Moving forward together, with one heart

1. Mr Chairman, with your permission, I will take clarifications after my speech.

Introduction

2. Mr Chairman, let me say a few words on the situation in the Middle East. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent civilians in the affected region. The fact that these attacks took place during the holy month of Ramadan deepens the pain felt by many.

3. We are closely monitoring the situation together with colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

   1. I had a video call last night with some of our Singaporean students in the Middle East. They were understandably concerned but are staying calm. I assured them that their safety and well-being is our top priority. We will continue to stay in close contact with them and render any support we can.

   2. We are also in touch with the Association of Muslim Travel Agents, AMTAS. They have advised their member agencies to help affected Umrah travellers with adjustments to their travel plans where needed.

4. These recent events are a stark reminder that the peace and harmony we have in Singapore is especially precious, and we cannot take it for granted. There is a Malay saying: Sehati Menghadapi, Sepakat Membangun. It means to stand united in overcoming challenges, and to work together to build a better future.

5. This has always been a defining strength of all Singaporeans, and particularly of the Malay/Muslim community.

6. It has helped our community achieve remarkable progress over the years. We have built stronger marriages and more resilient families. Our children are better educated, and many have found good jobs across different sectors of the economy. We are able to practise our faith, celebrate our culture with pride, and live in harmony with friends from other races, religions and cultures.

7. Despite the progress, I recognise that everyone has a different lived experience. During my engagements with the community, I also hear concerns about job security. Some have shared difficulties in trying to access help, and others have called for greater support for those struggling in silence. It is crucial that as we move forward, we ensure that nobody gets left behind.

Our Vision: A community where every member can be the best version of themselves

8. Mr Chairman, many have asked me what my vision for the community is. While we might each have different circumstances, I envision a Malay/Muslim community where every member can be the best version of themselves at every stage of their lives.

9. I speak not just for myself, but for my fellow Parliamentary colleagues, our Government agencies, our Malay/Muslim organisations, Indian/Muslim organisations, volunteers and many others who give of themselves generously every day. Because of them, no member of our community should ever have to walk alone.

10. By Moving Forward Together, With One Heart, we can achieve our vision to help every member of our community thrive. We will do so through three key pillars:

    1. First, we will uplift individuals across all life stages to provide them with opportunities to succeed.

    2. Second, we will develop trusted religious institutions to enrich our community religious life.

    3. Third, we will nurture a vibrant cultural sector that celebrates our unique Singaporean Malay arts, culture and identity.

Pillar 1: Uplifting social and economic outcomes of the community

11. First, we want to uplift individuals and provide them with opportunities to excel at every life stage. Some are already doing well and with the right inspiration, they can reach even greater heights. Others may need an extra helping hand to succeed.

Nurturing strong marriages and families

12. As Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin mentioned, strong families are key to this, as they are the bedrock of our community and society. They nurture values like responsibility and empathy, shape our identity as a person and build our confidence to navigate life’s challenges. Strong families begin with stable marriages, which is why the Bersamamu programme has been so vital to our Muslim community.

13. Since its launch in 2019, Bersamamu has supported over 36,000 couples, providing access to marriage support and guidance from our Kadi and Naib Kadi. They serve as trusted advisors throughout the couple’s early marriage years.

    1. As an example, Mr Radzi Barian Arlandito and Ms Risa Shigemi, a Singaporean-Japanese couple, have benefitted greatly from Bersamamu. Their Naib Kadi, Ustaz Mohammed Nazim Bin Rahuma Dulla, provided invaluable advice to help them navigate cultural differences, religious practices, and family dynamics. As a mentor to the couple, Ustaz Nazim provided spiritual guidance, and connected them with like-minded couples facing similar situations.

14. To help more couples like Mr Radzi and Ms Risa, we will be expanding the Bersamamu programme to further strengthen marriage support for Muslim couples.

    1. We will increase the pool of Kadi and Naib Kadi by about 50%, to better support newly-wed Muslim couples, especially those who need more assistance. These couples can benefit from additional post-solemnisation face-to-face sessions, to ensure they get a stronger start in their marriage journey.

    2. We will also make it easier for the community to access marriage support services, by deploying Family Development Officers to selected mosques around Singapore. These officers will guide couples through the various national and community programmes that best address their needs, including those with dual caregiving responsibilities.

    3. Taken together, couples can get more help and targeted follow-up for those in higher-risk marriages, so that issues are addressed early before they escalate into crises.

15. We will also expand the Bersamamu programme to include parenthood support, for more seamless assistance from marriage to parenthood.

16. Under the pilot run of Project ARIF, mothers received integrated support from their Kadi and Naib Kadi as well as the medical social workers and healthcare professionals from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. This includes those who do not qualify for KidStart, so that they continue to receive the necessary support.

17. Some 5,000 couples have benefitted from the pilot and demonstrated improved maternal and child health outcomes, in terms of babies completing mandatory immunisations and being breastfed for at least three months.

18. Starting from June 2026, we will include Project ARIF as a permanent component under the Bersamamu programme. From marriage guidance to parenting support, we are broadening the continuum of care to foster more resilient families and give our children the best headstart in life.

Investing in the education of our children and youths

19. Mr Chairman, we want to provide every child the necessary support and pathways to enable them to seize opportunities for success, regardless of their background. Our community has made significant strides in educational achievement, and investment in education remains a key focus, but I agree with Mr Azhar Othman that we can do more to help every child reach their fullest potential in other areas too.

Starting strong early and at home

20. That is why MENDAKI’s 2030 Workplan, which I recently launched with SMS Zaqy Mohamad, goes beyond nurturing confident learners and includes building stronger families, supporting a future-ready workforce and growing a thriving community.

21. We recognise that excellence begins early and at home, which is why MENDAKI has strengthened its suite of programmes to support the parenting journey. From April this year, parents can look forward to ReadySetLearn (RSL) Roadshows held in the heartlands, providing convenient access to workshops and resources on supporting their children’s holistic growth.

22. A key component of this support is RSL Maths Explorer, formerly KelasMateMatika, which prepares parents to guide their pre-schoolers in numeracy skills and prepare for Math in Primary 1. The results speak for themselves – 9 in 10 participating pre-schoolers of this programme entered Primary 1 without requiring Learning Support for Math (LSM).

23. MENDAKI will expand the efforts and roll out RSL Language Explorer, a reading programme designed to equip parents to nurture early literacy in both English and Malay. Together, these programmes will build confidence and strengthen learning, laying the foundation for long-term academic success.

Improving educational outcomes

24. Mr Chairman, for children from families facing greater challenges, attending school regularly can be difficult for various reasons, such as when parents work shifts or when they must care for younger siblings at home. These last-mile gaps prevent them from participating fully in their education, and in turn may affect their holistic development. We are determined to close these gaps by providing the customised support that these children and their families need.

25. So, I am glad that MENDAKI and MOE, with the support of MSF and MCCY, have embarked on a pilot programme at selected schools at Tampines to strengthen the after-school care and support for our children from Malay/Muslim families who need additional help.

26. For some families and their children, the help needed could be to provide them better nutrition, a study desk at home, or alternative childcare arrangements. For others, it could be connecting them to a trusted mentor who can address motivational issues.

27. So, under this pilot, a MENDAKI Care Advisor will work with each identified child’s family, school or other social service professionals to understand their unique needs and develop an individualised care plan for the child. The partnership between the school and community will provide academic and non-academic support to complement existing school efforts.

28. This pilot has been launched earlier this year, and I want to thank the participating schools and MENDAKI who have worked tirelessly to make this partnership possible, and Grassroots Advisers Dr Charlene Chen and Acting Minister David Neo for suggesting this approach to address the needs of students in Tampines who need that additional help. Together, we ensure that no child gets left behind because of circumstances.

Preparing our students and youth for the future

29. Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked how Malay/Muslim educational initiatives are evolving to prepare our youths for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven economy, while Mr Sharael Taha asked how MENDAKI can better prepare our children and youths for the future through mentorship and awareness of pathways.

30. Mr Chairman, MENDAKI’s Tuition Programme has helped many students improve in their academic journey. But we cannot rely on tuition alone to prepare our students for the future. This is why MENDAKI has enhanced the programme to the MENDAKI Achievement Programme or MAP, with two new focus areas.

    1. The first is enrichment, where students will have opportunities to be exposed to programmes in areas such as AI exploration and robotics.

    2. The second area is engagement, where students will be exposed to various education and career pathways.

31. Today, MENDAKI’s Youth Mentoring Office has helped to match mentors to more than 2,500 youths, from Secondary 3 up to undergraduates. MENDAKI will be expanding its mentoring programme to start earlier, from Secondary 1 students. This will enable more students and parents to be connected to support systems such as MENDAKI’s Professional Networks, to help them make more informed education and career choices.

32. Dr Wan Rizal asked how we can support our youths in job transitions. We will create more platforms for our youths to connect and learn from professionals who have succeeded in their chosen fields, as they prepare to enter the workforce.

33. MENDAKI has recently signed an MOU with NTUC e2i to strengthen AI readiness through targeted workshops and community engagement initiatives. It also seeks to expand access to career advisory services, skills developments pathways, and employment opportunities. These efforts will put our youths on a better footing to make informed decisions about their career pathways and seize opportunities in growth areas.

Engaging MM youths on their aspirations

34. Last October, we launched the Malay/Muslim Youth Taskforce, led by MOS Rahayu and SPS Dr Syed Harun to hear from our youths their views on career development, identity and values, and how they could contribute to society. Through this taskforce, we hope to keep our policies relevant, and our youths invested in Singapore’s future.

35. The taskforce has since appointed 13 youth consultants, who are leaders from diverse fields including entrepreneurship, sports, digital media, technology, religion and the social sector. They have lined up a series of Youth Conversations in partnership with M³ agencies and the National Youth Council, which will capture the perspectives of youths on various issues closer to their hearts, and co-create initiatives in support of the national SG Youth Plan. I look forward to hearing their views on bringing the community forward at the upcoming M³ Youth Festival in August.

Enabling our seniors to age with purpose and dignity

36. I have spoken in detail about our youths, but we must also remember our seniors who have given so much of themselves to build a better future for us. Both Mr Saktiandi Supaat and Mr Sharael Taha have asked about how we intend to strengthen holistic support for seniors in our community. I share their concern.

37. We must ensure our seniors continue to thrive in their golden years. Our Malay/Muslim seniors shared with me that they are doing well but wish to connect more widely and meaningfully with others. Mr Chairman, ageing well is just as much about companionship, dignity, and purpose as it is about health and well-being.

38. So, I was very heartened when Masjid Al-Muttaqin, in collaboration with Ma:een and Muhammadiyah Active Ageing Centre, initiated Santunan Emas, a holistic ground-up effort to provides our seniors and caregivers with religious guidance, social engagement activities, and healthcare support.

39. The programme has since expanded with the support of other mosques, such as Masjid Darul Makmur and Masjid Yusof Ishak, benefitting close to 900 seniors weekly. These mosques also work with partners like the Agency for Integrated Care, National Healthcare Group and the Singapore Hospice Council to reach out to our seniors in nursing homes and hospices.

40. I recently attended the Santunan Emas roadshow at Masjid Darul Ghufran, and witnessed how our mosques, partner agencies and volunteers engage our seniors and their caregivers to support them in different areas of need. This ecosystem of care affirmed the need for a targeted programme for our Malay/Muslim seniors that is developed by the community and for the community.

41. I have therefore asked the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and People’s Association (PA) to support Santunan Emas’s efforts, and to help rally resources and agencies across health, social, financial, and religious domains.

    1. For example, MUIS will work with Santunan Emas networks at local mosques to identify needs and facilitate partnerships with other community organisations, as well as with healthcare providers to enhance healthcare.

    2. PA, with its grassroots network, can also rally fellow seniors to serve as befrienders, mentors and active members of the community.

    3. This way, we strengthen not only our services, but also the culture of care and dignity for our seniors.

Strengthening support for businesses and workers

42. Mr Chairman, let me turn to our businesses and workers now. The Prime Minister has outlined comprehensive support measures for businesses in recognition of the challenging economic climate, including a corporate tax rebate.

43. The Budget also provides a booster shot for our businesses and workers to transform for the longer term – including to expand to new markets, to reskill and upskill, and to adopt new technologies like AI. Lower-wage workers in particular will benefit from the enhancements to the Progressive Wage Credit and Workfare Skills Support schemes, while workers making a career transition will benefit from the expanded SkillsFuture Level-Up programme. I encourage our Malay/Muslim enterprises and workers to make good use of these schemes.

44. Mr Sharael Taha asked how Malay/Muslim businesses can participate meaningfully in the digital and AI economy. The Government has announced that it intends to harness AI as a strategic advantage. The Champions of AI programme, enhancements to the Enterprise Innovation Scheme and expansion of the Productivity Solutions Grant will be implemented to help businesses confidently transform and grow using AI.

45. The pursuit of AI must translate into better outcomes, such as stronger livelihoods and more opportunities, so that our community can progress with confidence in this AI economy.

46. That is why we must make upskilling practical and accessible. As MOS Rahayu shared at MDDI’s Committee of Supply debate, workers can upskill through Langkah Digital, an M³ initiative spearheaded by MENDAKI to strengthen AI and digital literacy amongst our community. This will be done through practical workshops and events to help the community understand how best to make use of AI. This will complement national measures announced by PM, including the six months of free access to premium versions of AI tools, to help our community move from learning to applying AI and benefiting from it in their jobs.

47. Mr Chairman, the efforts I have shared reflect our unwavering commitment to uplifting every member of our community. In doing so, we hope that they are able to contribute back to strengthen the entire community.

Pillar 2: Developing trusted religious institutions to enrich our community religious life

Cultivating vibrant community religious life

48. Sir, our mosques are at the heart of our community religious life. They are not just places of worship, but community hubs that foster spiritual growth and promote wellness, where faith comes alive through collective prayers, learning, and service to others.

49. To stay relevant, our mosques must remain forward-looking and be able to adapt to the evolving needs of our community. Mr Fadli Fawzi asked how we plan for the development and closure of mosques. As I have shared in this House, MUIS takes into consideration key factors that contribute to the demand for prayer spaces, such as projected population changes, as well as land development plans, including the building of new housing estates. Mosque heritage is important to us. Where a mosque has heritage value, MUIS works closely with mosque leaders and agencies to preserve this, including in situation where relocation is necessary. We are committed to ensuring that our community's religious needs are sufficiently met as Singapore continues to grow.

50. Beyond infrastructure, our mosques provide various programmes that encourage community building. I agree with Ms Mariam Jaafar that our mosques can play a larger role in partnering youths to improve their well-being. Initiatives like the NEXTGEN SG Mosque Youth Symposium and mosque dialogue with Mufti allow our youths to engage our religious leadership on contemporary issues, explore specific concerns of the young and develop ideas to address real issues grounded in faith. Our pastoral care programmes also provide spiritual guidance and support to those facing life's difficulties, this also includes activities done together. It is not only about dialogues - mosque leaders and youths also go out, spend time together, and that is where they learn from one another.  We will look into the useful suggestions that Ms Mariam Jaafar raised.

Strengthening religious education

51. Our asatizah help the community navigate modern issues, such as social challenges, technological advancements, and geopolitical conflicts. Being an asatizah today requires not just deep religious knowledge, but the ability to connect with people and bridge different communities with wisdom and compassion. It is crucial that our asatizah embody these values, engage with empathy, and develop relevant skills to be effective guides to the community in today’s complex global landscape.

52. Mr Chairman, this is precisely why we must continue developing our religious leadership, and one of our most significant investments in this area is the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS). Dr Syed Harun asked how we will ensure that SCIS’s programmes will maintain high standards of Islamic scholarship while still meeting the needs of the local Muslim community.

53. SCIS will be led by our Mufti and supported by distinguished scholars. The curriculum will be interdisciplinary, incorporating social sciences modules to give our future asatizah well-rounded perspectives and boost their employability in the religious and adjacent sectors.

54. We are making good progress – SCIS remains on track to open in 2028. We have signed an MOU with the Singapore University of Social Sciences, and we are finalising other partnerships with institutions in Egypt, Jordan and Morocco. The SCIS campus development at Rochor is also underway.

55. Mr Chairman, our mosques, madrasahs and the SCIS are institutions collectively owned by our community. Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked for updates on the Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura, or WMS. I am happy to share that MUIS has held over 20 outreach initiatives together with various partners, reaching out to different segments including workers, seniors, and the Indian-Muslim community. We have also appointed WMS ambassadors to expand our outreach efforts as of February 2026, the WMS has raised over $8.5 million with contributions from over 15,400 transactions. I strongly encourage those with the means to give back to the community, as this will ensure the financial sustainability of our social and religious needs for generations to come.

56. Only when our religious institutions are strong, are we able to nurture an enriching community religious life.

Pillar 3: Nurturing a vibrant cultural sector that celebrates our unique Singaporean Malay arts, culture and identity

57. Mr Chairman, our rich Singapore Malay culture and heritage anchor our identity and sense of community, and define us as distinctively Singaporean Malay.

58. I have always enjoyed attending our community's cultural events. I had the privilege of experiencing Gentarasa SG60 last November. I was struck by the artistic excellence, passion and dedication of the performers who brought our traditions to life with such authenticity.

59. Our cultural expressions serve as vehicles for storytelling, identity formation, and intergenerational connection, helping our young understand their cultural roots while inspiring them to contribute their own creative voices to our evolving cultural narrative.

60. At the heart of our culture and heritage lies the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) in Kampong Gelam. Dr Syed Harun asked for an update on the MHC’s reopening. The MHC will reopen in April this year with Pesta Pecah Panggung – Transcending Boundaries, a festival featuring programmes by over 60 partners showcasing the best of Singapore and Nusantara arts, youth talent, and community creativity. I strongly encourage everyone to join these celebrations.

61. The revitalised MHC will have an expanded mission that goes beyond its traditional role as a repository of artefacts and exhibits. It will become a vibrant hub that offers a variety of programmes like festivals for children and youth, regular film screenings, and community-driven showcases to take the cultural development and placemaking of Kampong Gelam to the next level.

62. Central to this expanded role will be the MHC's function in deepening documentation and research on Malay culture and heritage, as a resource for practitioners and the community. The MHC will establish a research unit, led by an advisory panel with Dr Norshahril Saat as the chair, to build a comprehensive body of knowledge about Singapore Malay heritage. This unit will work with stakeholders to identify areas of focus and support long-term research, by academics and community groups. Through this effort, we will ensure our cultural narratives are not just preserved, but actively studied, understood, and shared with future generations.

63. However, research and documentation are not enough – we need living practitioners like Puan Jumaini Ariff to keep our traditions alive. Puan Jumaini is a passionate practitioner of traditional storytelling who never fails to dazzle with her craft. She speaks fondly of it and shares her hopes for a new generation to continue the tradition of a Penglipur Lara.

64. The MHC has also launched an Intangible Cultural Heritage Mentorship Programme, connecting experienced practitioners with young enthusiasts over a 10-week structured programme. This initiative embodies our commitment to ensuring cultural knowledge and skills gets passed down seamlessly from one generation to the next, culminating in showcases through MHC, where mentees can demonstrate their newly acquired expertise and contribute fresh perspectives to age-old traditions.

65. When our culture is alive and vibrant, it not only becomes a source of pride for us, but it enriches the multicultural fabric that makes Singapore special.

Multiplying Impact through M³+

66. Mr Chairman, I have outlined our plans to strengthen our community across the three pillars. We will uplift individuals by providing them opportunities to succeed at every stage of their lives. We will enrich our community religious life by developing trusted religious institutions. And we will nurture a vibrant cultural sector that celebrates our unique identity.

67. These goals build on the solid foundation that our community leaders have already established over the years. For instance, M³ brings together MENDAKI, MUIS and PA MESRA to address community issues through focus areas and M³@Towns.

68. However, as Dr Hamid Razak and Ms Hazlina Halim have pointed out, we must broaden our collaborative networks to achieve these goals. We will therefore expand and rebrand M³ to M³+. We want to emphasise greater collaborations between M³ agencies and our community partners, as we strategise nationally in each of the focus areas, and deliver programmes at the M3@Towns level. I hope that M³+ will better recognise the specialised knowledge and community links of Malay/Muslim organisations, Indian/Muslim organisations, informal groups and individual contributors who are already doing excellent work on the ground.

69. In fact, this is already being done in some areas.

    1. For example, MHA and the M³ Engagement Coordination Office at PA has been working with Jamiyah's Darul Islah Halfway House, Pertapis’s Halfway House, and PPIS's Rise Above Halfway House to strengthen the rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. They have facilitated training sessions for over 300 ex-offenders to develop financial and practical skills that will empower them to build sustainable futures for themselves and their families.

    2. At the town level, the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) has also worked with M³@Woodlands to conduct a Micro Business Programme to equip budding entrepreneurs with knowledge such as financial management, business ideation and marketing to build sustainable micro businesses. One of the programme participants, Mr Muhammad Nor Hafiz, was able to transform his seasonal cookie sales into a thriving family business called Chonkery.sg

70. MMOs, IMOs and other community partners can tap on a variety of community resources to support these efforts. For instance, in 2025, MENDAKI disbursed more than $2 million from the Community Leaders’ Forum Fund, which Ms Hazlina spoke about.

71. As Dr Hamid Razak and Ms Hazlina rightly pointed out, many of our MMOs and IMOs also provide services directly to families. It is important that we facilitate collaboration and improve coordination, by bringing together M³ agencies and our community partners to develop better ways of working together. This includes ongoing efforts under Project DIAN, where we have reached out to over 900 families as at end-2025.

72. We will launch this exciting next phase in April 2026, beginning with an M³+ Networking Session. Some of the ideas include putting together a directory of services that our MMO and IMO partners offer, so that our M³ Focus Area leads and M³@Towns can systematically work with these community organisations to identify new opportunities and greater synergies for better programme delivery and to close last-mile gaps. I thank Dr Hamid and Ms Hazlina for their suggestions, and encourage our MMOs, IMOs and individuals to step forward and co-create M³+ with us.

73. Together with this effort, we will continue to develop the next generation of community leaders through the TUNAS programme.

    1. TUNAS brings together emerging community leaders to build their capabilities through knowledge exchange and networking, developing common projects, and mentorship from senior community leaders.

    2. To date, two cohorts of leaders have completed the TUNAS programme, and we will welcome the third cohort later this year.

    3. These Tunas graduates will help drive M³+ forward by connecting partners, identifying opportunities for collaboration and leading ground efforts so that support reaches those who need more seamlessly.

74. Mr Chaiman, in Malay please.

75. Tuan Pengerusi, visi saya untuk masyarakat Melayu/Islam ialah agar kita melangkah ke hadapan bersama dengan satu hati dan tujuan yang sehala. Dengan semangat "Bersatu Hati, Maju Bersama", kita bertekad untuk menyediakan peluang dan sokongan agar setiap individu dapat menjadi versi terbaik diri mereka di setiap peringkat kehidupan.

76. Visi ini akan dicapai melalui 3 teras utama:

    1. Pertama, meningkatkan hasil sosial dan ekonomi masyarakat;

    2. Kedua, mengukuhan insitusi keagamaan dan membina kehidupan beragama yang penuh dinamik; dan

    3. Ketiga, memupuk seni, budaya dan warisan Melayu kita.

Meningkatkan hasil sosial dan ekonomi masyarakat

77. Program Bersamamu, yang telah membantu lebih daripada 36,000 pasangan, akan diperkukuh melalui penambahan 50 peratus bilangan Kadi dan Naib Kadi, serta penempatan Pegawai Pembangunan Keluarga di masjid-masjid tertentu. Di samping itu, Projek ARIF akan dijadikan program tetap bagi menyokong pasangan sepanjang perjalanan mereka mendirikan rumah tangga dan kehidupan berkeluarga.

78. Dalam bidang pendidikan kanak-kanak, program ReadySetLearn akan diperluas melalui penganjuran jelajah-jelajah di kawasan perumahan, manakala RSL Language Explorer akan dilancarkan bagi melengkapi RSL Maths Explorer. MENDAKI Achievement Programme pula akan memberi pendedahan awal kepada pelajar dalam bidang kecerdasan buatan (AI) dan robotik, manakala Program Pementoran MENDAKI akan diperluas kepada pelajar-pelajar dari Menengah 1, bagi menyokong pelajar secara menyeluruh dalam perjalanan pembelajaran mereka.

79. Bagi para pelajar yang memerlukan bantuan tambahan, saya gembira bahawa MENDAKI dan MOE telah memulakan program perintis di sekolah-sekolah terpilih di Tampines. Dengan sokongan MSF, MCCY dan rakan-rakan masyarakat, kita dapat mengukuhkan penjagaan dan sokongan selepas sekolah, membantu para pelajar pergi ke sekolah dengan konsisten dan meningkatkan prestasi akademik mereka.

80. Bagi warga emas kita, MUIS dan PA akan menyokong program Santunan Emas dan pendekatan holistik yang amat diperlukan oleh masyarakat yang semakin menua. Ia akan menyediakan bimbingan agama, panduan penjagaan kesihatan dan sokongan sosial kepada warga emas dan para penjaga mereka. Program ini memerlukan kerjasama semua pihak: masjid, rakan kongsi masyarakat, keluarga, dan pemerintah. Dengan usaha bersama, kita dapat memastikan warga emas menerima sokongan yang diperlukan dan menjalani kehidupan yang bermakna di usia senja mereka.

Mengukuhan insitusi keagamaan dan memupuk kehidupan beragama yang penuh dinamik

81. Masjid-masjid akan terus memainkan peranan penting sebagai pusat-pusat masyarakat yang dinamik untuk memperkukuh hubungan masyarakat, membantu keperluan sosial dan memenuhi kehidupan beragama yang kian berubah.

82. Kolej Pengajian Islam Singapura juga akan siap dibuka pada 2028. Kita telah menandatangani MOU dengan SUSS untuk menawarkan kurikulum antara disiplin bagi program sarjana muda. Kita juga sedang memuktamadkan kerjasama dengan institusi-institusi pendidikan Islam di Mesir, Jordan dan Maghribi. Usaha-usaha ini bertujuan melahirkan barisan asatizah yang lebih berdaya saing dan sedia membimbing masyarakat berdepan dengan isu-isu kotemporari yang rumit.

Memupuk seni, budaya dan warisan Melayu kita

83. Pusat Warisan Melayu akan dibuka semula pada April tahun ini. Ia akan menjadi nadi budaya Melayu Singapura, menyatukan festival, tayangan filem dan pameran berteraskan masyarakat, bagi menghidupkan dan menyuburkan Kampong Gelam. Pusat ini akan membentuk hala tuju masa depan budaya kita, disokong oleh unit penyelidikan yang diterajui panel penasihat Dr Norshahril Saat.

84. Program Memperkasa Penggiat Warisan Budaya telah diperkenalkan untuk menghubungkan penggiat budaya dengan generasi muda. Program ini akan dijalankan selama 10 minggu bagi memastikan ilmu dan tradisi kita terus dipelihara serta berkembang merentas masa.

Memperluaskan kesan usaha melalui M³+

85. Tuan, untuk  memperluaskan kesan usaha M³, kita perlu kerjasama rapat dengan rakan-rakan kongsi di luar rangkaian MENDAKI, MUIS dan MESRA. Justeru, saya akan merasmikan  M³+, bagi melibatkan  badan-badan Melayu/Islam, India/Islam, jaringan tidak rasmi dan individu-individu yang ingin menyumbang secara lebih menyeluruh.

    1. M³+ akan memperkukuh sokongan yang disediakan. Setiap Bandar M³ dan Bidang Tumpuan akan bekerjasama rapat dengan badan-badan Melayu/Islam, India/Islam, jaringan tidak rasmi serta individu-individu yang berhasrat untuk berkhidmat kepada masyarakat. Mereka akan meneroka peluang baru dimana usaha boleh diselaraskan dengan lebih berkesan.

    2. Rangkaian ini akan dilancarkan pada April 2026, bermula dengan sebuah sesi jaringan M³+.

    3. Di samping itu, program TUNAS akan terus memupuk generasi pemimpin masyarakat masa hadapan melalui pertukaran ilmu, pembinaan rangkaian serta bimbingan daripada pemimpin berpengalaman.

86. M³+ mencerminkan kesinambungan semangat kerjasama yang telah lama menjadi kekuatan masyarakat kita, berlandaskan prinsip bersatu hati, maju bersama.

87. Marilah kita melangkah ke hadapan, bersatu hati untuk berusaha menjadi versi terbaik di setiap peringkat kehidupan kita.

    1. Sebagai contoh, Puan Latipah Binte Abdul Rahman mula menyertai program Santunan Emas sebagai peserta pada Oktober 2024 untuk mendapatkan bimbingan rohani dan sokongan sosial. Kini, beliau menabur bakti sebagai sukarelawan penyelaras yang mengatur pasukan penyambut tetamu, menyediakan jamuan dan mengendalikan sesi senaman serta kelas kraftangan. Ilmu dan pengalaman yang diperoleh mendorong beliau untuk menyumbang kembali kepada masyarakat. Kisah Puan Latipah menunjukkan bagaimana seorang peserta program boleh menghidupkan semangat bersatu hati, dan seterusnya bangkit menjadi peyumbang yang memajukan masyarakat. Inilah transformasi yang ingin kita saksikan dalam setiap ahli masyarakat kita.

Conclusion

88. Mr Chairman, I spoke about the recent developments that have unfolded in the Middle East at the beginning of my speech. During times of global uncertainty, it becomes even more important for us to strengthen the bonds that keep us united. External conflicts must never divide us. As Singaporeans, we must stand together, support one another and maintain the mutual respect and understanding that define our society.

89. I have shared my vision for our community – to cultivate a thriving community where every member can be the best version of themselves. I have outlined how we will achieve this vision through three pillars that address every dimension of our community's development.

90. Through these three pillars, we ensure that every member of our community can build secure and prosperous futures while remaining grounded in the values and rich culture that define us as a community.

91. Throughout this speech, I have shared stories of individuals who embody the spirit of "Bersatu Hati, Maju Bersama" – each serving as sources of inspiration in their own right. Mr Radzi and Ms Risa show us how strong foundations enable families to thrive. Puan Jumaini demonstrates how dedication to preserving heritage becomes a valuable contribution to future generations. Mr Muhammad Nor Hafiz exemplifies how entrepreneurial spirit, when supported by the community, transforms aspirations into success and opportunity. Puan Latipah's journey from participant to volunteer coordinator embodies the meaningful cycle of receiving support and giving back that strengthens our community. These individuals illustrate the essence of a "we first" society – where personal development contributes to collective progress, and where every act of service creates positive impact throughout our community. This is the spirit we hope to see everyone in our community embody.

92. As we move forward, we will continue strengthening support by building capable, trusted institutions and more importantly, by engaging one another closely on issues that are close to our hearts.

93. Our true strength lies in our collective spirit – the same spirit that sees neighbours helping neighbours, organisations collaborating across boundaries, and leaders emerging to serve the greater good. We have much to look forward to in our collective future – let us do so by Moving Forward Together, With One Heart.

94. Thank you.