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M³ Forum: Celebrating 5 Years of M³
M3 celebrates its 5th anniversary this year, marking a huge milestone in the efforts to uplift the Malay/Muslim community. To cap off the celebrations, over 1,000 community partners including Malay/Muslim organisations, professionals, and dedicated M³@Towns volunteers gathered on 10 November 2024 at the M3 Forum to celebrate this momentous occasion. We were also honoured to have Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in attendance as he gave a rousing speech in which he reiterated the Government’s commitment to support the Malay/Muslim community in achieving its vision of a Community of Success. PM Wong announced three transformative projects set to enrich the Malay/Muslim community’s cultural and educational landscape.
One of which is the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS). This college will serve as a monumental educational institution to shape future asatizah with the confidence to address contemporary challenges in Singapore’s multi-racial and multi-religious context.
Additionally, the rejuvenation of the Geylang Serai Cultural Belt, featuring a revitalised Tanjong Katong Complex, and the reopening of the Malay Heritage Centre at Kampong Gelam, will breathe new life into Singapore’s heritage spaces. A major upgrade to Sultan Mosque is also slated for next year.
The event also marked the launch of M³'s fifth anniversary book titled ‘Realising the Vision of a Community: The M³ Journey’ published by Berita Harian. Inspired by the resilience of the Malay/Muslim community through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the book chronicles M³’s collaborative achievements since its inception and stands as an inspiration for volunteers, and a guide for leaders.
In addition, awards were presented to outstanding volunteers and for special projects, honouring the invaluable contributions that have helped shape M³'s impact over the years.
Minister Maliki also provided an update on the Organisation Volunteer initiative launched earlier this year, rallying support from organisations and corporations to encourage employees to give back through Project Dian. Changi General Hospital (CGH) is the first to step forward, recently leading an enriching KidZania experience for children and parents, sparking positive career conversations in a fun setting. Other partners, including the Public Service Division and TAQWA Financial Services, have also come onboard, with promising engagement from public service officers eager to volunteer with M³.
Malay/Muslim Community’s Appreciation Dinner for Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong
On 20 September 2024, a tribute event was held for Senior Minister (SM) Lee Hsien Loong, organised by MENDAKI with support from various Malay/Muslim organisations.
SM Lee has significantly influenced the Malay/Muslim community and Singapore through his sensitive approach to issues like terrorism, the wearing of ‘tudung’ for our healthcare workers, and Section 377A.
The community expresses deep gratitude for his unwavering dedication and service, which have fostered unity and understanding. Together, we will continue to honour his legacy and uphold the values he has embodied for future generations.
Read more about it in Minister Masagos' Facebook post here.
Bersamamu 5th Anniversary Celebration
Bersamamu has provided invaluable support and guidance to Muslim couples across Singapore since its launch in July 2019. Through Bersamamu, the Naib Kadi (marriage solemnisers) will meet and befriend the couples they solemnise and provide marriage advice and refer them to national-level programmes and services.
At the event, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli officially launched the new Bersamamu logo, and presented awards to the dedicated Kadi, Naib Kadi, and female Asatizah, whose dedication have been instrumental in the success of the programme. Ustaz Pasuni Maulan and Ustaz Sallim Jasman, two highly respected Kadis, were each bestowed with the prestigious "Anugerah Kadi Sepanjang Hayat” (Lifetime Achievement Award) in recognition of their unwavering commitment to strengthening families’ efforts, beyond solemnising marriages, over their combined 100 years of service to the community.
Read Minister's Masagos speech here: Bersamamu 5th Anniversary Event
National Day Rally
At National Day Rally (NDR), Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong announced
the establishment of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SICS). THe
college aims to train asatizah to provide religious relevant guidance within
Singapore's context.
PM Wong reiterated his commitment to work with the Malay/Muslim community
to attain success.
Read PM Wong speech here: PMO | National Day Rally 2024 (Malay)
Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura
Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura (WMS) was officially launched on 3 August 2024 by Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli. WMS, a new Islamic Endowment Fund by the community for the community, creates a long-term sustainable funding stream for the evolving needs of the Singapore Muslim community.
The establishment of WMS comes back to two important reasons:
A good Islamic practice and tradition. Our forefathers have bequeathed their land and properties for specific purposes that benefit the wider community, as guided by Islamic principles. We now have 91 Wakaf, as an Amanah, entrusted for us to preserve them for future generations. This is a practice that we can learn from and build on – but the last wakaf was contributed a long time back in 1978.
Renewing our mosque land leases. In the next 30 years, we will need at least $300 million to renew our mosque land leases in quick succession. Our existing community funds such as the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF) and Zakat can support the community’s current operation needs. But in the long term, we need to do more to strengthen our religious institutions such as madrasahs, and develop our Asatizah sector.
By establishing the WMS, we will allow ourselves a long runway to raise smaller tranches of funds over time and generate a resilient income stream to support our future growing needs.
M3 Youth Festival
M3 Youth Festival returned for its sixth year on 6 Jul 2024. At the event, Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam launched Cool Yah Conversations.
The Cool Yah Conversations is a refreshed mentoring approach which will be implemented in M3@Towns. The 'flash mentoring' initiative provides flexibility and targeted mentorship that accommodates the needs and schedules of our youths. It builds leadership and mentoring skills among youths, empowering them to play an active role in the community.
Minister Hari Raya Get-Together 2024
Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli hosted about 300 guests comprising community and interfaith leaders, volunteers and professionals who have contributed to efforts to uplift the Malay/Muslim community.
In his address, Minister Masagos shared how citizenry remains at the core of our Singaporean Muslim identity as we contribute to a united society, striving together for the common good. It is with citizenry that the Malay/Muslim community is more empowered and has built a strong foundation for itself.
Minister Masagos also announced the formation of Islamic Legacy Planning Workgroup and Pro-Tem committee to support Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura when it's launched.