Home Team Partners,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Introduction
1. A very good afternoon to all.
2. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you; speakers, presenters, organisers, and also the participants, for making today’s inaugural conference a success.
3. I have been very fortunate to be able to meet you, to journey with you at the various platforms, milestones, and also through a few of my visits and my engagements at various events, and many of your activities. I've seen how passionate and committed you are to this cause. We have a lot to thank you for, for joining in this very meaningful effort. And some were so passionate - even though they are volunteers, this is like their second full-time job. This is something that I think we cannot buy, but I think we have developed so well in this area. So, we must continue this journey.
4. The commitment activity that we just did symbolises our commitment to come together to uplift our community and to support efforts in preventing offending and reoffending.
5. I met quite a number of you who say that “Wow, this is a very nice opportunity.”, “This is a nice engagement”. Today, we are able to come together to really spend time, learn from each other, share with one another. So, I must say the two words: truly inspiring. Thanks to all of you.
Personal Reflection
6. The network was formed slightly more than two years ago and despite being relatively young, we have come a long way.
7. As mentioned by Minister in his opening speech this morning, there have been new initiatives and new collaborations forged since the coming together of this network.
8. We even launched our own workplan in May last year.
9. Our collective efforts, alongside the various programmes by Prisons, Yellow Ribbon Singapore, and other Government agencies and community partners, have led to good progress. My colleagues, from the different Home Team agencies, as well as other government agencies who are involved in this work - they really appreciate your presence, your effort, the partnership, that you have embarked with us.
10. I remember, I was together with a group of mosque volunteers, visiting the prison. We visited the DRC, and the reactions I got from the volunteers were, “Wow, this is nice. This is a great opportunity for us to help. This is something that we really appreciate happening.”. Because this will help to fill the gaps that our friends in there and their family would require. Not only when they are in, but also when they are out. This is what we call the throughcare approach. So, this is something very much welcome - your presence, your support. And some of you go beyond the extra mile. I really admire our friends who have been incarcerated before, but they came together, join hands with the rest of the community and society to bring goodness. Fantastic effort by all of you. We hope many more will come on board, because this will strengthen our ecosystem to help those who are affected by it, as well as their families.
11. I believe that we will only continue to grow from strength to strength, and achieve more milestones together.
12. Today’s conference connects people and organisations, each bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
13. I am thankful that so many of you had stepped forward today to share your knowledge in this area of work.
14. Whether it is through a presentation or sharing your programmes and services at the exhibition booths - you have helped build the network’s collective knowledge and wisdom. I believe this will go a long way in benefiting our friends and their families.
Conclusion
15. I hope that today’s conference has inspired you to continue journeying with us, and that it has sparked new ideas and created opportunities for you to come together and collaborate.
16. Let us carry the spirit of collaboration beyond this conference. As we return to our respective roles, let's remain committed to sharing, learning, and growing together.
17. It is through this shared effort that we overcome challenges and truly make a lasting impact on our community.
18. Lastly, to continue with what seems to be a tradition for any MMO Rehabilitation Network events, let me end with a pantun.
Bagaikan anak sungai yang berpilin,
Masyrakat bersatu, memikul bersama,
Dalam bayang kerjasama,
Kita temukan kekuatan bila menghadapi cabaran
19. Once again, thank you to all of you for making today’s conference a success.
20. I think we all would like to specially thank the organising committee for their tireless effort and dedication, and for putting in the many hours to make today a reality. Let's continue this journey and bring goodness to whoever we can and enjoy the process while we do it.
21. Thank you and have a wonderful day ahead.
