Recognising outstanding individuals who make a difference in the community

Mr Ameerali Abdeali – Chairman of the Abdeali Tayebali Family Trust

Mr Kesavapany – President of Singapore Indian Association

Dr Mohd Saleem – Vice-President, Jamiyah Singapore

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. A very good morning to all of you.

2. When Mr Ameerali invited me to this awards ceremony, I readily accepted as I know this award to be a very meaningful one. This award by the Abdeali Tayebali Family Trust, presented in collaboration with the Singapore Indian Association and Jamiyah Singapore, recognises an individual in our community who embodies the spirit of graciousness and selflessness. 

3. The Abdeali Tayebali Family Trust was set up in 2012 by Mr Ameerali and his family to help make Singapore a more inclusive society. This includes providing assistance to low-income families, promoting education, inter-faith harmony and understanding. It's a very encouraging effort by an individual and his family, and I hope it inspires others to embark on similar endeavours.

4. In fact, the Trust seeks to encourage this spirit of community too by identifying and recognising outstanding individuals each year as well, who have shown selfless dedication to society.  Since 2012, three people have received the Abdeali Tayebali Lifetime Achievement Award and the Courage Award and I am happy to note that they are with us today. They are:

   - Dr Kumaran Rasapan, the first Singaporean Indian to scale Mount Everest;
   - Mr K V Veloo, a pioneer in the development of social service and social work in Singapore and author of the book “Life and Timesof a Social Worker”;   
   - And Mr Wan Hussin Zoohri a former teacher and politician and a highly respected Malay/Muslim community leader who recently authored a book “Memories and Musings.”

5. Thank you for being an inspiration for all of us.

6. Today, I'm very happy to be able to be here as we recognise this year's recipient of the Abdeali Tayebali Lifetime Achievement Award - Dr William Wan, General Secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement. William has dedicated much of his life to impressing upon his fellow citizens the importance of being kind and gracious towards one another.  Since taking up the leadership of the Kindness Movement in 2011, William has put the organisation at the forefront of promoting graciousness in Singapore. He's also actively roped in partners, including government agencies, NGOs, VWOs and corporations, to boost graciousness across all aspects of life and work. Through his effort, I believe there is a greater national consciousness on the need to be kinder and more gracious in the way we live and work.

7. I hope that the recognition given to Dr William Wan today will serve as an inspiration to Singaporeans to continue the ongoing journey of building a more gracious Singapore.  I want to also commend Mr Ameerali and family for putting up the Abdeali Tayebali Lifetime Achievement award.  This effort by an individual and his family is highly laudable and I hope am sure it will inspire others to follow. As we grow as a community, as a nation, we want to grow together.  Helping those in need, and helping to make this a more gracious Home for all, are certainly efforts we encourage as we look beyond SG50. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth hopes to work with more individuals and groups in this area too.  Together, we can grow a culture of giving and nurture a compassionate and cohesive society in Singapore.

8. On that note, I wish everyone a pleasant day ahead and a wonderful weekend. Thank you.