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Veteran of
social service is Berita Harian Achiever of the Year
August 4, 2004, Wednesday - At 77, when most people his age
are taking it easy or are too frail to do anything, it's still work
as usual for Haji Abu Bakar Maidin.
For his outstanding and unstinting contribution to community service,
the President of Jamiyah for more than 30 years, is the winner of
this year's Achiever of the Year Award announced today by Berita Harian
and McDonalds.
The award is in recognition of his passionate involvement in many
social and educational projects, which have contributed immensely
towards uplifting the Malay/ Muslim community.
He will receive the award from Dr Ng Eng Hen, Acting Minister for
Manpower and Minister of State for Education, at 9.15pm tonight at
the Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore.
The annual award, now into its sixth year, is given to a Malay/ Muslim
individual for his achievements in the fields of education, business,
arts and culture, sports, the professions or social work. The recipient
must show perseverance, determination and a willingness to overcome
odds in his or her respective field, and possess an outstanding integrity
and be a role model for the Malay/ Muslim community in Singapore.
The winner is picked by a panel of six judges drawn from the Malay/
Muslim community, and headed by Mr Ridzwan Dzafir, a consultant with
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr Guntor Sadali, Editor of Berita Harian, a judge in the selection
committee, said: "Haji Abu Bakar has given almost his entire
life to serve the community, and continues to do so. And his services
extend beyond Jamiyah. He has also made significant contributions
in promoting inter-racial and inter-religious harmony which is crucial
in Singapore."
A key leader in the Malay/Muslim community, Haji Abu Bakar, an ex-financial
director who became the first Malay to become a director in an MNC,
also holds many appointments, both locally and overseas.
But his most outstanding contribution is to Jamiyah, one of the largest
Muslim welfare organisations in Singapore. His achievement is synonymous
with the success of the organisation, which had only $5.60 in its
coffers when he first took over as President in 1973.
Since then, Jamiyah has grown into an organisation with assets worth
more than $25 million, including a seven-storey building in its name.
With more than 35,000 members, Jamiyah provides a wide range of social
services for people of all ages, from children to the elderly and
destitute. Some of its services include a children's home, a halfway
house for ex-drug addicts, an elderly nursing home and a home for
the aged.
Jamiyah also provides free legal and medical clinics, and food rations
for the poor and needy. A firm champion of education, Jamiyah runs
four educational centres - a childcare centre, an education centre,
a pre-school centre and a business school.
In its efforts to be self-sustaining, Jamiyah has also ventured into
business and runs a freshmart, a deli cafe, a restaurant and catering
service, as well as a training centre, all under the umbrella of Jeewa
Ltd.
To some extent, Jamiyah's success is due to Haji Abu Bakar's ability
to form an extensive network of supporters and well-wishers, which
goes beyond the Malay/Muslim community. One of Jamiyah's strongest
supporters is the Singapore Buddhist Lodge Foundation, which has helped
in co-organising some of Jamiyah's fund-raising and social activities.
Even during the economic downturn, Jamiyah was able to raise millions
of dollars through various fund-raising events.
Haji Abu Bakar's ability to work together with other communities has
drawn praise from many leaders, including Prime Minister Goh Chok
Tong, and turned Jamiyah into a role model for the promotion of inter-religious
harmony, which is increasingly important in the post-9/11 world, where
misunderstandings about the Muslim community could arise.
Haji Abu Bakar himself has become an icon symbolising efforts to promote
inter-religious harmony and understanding. It is therefore befitting
that he was appointed President of the Inter-Religious Organisation
(IRO) early this year. IRO, which represents nine religious groups
in Singapore, is responsible for promoting harmony and understanding
among different faiths.
Haji Abu Bakar is also chairman of the Education Trust Fund (ETF)
working committee. ETF is a fund-raising initiative which was mooted
by Minister in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, two years
ago.
Under Haji Abu Bakar's leadership, ETF, which aims to collect $10
million by 2005 to fund pre-school education of needy children, has
now reached the $7.5 million mark.
Past years’ Achiever of the Year winners include Dr Mansoor Abdul
Jalil, lecturer with the Department of Electrical Engineering at the
National University of Singapore (NUS); Professor Aziz Nather, director
at the Tissue Bank and consultant with the Department of Orthopedic
Surgery at NUS; Madam Halimah Yacob , Assistant Secretary General
of NTUC; Master potter Mr Iskandar Jalil; and Veteran Composer Mr
Iskandar Mirza Ismail.
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Speech by Dr Ng Eng Hen at
the annual Berita Harian Achiever of the Year Award Presentation
Ceremony 2004
Please click
here. |
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Speech by Mr Mohd Guntor
Sadali, Editor Berita Harian and Berita Minggu, at the Berita
Harian Achiever of the Year Award Presentation Ceremony 2004
Please click
here. |
Issued by Singapore Press Holdings
For more information, please contact:
Chok Huey Jiuan
Assistant Promotions Manager
Promotions & Events, Marketing Division
Tel: 6319 1518
Mobile: 9049 6509
Khartini A. Khalid
Journalist
Berita Harian
Berita Minggu
Tel: 6319 5777
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