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, said on Nov 29.<\/p>\n
He was speaking at Wisma Geylang Serai at SG60 Bersama: Satu Hati, Seribu Bakti (One Heart, One Thousand Contributions), an event organised by the People\u2019s Association commemorating the Malay\/Muslim community\u2019s contributions to Singapore over the past 60 years of independence.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was the guest of honour, and marked the occasion by finishing a piece of artwork with the word \u201cbersama\u201d, which means \u201ctogether\u201d in Malay. He also commemorated the completion of an SG60 community mural depicting batik-inspired motifs and Malay cultural icons such as silat.<\/p>\n
The youth task force launched in October aims to ensure that Malay\/Muslim young people have equal opportunities to access initiatives and participate meaningfully in shaping national trends, Prof Faishal said, speaking in English and Malay.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is chaired by Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and National Development Syed Harun Alhabsyi.<\/p>\n
Its priorities include identifying career development opportunities and equipping youth with skills to thrive in Singapore\u2019s evolving economy.<\/p>\n
Through the task force and its 13 appointed youth consultants from fields like entrepreneurship and sports, the Government hopes to \u201ccreate authentic conversations with Malay\/Muslim youth across Singapore, to hear their views, gather inputs that will shape future policies, and enhance existing programmes to better serve our youth\u201d, Prof Faishal said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
SG60 Bersama, an initiative and work group which he chairs, was started to mark Singapore\u2019s 60 years of independence, but has become \u201cmuch more than just another celebration\u201d, he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is now a testament to the contributions the Malay\/Muslim community has made to Singapore\u2019s story, he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
By end-November, over 60 programmes under the initiative would have reached more than 200,000 people, he noted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They were grouped under three pillars: connect, care and contribute.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He cited Branches of Hope, an initiative under the care pillar, which \u201cspread joy and hope\u201d to over 100 orphans and children from low-income families during the holy month of Ramadan.<\/p>\n
It was led by the Muslim Converts\u2019 Association of Singapore in collaboration with six other organisations, and ensured nobody was left behind during the celebrations, he added.<\/p>\n
Other programmes include inter-religious dialogues, cultural activities and leadership training.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the event, Prof Faishal and PM Wong, along with Malay\/Muslim MPs like Ms Rahayu, Dr Syed Harun and grassroots advisers including Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Associate Professor Elmie Nekmat and Mr Ahmad Firdaus Daud, watched Gentarasa \u2013 a performing arts event established in 2002.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Gentarasa was a contemporary multicultural adaptation of Singapura Dilanggar Todak (Singapore Attacked By Swordfish), a Malay folk story commonly performed in dance and theatre.<\/p>\n
In a Facebook post after the event, PM Wong said he was delighted to join this year\u2019s special SG60 edition of Gentarasa, which paid tribute to the Malay\/Muslim community\u2019s longstanding contributions to Singapore\u2019s nation-building.<\/p>\n
The performances also blended Malay, Indian and Chinese dance traditions, which he said was \u201ca powerful reminder of our rich multicultural tapestry, and how we can triumph over adversity when we stand together, support one another, and stay united as one people\u201d.<\/p>\n SG60 Bersama: Satu Hati, Seribu Bakti (One Heart, One Thousand Contributions) is an event organised by the People\u2019s Association commemorating the Malay\/Muslim community\u2019s contributions to Singapore over the past 60 years of independence.<\/p>\n PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Apart from showcasing Malay cultural heritage, the show highlighted the Malay\/Muslim community\u2019s journey over the past 60 years \u2013 overcoming challenges while remaining united, Prof Faishal said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cTo celebrate tonight, let us remember that our strength lies not just in our diversity, but also in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/picture><\/div>