Mr Phillip Tan, Chairman of ISCOS Board of Trustees,
Mr Joshua Tay, Chairman of NeuGen Fund Management Board,
Mr Sallim Abdul Kadir, Chairman of ISCOS Board of Directors,
Partners, Sponsors, Volunteers,
Families and Friends.
1. Good evening.
Introduction
2. I am very happy and honoured to be invited to NeuGen’s Iftar event this evening.
3. Ramadan is a very important month for the Muslim community all over the world. It is a time where Muslims strengthen their faith through focused devotion, reflection, and gratitude.
4. Ramadan also provides us with the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with our family and friends.
5. There are many ways to do this: through praying together, volunteering together, and of course – very important for Singaporeans – eating and breaking fast together, just as what we are doing today.
6. Many of us have meals with our families daily, but Ramadan is a reminder not to take these family relationships for granted. They must be nurtured and cherished.
7. Families are the bedrock of our society and play a crucial role in the development of our children and youths.
8. In most instances, the family is the child’s primary social group, and has a direct influence over their physical, emotional, and social development.
9. We must therefore continue to invest in building and strengthening family relationships.
10. Beyond the family, the wider community plays a key role as well.
11. The community provides our children and youth with a network of support and help them build networks that can be helpful as they grow up.
12. It is like the kueh salat which we are very familiar with – two layers, each very different, but they complement each other and make the kueh complete. Similarly, family and community together provide our children with the emotional and social capital that they need, to develop and grow into outstanding members of the community.
Significance of NeuGen’s Work
13. With that note, I would like to thank NeuGen for organising such a meaningful and important get-together event.
14. Thank you for creating this platform for families and for the community to bond.
15. I was told that this is NeuGen’s largest breaking of fast event to-date, with more than 100 families present this evening. Truly amazing! Please give yourselves a big round of applause.
16. As I was entering the room earlier, I saw many familiar faces; individuals and families whom I have met at past NeuGen events such as the annual bursary awards and at last year’s family day event at Wild Wild Wet.
17. I am very happy to see that all of you have remained connected to NeuGen.
18. NeuGen plays an important role in developing our future generation. NeuGen gives out bursary awards, sponsors tuition and organises enrichment programmes for children. Through these initiatives, NeuGen hopes to develop resilient, motivated, and confident children and youths. It is a very noble cause, and I would like to thank NeuGen for their hard work and contributions to the community.
Closing
19. Before I end, let me also thank corporate sponsors such as Assets Prestige Alliance, TripAdvisor and volunteers from iWow Technology Ltd for supporting NeuGen’s efforts. Your invaluable support has helped made this event a reality.
20. To the families present today, I hope that you will remain connected with NeuGen and that you will also find opportunities to contribute and give back to the society.
21. I believe that all of us, regardless of our circumstances and background, can play a role in uplifting our community.
22. On that note, I wish everyone a pleasant evening. Thank you.
