Masagos Zulkifli B M M
Singapore
“Coordination between Early Intervention (EI) centres, families and preschools is important for the continuity of support for children with developmental needs.”
“The Taxi Subsidy Scheme supports persons with disabilities (PwDs) who are unable to take public transport, by providing means-tested subsidies to offset the cost of taxi travel to school, work and employment-related training supported by SG Enable.”
“The Skills and Salary Guidelines published by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) guides social service agencies (SSAs) to pay their employees fair and competitive remuneration and maintain the sector's attractiveness. The Guidelines are adjusted so that salaries remain competitive with comparable roles in competing markets.”
“Staff turnover rates vary across social service agencies (SSAs). An individual's decision to leave an organisation is influenced by a myriad of factors, of which pay is only one.”
“Beyond the requirement of a structured daily programme, community-based SCFA administrators have the flexibility to offer programmes and additional enrichment activities that meet the needs of their students. MSF does not track staff salaries and turnover of SCCs in general nor those that administer SCFA.”
“Male preschool educators comprised about 1% of the early childhood workforce in each of the last five years. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has not issued guidelines pertaining to the rules set by preschool centres specific to the conduct of male preschool educators.”
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“On the first question, I do not have the data. If the Member is interested to know the numbers, please file a Parliamentary Question (PQ). The Member asked how many of the 75,000 were below PCHI or above PCHI and still receiving the income. I do not have such data because it was not asked. On the second question on inflation component – was it incorporated? Yes, indeed it was. The changes that we made are to the income benchmark, and this is that one in two to three years, and that takes into account data from the Department of Statistics on basic living expenses, and of course, after consulting our professionals, the social service professionals on the ground. That is why it takes two to three years to get the income benchmark reviewed. But like I mentioned just now, this income benchmark is not the criterion. It is not a hard threshold. But it is also a way for families to know whether they should or can come for assistance, and then the SSOs will make a holistic assessment to give or not to give them, or to point them to other forms of assistance. For the cash assistance itself, we do make reviews regularly, particularly when there are peculiar instances, like these last two years of increasing inflation. But we do take into account, first, the packages available from the Government, such as at Budget 2023 when Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a set of additional one-off support measures to Singaporeans to address immediate cost of living, and this included the 2023 cost-of-living special payment of up to $400 in cash to provide for this relief. And then on top of that, MSF also announced from 4 April to 30 September 2022, SSOs provided a minimum of six months of support. So, it was without them being reviewed.”
“MSF will also continue to reach out to low-income households, including through our partners, so that those who need assistance are aware of the social support that is available to them. Our partners include members of our SG Cares Community Networks, other Government agencies, social service agencies, grassroots organisations and leaders, and volunteers. We also encourage individuals who need support to call the ComCare hotline at 1800-222-0000 or approach the nearest SSO or Family Service Centre for assistance. On whether the income benchmarks of other Government schemes would be raised in tandem, various social assistance schemes meet different needs and have different target groups. Agencies incorporate data and information from multiple sources when formulating social assistance, including the income benchmarks of other Government schemes, to tailor each scheme’s eligibility criteria to meet its intent. MSF is also leading a whole-of-Government effort to ensure that support for ComCare clients is comprehensive, convenient and coordinated. For instance, ComCare Scheme Bundles enable ComCare clients to automatically qualify or be considered for relevant assistance schemes, such as MOE’s Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) and MOH’s Community Health Assistance Scheme (CHAS). We are expanding this arrangement progressively to cover more schemes and agencies. MSF will continually review and improve ComCare, to ensure that social assistance is provided to those who need it.”
“Given that the income benchmark is not used to determine SMTA eligibility, we do not use it to project the number of future recipients or assistance amounts. The number of SMTA applicants rose from around 61,000 in 2019, to around 80,000 in 2020 and 82,000 in 2021 at the height of COVID-19, before dropping to around 75,000 in 2022. The number of SMTA applications from January to June this year is slightly lower than that during the same period last year. The most common reason for unsuccessful ComCare applications in the past three years is that applicants had sufficient income or financial support for their basic living expenses. Other reasons include clients withdrawing their applications to apply for other assistance schemes, such as the COVID-19 Recovery Grant, and clients not submitting supporting documents for ComCare eligibility assessment despite repeated requests from the SSO. The revision in the PCHI benchmark is the latest in a number of enhancements that MSF has made to ComCare policies and processes in the past year. In August 2022, we increased the quantum of assistance for households on ComCare SMTA and Long-Term Assistance (LTA). This is to adjust for increases in the cost of living and projected inflation. These complement other Government measures which address cost of living concerns, such as the cost-of-living special payments under the Assurance Package in 2022 and 2023. We also made it easier to apply for ComCare by introducing an additional channel for online SMTA applications in May last year, besides applying in person at SSOs. We will continue to regularly review the scope and coverage of ComCare schemes.”
“Thank you. Mr Ang Wei Neng, Ms Mariam Jafaar, Miss Cheryl Chan, Mr Henry Kwek and Mr Sharael Taha have asked about the recent revision to the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) income benchmark, its impact on past and future ComCare applicants, and whether more assistance can be provided. My response will also cover the related Parliamentary Question filed by Mr Sharael Taha for the next Sitting, which he may consider withdrawing if this has been responded to. Mr Speaker, ComCare SMTA provides temporary assistance to lower-income households that need financial support to meet basic living expenses. Last month, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) raised the SMTA per capita household income (PCHI) benchmark from $650 and below, to $800 and below. The PCHI benchmark is not a criterion that once met would automatically qualify a household for SMTA. Eligibility for SMTA is based on a holistic assessment by the Social Service Offices (SSOs), taking into account factors such as household income, savings and availability of family support. Households with PCHI above the benchmark, therefore, may also qualify for SMTA if their basic living expenses exceed their income. This is why we emphasise that the income benchmark for ComCare SMTA is not a hard threshold to qualify for assistance. Such households would therefore not have been deprived of ComCare assistance if they sought help at an SSO. For example, one of our ComCare households was a single mother and child with PCHI above $650. The SSO provided them with around $100 per month in SMTA cash assistance, in addition to support for their medical bills, utility bills, and services and conservancy charges.”
“Mr Speaker, may I take Question Nos 26 to 30 together, please.”
“The Government reviews and updates our policies from time to time, taking into account various factors, including changing societal norms and values. This is also the case when it comes to support provided to single unwed parents. Among other sources of information, we look at various statistical as well as survey indicators to assess Singaporeans’ attitudes towards single unwed parents. Single unwed parents are already eligible for all Government benefits that support the growth and development of their children. These include subsidies for education, healthcare, childcare and infant care, the foreign domestic worker levy concession and the Child Development Account (CDA). In addition, low-income single unwed parents can also approach their nearest Social Service Office for assistance. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) also works with community groups to strengthen support for single unwed parents in need.”
“Preschools are required to put in place measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children within their premises. While preschools are not required to install closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) on their premises, many have done so for security purposes. As it is not a requirement, the Early Childhood Development Agency does not track the number of preschools that do not have CCTVs on their premises. Like other organisations, preschools must comply with requirements under the Personal Data Protection Act on the collection, use and disclosure of individuals’ personal data in CCTV footage.”
“Enabling Academy, SG Enable’s disability learning hub, conducts Disability Awareness Talks and High Impact Retention and Employment (HIRE) Workshops to equip organisations with relevant knowledge and skills to hire and integrate employees with disabilities. Over the past five years, more than 320 organisations have sent more than 7,100 employees without disabilities to attend these talks and workshops. Of the close to 6,600 organisations that received the Enabling Employment Credit for hiring persons with disabilities in 2022, about 2% have sent their employees without disabilities to attend Enabling Academy’s Disability Awareness Talks or HIRE workshops in the past five years. Based on the above data, training for employees without disabilities may not be a key factor in determining whether employers hire persons with disabilities or how long employees with disabilities stay in an organisation. Instead, we have focused on helping employers to provide the necessary support to their employees with disabilities.”
“Family Service Centres (FSCs) are accountable, under their funding agreements with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to attain the required service standards, professional practice standards and good governance. There is, therefore, no need for FSCs to expend additional resources to undertake further impact assessment for work carried out under the funding agreements. There are programmes or services that FSCs and other Social Service Agencies (SSAs) undertake, which are not funded by the Government. SSAs may want to demonstrate the impact and efficacy of their programmes. To this end, the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) has capability development initiatives to support SSAs. Ms Carrie Tan can refer to my response at the MSF Committee of Supply (COS) Debate this year.”
“Generally, our publicity and communications extend to not just the seniors but also their caregivers. So, the Government undertakes a wide range of communications efforts to raise awareness of the various support schemes available, including what I mentioned just now, the cost-of-living support. For example, the most recent cost-of-living support has been printed in newspapers, like The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao and on radio capsules, and we have also put them in summary graphics in digital display panels across the Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates and condominium developments. So, these are some of the things that we are doing. I know of grassroots leaders and their partners who are also helping out in other forms of publicity. Most importantly, I think we know the Silver Generation Ambassadors who are under Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) are the main key contact points. These are not only those who have built relationships with our seniors and their caregivers, but they also know the kind of support available for them that can be suited to these seniors. I hope that if in doubt and when we know our neighbours, perhaps, need some form of help and do not know where to get this help, particularly, if they are seniors, please contact AIC, Silver Generation Office Ambassadors. They will take it up and also be able to connect the seniors with other kinds of help beyond medical. For example, financial as well as housing needs. 12.29 pm”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, based on data from the Department of Statistics, the estimated total amount of Government support provided between 2018 and 2022 to resident households with at least one Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident senior aged 65 years and above was $25.7 billion. This covered relevant healthcare, social support and housing-related Government transfers that households with seniors benefited from, such as the GST Voucher scheme, Assurance Package, Government top-ups to CPF, Pioneer and Merdeka Generation Packages, ComCare assistance and Silver Support. The Government has introduced measures to help Singaporeans cope with cost-of-living concerns, such as the enhancements to the Assurance Package. Eligible seniors received up to $700 cash support in June 2023 from the Cost-of-Living Special Payment and Cost-of-Living Seniors' Bonus. Upcoming support includes the GSTV-Cash payments of up to $700, GSTV-MediSave top-ups of up to $450 in August 2023 and Assurance Package Cash payouts of up to $600 in December 2023. Beyond cash support and subsidies, the Government will continue to work together with our community partners, such as the Silver Generation Office, to jointly engage and extend support to our seniors as needed.”
“The table below shows the proportion of asatizahs who are university graduates and currently working at the mosques and madrasahs1 and their earnings, based on data collected by Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) as at 1 July 2022. As part of the Asatizah Workforce Development Plan, MUIS has been working with madrasahs, mosques and Islamic Learning Hub and Management Office to implement a Common Salary Guideline (CSG) that ensures asatizahs are fairly compensated based on the competencies and values that they bring to their jobs. MUIS is implementing CSG at the mosques and madrasahs in phases from this year. MUIS will also encourage the Islamic Education Centres and Providers and other relevant sectors to align their compensation for asatizahs with the CSG framework. We should give employers time to adjust to the framework.”
“The Ministry for Social and Family Development (MSF) had provided information on Social Service Agencies' (SSAs') adherence to the recommended starting salaries in the Salary Guidelines in 2019 in our reply to the Member's question on 14 September 2021. We are currently reviewing and analysing the data from 2020 to 2022. Since the publication of the revised Salary Guidelines in April 2023, the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) has been engaging SSAs through clinics and workshops to support them in implementing the guidelines within their organisations. MSF and NCSS will continue to work closely with SSAs to put in place effective human resource practices to increase compliance with the Salary Guidelines.”
“ComLink families’ top three expressed aspirations are to purchase a flat, build up savings and see their children do well at school. Key concerns expressed include their financial circumstances, their children’s future, their health and housing stability. ComLink provides families with support that encompasses the 3Cs – Comprehensive, Convenient and Coordinated. Once they have access to 3C support, we will work with them on specific goals and action plans for them to attain the 3Ses of Stability, Self-Reliance and Social Mobility. Achieving the 3Ses requires active effort on the part of the ComLink family, working in partnership with the ComLink officer and ComLink befriender assigned to them. As part of Forward Singapore, we are engaging widely with practitioners, young Singaporeans and other stakeholders on the part the community can play to uplift their fellow Singaporeans.”
“I had answered a similar Parliamentary Question by Mr Louis Ng on 10 January 2023. The trend has not changed. [Please refer to "Children and Young Persons Living in Public Rental Flats at Point of Admission into Places of Safety from 2018 to 2021", Official Report, 10 January 2023, Vol 95, Issue 80, Written Answers to Questions section.]”
“The Limited Balloting Scheme will only be offered to prospective first-time Haj pilgrims who have been in the AHRS queue for more than five years. Applicants who performed their Haj previously are not eligible to register for the additional places offered through this balloting exercise.”
“This year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) allocates 900 places for Singaporean pilgrims to perform the Haj. The existing Advance Haj Registration System (ARHS) allocates these 900 official Haj quota to pilgrims. In addition, KSA also has the discretion to allocate additional places to each country. In past years, KSA granted additional Haj places to Singapore very close to the departure date of the first batch of pilgrims. Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) officers would then reach out to applicants who were in the queue to fill up these additional Haj places within three working days. During the allocation process, MUIS noted that a significant number of applicants in the queue were not prepared to perform the Haj at such short notice. Learning from this experience, MUIS has developed the Limited Balloting Scheme to allocate the often very large number of additional Haj places within a short period in a fair and transparent manner. Under this scheme, Haj registrants who are able to commit to the Haj pilgrimage even with short notice can submit their application to ballot for a place. The balloting will be done through a computer-generated randomised algorithm. The Limited Balloting Scheme will be implemented when MUIS receives updates on the additional Haj places from KSA for future Haj seasons, where there is a need to allocate a large number of places at very short notice. It will not be applied this year. With better utilisation of both the official and additional Haj places, we hope to eventually ease the backlog of Haj registrants and thus reduce the overall waiting time for pilgrims to perform the Haj. However, this depends on the official and additional Haj places granted by KSA. Other countries have also adopted balloting as a way to allocate Haj places.”
“The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) takes a firm stance against abuse and does not condone egregious behaviour towards social workers. In their frontline work, social workers do come across clients who exhibit abusive behaviour. Social service agencies (SSAs) are required to have clear policies and protocols on staff safety. Each year, SSAs make about five reports of abusive behaviour to the Police. MSF does not track the investigation outcomes.”
“I would like to refer the Member to a report by The Straits Times on 13 April 2023, which addressed this issue. Briefly, the FY2023 Sector Salary Guidelines took into consideration the Skills Frameworks for Social Service and for Healthcare, as well as changes in job sizes and responsibilities. As a result, some job roles were merged and some right sized. Hence, not every job role in the FY2023 guidelines is directly comparable to those listed in the previous years' guidelines. In particular, the "Senior Care Staff" role was previously mapped to the Social Work Associate grade. The review found that "Care Staff" and "Senior Care Staff" should more appropriately be tagged to Social Service Assistant grades. The competencies and work performed by some Senior Care Staff under the old guidelines would be commensurate with a higher job level of Social Work Associate in the FY2023 Guidelines. This is especially so for staff already earning at levels that exceed the FY2023 salary range for Senior Care Staff. In implementing the FY2023 Guidelines, social service agencies (SSA) should evaluate the job sizes and roles of their Senior Care Staff. They should then use the relevant benchmarks for the purpose of setting the salary, and to update job titles to better reflect the role. Existing Senior Care Staff with the same competencies and job sizes as Social Work Associates should continue to be paid similarly to Social Work Associates. To support SSA leaders and human resource practitioners, National Council of Social Service has organised a series of webinars, workshops and clinics on how to implement the FY2023 Guidelines.”
“Our Dian Ambassadors have started visiting these families fortnightly, working with families to read with their children and support the parents in being involved in the development of their young children. Over the decades, the Malay/Muslim community has made great progress on all fronts. This includes achieving stability, self-reliance and social mobility, while continuously giving back both to the community and to the nation. As we face new challenges and as our society continues to grow and evolve, we will continue to work closely with community leaders, MMOs and our many volunteers. This will bring the community closer together to excel and uplift the lives of the most vulnerable. I am confident that our Malay/Muslim community is well placed to forge ahead towards an even brighter future as a Community of Success. (In English): Mdm Deputy Speaker, let me conclude. We must be a society where Singaporeans will always have opportunities to forge a better life for themselves, regardless of their starting position. We must draw on the strengths of individuals and families, the social capital within our communities and resources from the public, people and private sectors to realise this vision. I know we can because we are Singaporeans. Ahead of the 100th anniversary of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's birthday, let me share a quote which I think is evergreen, though he said it in 1965. He said, "10 years from now, it will be better than now. Today, it is immensely better than it was 10 years ago. It is better, even, than last year. And it is ours, provided we have got enough sense to be together and nobody can keep an industrious people to work and fight for its future." [Applause.]”
“Today, MENDAKI remains relevant as it uses education as a key driver to uplift the community. MENDAKI successfully mobilised the energies and passion of its many volunteers to drive programmes, like the MENDAKI Tuition Scheme and KelasMateMatika, for students across all levels today. These MENDAKI volunteers understood our customs and culture and thus helped to augment the Government's efforts to improve Malay/Muslim educational outcomes in tandem with other communities. Today, 99% of every Malay student cohort completes at least 10 years of education. This is a meaningful achievement, as the 10 years of education provides the foundation to enable them to further their studies at the post-secondary level and enable them to pursue lifelong learning. I am heartened by the progress made by the Malay/Muslim community, which was possible due to the awareness of the importance of education as well as the hard work and close partnership of all parties. Let us continue the efforts to enable our children to achieve their fullest potential. Today, we must take reference from the latest findings from research and science. The research shows that the early years are crucial to a child's development. Therefore, a key aspect of our strategy to sustain social mobility in Singapore is early childhood development. We must ensure that children are enrolled in preschool by around age three. We are doubling down on our efforts to support families with young children through Project Dian@M3 and will also facilitate priority enrolment for children from lower income families into Anchor Operator preschools and MOE Kindergartens.”
“To achieve this, we need a strong partnership across sectors, with each sector doing its part: the Government developing policies that help our people progress; the community harnessing available resources to address its needs; and volunteers bringing their skills and talents to uplift the lives of those around them. The mark of a strong social compact is when successful individuals give back to society. We appreciate the efforts of our Malay/Muslim Organisations (MMOs) who have long played important roles in uplifting the community. Many of our Malay/Muslim professionals have also stepped forward to serve and contribute to those in need. For example, Lawyers@M3 brings together lawyers, legal professionals and individuals with legal backgrounds to conduct talks on legal matters, Lasting Power of Attorney workshops and pro bono legal clinics for the community. In their spare time, a group of soldiers also volunteer as mentors at ITE College East through Project Pathfinder, serving as role models for the students they journey with. The Muslim Healthcare Professionals Association also works with M3@Towns to bring health-related programmes and workshops closer to residential areas, to better benefit the community. One of the traits that our community can be proud of is the progress that we made over the years, with the community and Government working together, by putting their minds and hands together to uplift the community. The self-help group MENDAKI has become a model that many parties abroad are keen to learn from. It was formed 40 years ago, at a time when our community leaders were concerned about the educational performance of our Malay children. They were committed to helping Malay children reach their fullest potential and attain success.”
“Our hope is that, with ComLink, community resources can be better harnessed to fulfil real needs. What this could look like is: in each ComLink community, a volunteer befriender works with families to refer them to services, such as career coaches, to help them secure a job and nearby preschools and after-school programmes provided by the community to support the education of their children. Companies step in to provide mentorship and internship opportunities to the youth to nurture and grow their aspirations. I have seen a glimpse of what is possible in ComLink@Jurong West, where UOL-Pan Pacific Hotels Group provides opportunities for children from lower-income families to access their facilities and enrichment classes through the National University of Singapore's (NUS') students stepping forward as ComLink befrienders to journey with families. Rather than each of us going at it alone and duplicating efforts, let us synergise our various efforts into an effective national movement to better support families in need. Let us cast our nets wider beyond our own sectors and work together in common cause to uplift those in need. Let us work together to keep social mobility alive in Singapore. Mdm Deputy Speaker, in Malay, please. (In Malay): Singapore must continue to be a country where there will be opportunities for families to better their circumstances. A country where they can fulfil their aspirations to secure a brighter future for their children and where our people believe that our brand of Singaporean meritocracy works.”
“For example, drawing on its know-how in early childhood education and social work, the Singapore University of Social Sciences worked with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to launch a training programme to equip KidSTART practitioners with the knowledge and skills to better support the development of children from lower-income families. We will strengthen our collaboration with academics and IHLs to improve policies, social work practices and the delivery of services to meet evolving social needs in Singapore. In my speech at the President's Address debate in 2018, I called for a Singapore brand of meritocracy. Today, I call on our IHLs, academics and researchers to conduct original research and build up a robust body of knowledge of social science that applies to our context, one that is made for Singapore. Mdm Deputy Speaker, no Government can sustain social mobility by its efforts alone. Everyone has a role to play in supporting those in need. As part of our refreshed social compact, we must find ways to benefit others and help others succeed and do well together. Individuals, families and our society will be better for it. This is how an inclusive and caring society is built, by the hands of its people. We will achieve much more when we work together than going in alone. To better support families, we must join hands across society: businesses, social service agencies, community partners, volunteers and the Government working hand-in-glove. Over the past few years, we have expended significant efforts to organise ourselves better to support families, coordinating our collective efforts under ComLink. I recall a family receiving five bags of rice from five different well-meaning social service agencies and corporates, which the family had no need for.”
“Businesses know they are a better and more attractive company when they put equal emphasis on environment, social and governance (ESG). They fulfil their social responsibilities from how they look after their employees, hire inclusively, to how they harness their businesses to make a positive impact on the community. We need businesses to lead the charge and role model the ways in which they uplift communities. We will guide businesses in better measuring and expanding their social impact. We will celebrate and recognise businesses and other partners in this Year of Celebrating Social Service Partners. We recognise that philanthropists, foundations and other entities, like family offices, also want to do good. We have extended our tax deduction rate of 250% for donations until end-2026. The Government will also do more to help private capital and family offices maximise their philanthropic impact. In our efforts, we must also tap on the best minds and translate the best research into practice to make a tangible impact. I am glad that many academics, researchers and IHLs have taken a keen interest in and are actively working to strengthen and support our families, from evaluating programmes that seek to ensure every child gets a good start in life, to examining ways we can enhance family resilience, so that our families can bounce back after setbacks. We must tap on the wealth of knowledge and expertise at these IHLs to better and more effectively uplift our communities.”
“During our Forward Singapore engagements, some have suggested that we should find ways to encourage families who take positive steps, such as securing stable employment and ensuring that their children attend preschool, but to do so in a manner that does not erode their sense of self-reliance and personal agency. When such families put in the effort, we know they are on the road to making progress in their lives. And as part of our social compact, it is good and right that we recognise such efforts. So, we are studying how to do this in a bigger way, under ComLink. Fourth, we want more social service partners across society to uplift communities across Singapore. Uplifting those in need goes beyond social services agencies. It involves businesses, community partners, neighbours and volunteers. It involves all of us. We need partners to share their resources and know-how and distribute their social capital to uplift those who have less. We want to harness the best of organisations to address the needs of communities in innovative ways. This means leveraging organisations' assets, expertise and networks to enhance opportunities for lower-income families. For instance, organisations can run mentorship programmes in their workplaces, widening the horizons of youths from less privileged backgrounds and inspiring them to work towards a brighter future. Businesses have an important role to play. It is timely, then, that many businesses are moving beyond traditional corporate service responsibility (CSR), to weaving social impact into their very core. They know that their success is tied to the success of Singapore. Recognising their responsibility to the wider community, they are reshaping their businesses.”
“This is what ComLink sets out to achieve, by providing wraparound support for families with children living in rental flats. ComLink is another programme that does not wait for families to come forward to get help. A befriender proactively reaches out to families to understand their various needs and aspirations and works with them to develop goals and action plans. Government agencies and community partners stand behind the befriender and work at the back end to coordinate suitable services and programmes for the families. From four pilot towns in 2019, we have expanded ComLink islandwide to 21 ComLink communities, each supported by a Social Service Office. We are further integrating social programmes under ComLink, such as KidSTART, UPLIFT Community Network and Project Dian@M3, so that families receive support from a single touchpoint. To make it easier for families to receive the support they need, we introduced scheme bundles so that lower-income families on ComCare assistance can access other assistances easily. As data is shared at the back end, families can receive assistance without submitting the same information to different agencies. We will ensure that our social services are comprehensive, convenient and coordinated, so that families can get the help they need quickly and easily. Third, we will reinforce and support the personal agency of families who wish to improve their circumstances. Many families want to secure a better future for their family and are taking active steps to uplift themselves and their children.”
“Instead, we reach out to parents as early as during the mother's pregnancy and work with a team of healthcare and social service professionals, volunteers and community partners, to support these children to give them strong chances early in life. This prevents disparities in the early years from snowballing into greater disparities down the road. Since we started KidSTART in 2016, over 6,000 children have benefited. We will intensify our efforts to start children from lower-income families on the right path. We will scale up KidSTART nationwide by 2026 and continue to facilitate priority enrolment for children from lower-income families in Anchor Operator Preschools and MOE Kindergartens. Investing in the early years is not just good science, it is also fiscally prudent. It gives us the best chance of setting children up for success and is more effective than tackling issues downstream. Second, we will provide more support to families. Over the years, this Government has strengthened social safety nets. We have provided transfers and subsidies and targeted assistance to those who need them most. We have designed schemes to keep people in employment and ensure wage growth. But we can do more. We will be proactive, because we know we need to identify issues early before they snowball into larger issues so that one thing does not lead to another: a health issue does not become an unemployment issue of another family member, which, in turn, affects their children's education. We will also ensure that lower-income families get the help that they need quickly and easily. Ultimately, we want families to achieve stability, self-reliance and social mobility – the three "S"es. To do so, we will ensure our services are family-centric and easily accessible.”
“The community contributed to those in need among them. As our country prospered, we saw more individuals and companies giving back to society and uplifting others. We must keep this spirit of giving back alive. Giving back to society is a key ingredient of our country's success, where those who have done well acknowledge the role society has played in enabling the person to succeed and find ways to benefit others and help others succeed too. As I said five years ago, this is how meritocracy can be moral: when the successful demonstrate a sense of duty to society, when they share the fruits of success with others. And importantly, we all must work together for the common good. We must never underestimate the power of working together. When different entities can come together and work in sync towards a common goal, we can achieve a great deal. It is this quality of private, people and public sectors working together that helped us pull through during the pandemic and remain united. Not pulling in different directions and, ultimately, undermining society itself. Mdm Deputy Speaker, we must harness these qualities and work together to tackle the issue of social mobility and to uplift those in need in our society. The Government will strengthen our policies to uplift lower-income families. First, we will give all children a good start in life. We are convinced by evidence that investments in the early years build a strong foundation in our children's lives. This is why we have invested significantly in affordable and quality preschools. We are also providing more intensive support to support mother and child early on in life, through KidSTART. We do not wait for families to come forward.”
“The story of Ibrahim cited by Dr Wan Rizal just now, is just one of many stories of Singaporeans that succeeded because of their education; and Sarah, for access to good health systems. Coupled with Government efforts to make Singapore attractive for investments, we enjoy economic growth and create good jobs for Singaporeans. Together, these have helped to uplift generations of Singaporeans. These fundamentals continue to undergird our strategy today. We continue to make significant investments into public education, affordable housing and quality healthcare. It is why Singaporeans continue to sit shoulder to shoulder and all can access quality healthcare at our public hospitals, and their children attend school together. Sustaining these policies across generations is no easy feat. But we have managed to maintain the provision and quality of these goods on an even keel, without ballooning social expenditures that, ultimately, the taxpaying public has to pay for. Second, a strong sense of personal agency and industrious work ethic. For countries to be successful, its people must be earnest in pursuing their aspirations and work hard to earn their success. From the day Singapore became independent, we understood that no one owes us a living. We had to work hard to get where we are today. This ethos is deeply embedded in our psyche. Singaporeans know this and respect those who have earned their success and similarly, want to work hard to do well for themselves, their families and communities. It is this spirit that will propel this country forward amidst headwinds. Third, those who have done well giving back to society. We have seen this in Singapore's early years where philanthropists and businesses raised funds and set up hospitals and schools.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, across the world, social mobility has been a challenging issue. Many advanced societies have faced wage stagnation. Some youths in other countries do not believe that they will be better off than their parents. In addition, many wonder if they can achieve their aspirations or will they be kept in the social class they were born into. In countries where this hope has disappeared, the "have-nots" tussle with the "haves", there is a loss of unity and society is fractured, weakened. And when the absence of upward mobility is overlaid with racial or religious fault lines, the social fabric frays quickly. We must not let this fate befall us. In Singapore, we have kept social mobility alive across generations. This remains our promise. We want to build a country where there will always be opportunities for families to better their circumstances and where their children have hope of a better and brighter future. Let me share key features of our society and what we need to do to sustain social mobility. First, Government policies as enablers. Governments must always prioritise, invest in and preserve the social foundations of societies to provide a fair chance for everyone to move up in society. They must address the under-provision of at least three public goods: education, healthcare and housing. Society must accept policies that even out disparities to help address disadvantages families may face. Over decades, we have built a strong foundation in Singapore. We provide families with access to affordable education, housing and healthcare, enabling Singaporeans to pursue their aspirations and realise their potential.”
“To ensure effective service delivery, we will prioritise funding for outcomes and improve data sharing and integrated case management through platforms such as Case Connect and One Client View. We will also reduce administrative and regulatory burden and streamline reporting requirements while still ensuring good governance. To grow the attractiveness of social service sector jobs, we will enhance skills training, guide SSAs to pay competitively through the updated NCSS Sector Salary Guidelines, and improve working conditions. Businesses and organisations have assets, expertise and networks they can creatively leverage to support their philanthropic efforts and create sustained social impact. MSF will partner businesses to strengthen the social impact in their Environmental, Social, and Governance policies. We will also strengthen collaborations with IHLs and academics to train social service professionals, and to undertake research to inform our policies and practices. We will create a Singapore made for families, give every child a good start, and help every family achieve stability, self-reliance and social mobility. Together, we can secure a better future for ourselves and our children.”
“To this end, Community Link (ComLink) officers and volunteer befrienders have adopted a family-centric approach in supporting families with children living in rental housing. MSF will also be integrating social programmes under ComLink, such as KidSTART, UPLIFT Community Network, and Project Dian@M3. We are studying how to empower ComLink families to take further action to improve their circumstances and that of their children, by augmenting and supplementing their efforts to uplift themselves. Through Forward Singapore, we will strengthen partnerships with volunteers, the community, and corporates to help these families achieve stability, self-reliance, and social mobility. We will take a family-based approach to rehabilitate youth offenders, so that they can turn their lives around. We will also work with the community to protect families at risk of domestic violence. We have made it easier and more convenient for those experiencing or witnessing domestic violence to make reports, so that survivors can get help from social service professionals. We will amend the Women’s Charter to better protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable even as we support their rehabilitation. Twenty twenty-three is the Year of Celebrating Social Service Partners for the good work of social service agencies (SSAs), businesses, and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). We will accord similar recognition to social service professionals and volunteers. We will continue to partner SSAs in their transformation and extend more support through the Community Capability Trust, so that their digitalisation processes, people practices, and volunteer management capabilities are future-ready.”
“We will study new care options apart from infant care facilities, to meet varying preferences and needs. We will continue working towards our shared vision where men and women partner each other as equals. One key area is to encourage greater women’s representation in leadership roles, building on the good progress made in raising the proportion of women on boards. We will enable persons with disabilities (PwDs) to live independent and fulfilling lives, through the Enabling Masterplan 2030. SG Enable will launch regional Enabling Business and Enabling Services hubs to provide employment support to, and bring social support services closer to PwDs and their caregivers. MSF will also expand capacity in early intervention services and make preschools more inclusive to support children with developmental needs. To foster a more caring and inclusive society, we will work with corporates and the community to shift mindsets and enhance support for families with PwDs in areas such as cost of care and post-school life. We will strengthen our social safety nets for lower-income families and enable them to bounce back stronger. ComCare will be regularly updated to reflect basic expenditure patterns of lower-income families. Early childhood development for children from lower-income families will start them on the right path. We will close the gap in preschool participation rates of children from lower-income families with their peers. We will scale up KidSTART nation-wide by 2026 and facilitate priority enrolment for children from lower-income families in Anchor Operator Preschools and MOE Kindergartens by age three. We will also ensure that social services are comprehensive, convenient, and coordinated so that vulnerable families can get the help they need quickly and easily.”
“The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will strengthen families as the bedrock of our society. We will build a more caring and inclusive society, drawing on the strengths of individuals and families, the social capital within our communities, and resources from the public, people and private sectors, to provide a tapestry of support to uplift those in need. We will implement the Singapore Made For Families 2025 plan, which outlines the efforts of the Government, community partners, and businesses to create a Singapore where all families are valued and supported. We will strengthen the Families For Life (FFL) movement. FFL will establish a presence in all towns by 2025 in partnership with Family Service Centres (FSCs). This will provide families more convenient access to peer support groups, marriage preparation, parenting and grandparenting programmes at the local community level. For families that face more challenges, we will provide timely family-centric interventions such as marriage support for minor and young marriages, divorce support, and family counselling. We will do this through the nationwide network of 10 FSCs offering the Strengthening Families Programme. We will continue to invest heavily in the early childhood sector to provide all children access to affordable and quality preschools. By 2025, 80% of pre-schoolers can have a place in a Government-supported preschool with affordable fees. We will enhance training and career progression for early childhood educators, keep salaries and working conditions competitive, and maintain the high quality of preschool education. In our Forward Singapore conversations, parents expressed their desire for more options to care for their young children, especially infants.”
“On the first question, MUIS uses a particular service which gives this breakdown of their data. At this point of time, this service does not give very micro data that we can further analyse and see how we can understand the data. Right now, we are looking at a broad reach and I think it is generally okay. Unless there are necessary imperatives to spend more to get an even deeper dive, I think we will do with this for now. For the second question, I accept that the young people may not always want to go to MUIS' website. It is quite frightening sometimes to talk to an ustaz; or to be known talking to an ustaz; or find out that the ustaz even knows him. But the irony is that, if we endorse a particular site, which is actually a very independent and ground-up initiative, then we should also be mindful that youths think this is a MUIS site. And then, again, we lose the segment that this site, like mysafespace.sg, has gotten some reach to our youths. And therefore, endorsement is not something we should be doing just automatically. Support can be given. If useful, MUIS can put that in its SalamSG, for example, to say these are other independent sites that youths could reach out to if they want support. And if there is any need for our asatizah in that space for further support, they should reach out to MUIS and we would be happy to let them thrive and support them.”
“Mr Speaker, MUIS has taken action whenever a discovery is made. A lot of these can come from the internal reporting, but these few discoveries that we have mentioned, including the $2 million transfer, came after we undertook an audit externally, into the madrasah as part of the process of ensuring governance and checks. Whenever an irregularity has been detected internally or externally, MUIS would take action. For example, discovery of the $2 million transfer was done after an audit in 2016, although it was transacted in 2014 internally by the MMC. Without the audit, we probably would not have discovered it. In the same way, too, MUIS commissioned a special review in 2021 – which is way past the 2016 timeline – to see whether there are even further transactions between the madrasah and ITL. It is in 2021, arising from the findings of this review, that MUIS filed a Police report. These regular checks that we have to do, even when what seemed to have been settled, must be carried on in any institutions so that we can continue to be accountable to the community. There is one more question that the Member asked about IT. As I mentioned just now, we do have to upgrade the IT capabilities as well as the governance around IT and data management in the madrasahs and that is a work in progress.”
“Over the past five financial years, the average monthly cost of placing a child or young person in a juvenile rehabilitation centre (JRC) or a place of safety was $5,400 and $3,000 respectively, and the median monthly cost was $5,100 and $3,200 respectively. The Government provides 100% funding for JRCs. For places of safety, the Government fully funds Court-ordered cases and covers 75% of the cost for cases not ordered by the Courts.”
“In 2022, the Ministry of Social and Family Development's (MSF) Child Protective Service (CPS) investigated about 2,070 cases involving serious abuse or neglect of children and young persons by parents or caregivers. Cases investigated for emotional or psychological abuse constituted 20% of these cases. About 45% of all cases were reported through the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH). MSF has previously answered a Parliamentary Question (PQ) by Member of Parliament Mr Louis Ng on 9 January 2023 on the breakdown of CPS’ investigation cases by referral sources and the Member may refer to that reply. CPS conducts social investigations. In situations where there are immediate or serious safety concerns for the child, CPS will interview the child in person without the caregiver present. Where a possible crime is disclosed, CPS refers the case to the Police to conduct a criminal investigation into the offence against the child. Therefore, CPS does not make recommendations to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) regarding prosecution. Aggravating factors, such as active concealment of child abuse, may be considered in determining the sentence, if the parent or caregiver is convicted. The penalties for child abuse offences were last revised in 2020. The maximum penalty for offences against children below 14 years old was enhanced to twice the maximum penalties prescribed for offences in the Penal Code.”
“Safe, Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps) are temporary shelters provided by community partners on their own premises. As these are voluntarily provided facilities, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) does not track the number provided at any point in time. Nevertheless, when the Social Service Offices work with befriender groups to engage rough sleepers, the availability of places in S3Ps has never been a constraint. This is because rough sleepers have many varied reasons and motivation. Many do not readily accept the offer of a S3P but need persuasion over weeks, months and even years. For those willing to accept the offer of rehousing, MSF works with other agencies to identify the best option, be it securing a public rental flat or staying in interim shelters, such as S3Ps and Transitional Shelters.”
“The Ministry of Social and Family Development only tracks the number of parents who took more than three days of Government-Paid Childcare Leave (GPCL), as employers only claim for reimbursement for this group. In 2019 and 2020, about 76,000, or 60% of eligible working mothers took more than three days of GPCL1 each year. During the same period, about 83,000 fathers, or 55% of eligible working fathers, took more than three days of GPCL each year. Of this group, the average and median amount of leave taken was six days in 2019 and 2020, for both mothers and fathers. Data after 2020 is not yet available.”
“This was an initiative that was broached by them, and I never even thought about it and I thought it was a wonderful way of the pilots, dressed in their uniform, motivating our students. I see many of them, eyes really light up when they sit in the cockpit simulator. Yes, I agree with the Member that there are many more professionals, even entrepreneurs, people who have gone overseas. Please come back. You have great ideas that can motivate and inspire our community, but as I mentioned in my speech, let us also contribute beyond. Let us also use these ideas, the expertise to also contribute to those who need it and they may not necessarily come from our community – like the pilots have done for SINDA.”
“Thank you, Chairman. The body of knowledge on Muslim communities, or those living as minorities, is very relevant to us, and also for societies that live in similar circumstances. When I broached this idea with the Mufti of Egypt, the scholars from Morocco, the vice dean of al-Qarawiyyin University, which is the oldest university of the Muslim world, as well as the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, they were very supportive and think that this is one area that we must develop more. There is already a basic foundational knowledge on these issues on how to approach them. However, it has never been formalised and this initiative we now have undertaken is something that they want to support and they want to develop more of and contribute to. We are starting on our own first, through the ICCOS. We have gathered religious leaders now who have interest to contribute to this body of knowledge, through their research. We now have really interesting books that they have contributed and never found applications for, and they now say, "wow, this is exactly what I wrote these books for". At the same time, our own religious scholars are now undertaking post-graduate studies as well as contributing to this body of knowledge, through the RPCS. So, we hope that putting this together as a repository, one day, as soon as possible, to have a body of knowledge which we can reference for future leaders, religious leaders, so that we can contribute meaningfully as a minority Muslim community in nation building. Secondly, on the pilots. It was not a single person. I mentioned one person, but he was leading a group of pilots who were interested to motivate, mentor ITE students, to inspire them to go beyond whatever they are studying, to be able to fly, even if they are starting with a simulator.”
“Thank you. On ICCOS, I certainly agree. If we look at the population of Muslims living as minorities, their number is about 400 million. Many of them live in similar conditions like ourselves – as minorities in secular, progressive countries and protected by law, bound by the Constitution. This is one area where we can find synergy and work with similar communities. In fact, in the last ICCOS conference, many of them applauded our initiative to start the conversation going, including religious teachers. Therefore, one of the areas, this is a real concern for others, too, the online space, we certainly would develop that, specifically for Muslim minority communities. Secondly, on families, as I mentioned in my Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) speech, we want to build fundamentally strong families and, therefore, we have to support the whole journey from the time even before they get married, to the time they have children and the time they grow up. And the Families for Life Council (FFL) is on the ground and going to expand national programmes, and I hope that whatever background we come from – from whatever communities – we tap on these national initiatives. At the same time, we will support those that have special needs, whether it is about family violence or relationship issues, FAM@FSC or Strengthening Families Programme@Family Service Centre, will provide them. And then at the third layer, we also want and have been engaging Malay/Muslim organisations to provide culturally-nuanced and even religiously effective ways of addressing the issues, in addition to those that are given at the national level. 12.30 pm”
“During Ramadan last year, the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF) raised more than $180,000 to support close to 7,000 disadvantaged families from different ethnic and religious groups. They worked with various partners, such as temples, churches, mosques and the Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped to pack and distribute essential items for families. RLAF not only reached out to the vulnerable but cultivated stronger bonds among Singaporeans. Mr Chairman, the Malay/Muslim community has made significant strides over the decades, achieving stability, self-reliance and social mobility. Many have become successful and progressed in life. I encourage them to give back to the community and keep the spirit of care and citizenry. Through M3, professionals and volunteers from all walks of lives lend their expertise and skills to help the community. While we pursue our aspirations, let us remain connected with those around us, like our neighbours and the wider community. All of us have a role to play in uplifting the community. It is when each of us become active citizens that we become a community where we are each other's keeper – looking out for one another, extending a helping hand. So, I urge everyone to step forward to uplift others. We can only build a stronger Singapore, together. [Applause.]”
“Captain Jaffar Hassan and his team of Malay/Muslim pilots from the Airline Pilots' Association Singapore are the latest group of professionals who have stepped forward to contribute. They partnered MENDAKI to guide our Malay/Muslim students on career pathways in the aviation industry and have since extended their programme to Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) to benefit other communities. Many Malay/Muslims, having done well for themselves, are also contributing at the national level. For example, Dr Nadjad Abdul Rahim is an operations and product development director of Cellbae Private Limited, whose team developed Singapore's first antigen rapid test for COVID-19. He also mentors youths pursuing careers in science and conducts outreach to vulnerable families. Ustazah Kalthom Muhammad Isa is the Registrar of Muslim Converts Association and contributes to the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) by providing counselling to affected family members of those detained under the Internal Security Act. Her efforts help to address our national concern of combatting extremism. Mr Abu Bakar Mohd Nor is Chairman of M Kapital Holdings. He was previously Chairman of M3@Tampines but has since widened his contributions by serving at the national level as Chairman of the Tampines Central Citizen Consultative Committee. These individuals do not just inspire us with their success, but also their deep commitment to uplifting others. Our community's contributions across various sectors in society, is something we should celebrate and be proud of. Indeed, we are a community that live by the ethos of Rahmatan Lil Alamin, or "Blessings to All", actively seeking to build bridges to reach out to those beyond our own.”
“MUIS will share more details later this year. To Dr Shahira’s query on the Singapore Community Wakaf (WMS), the WMS will support the long-term needs of the Muslim community, including our religious institutions and the development of our asatizah. The WMS will garner funds mainly from legacy planning and planned giving by the community, hence does not compete with MMOs who mainly fundraise for ad-hoc donations. Mr Chairman, in English please. (In English): Dr Wan Rizal asked how our religious leaders can extend their contributions to benefit wider society. Besides guiding the community, they play an important role in providing solutions to current issues in society and rallying the community for the common good. Their efforts have been recognised internationally. The Fatwa Committee led by the Mufti Dr Nazirudin was conferred the Al-Qarafi Award last year by the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide from Dar Al-Ifta, the prestigious religious authority in Egypt. This was in recognition of the Mufti and the Fatwa Committee's strong leadership and outstanding contributions in guiding the community on various contemporary issues during the pandemic. The emphasis on peaceful co-existence in their religious guidance was also recognised by international religious scholars. Thus far, I have shared how we build strong families and strong leaders. These two pillars strengthen each other and provide an enabling environment for our community to thrive and contribute to the nation. In this regard, I agree with Mr Saktiandi and Ms Mariam that we must not only thrive as a community, but actively give back to the larger society. Many professional bodies, such as lawyers, doctors and educators, are helping to uplift the community.”
“Muis will also establish a digital repository later this year. It will contain resources on Islamic and social sciences covering emerging issues related to Governance, Society, Science and Technology. This repository will help our asatizah provide religious guidance with conviction and able to address contemporary issues in society. On matters related to religion, Mr Faisal Manap asked for an update on the wearing of the tudung in the uniformed services. As Prime Minister had explained in his National Day Rally speech in 2021, the SAF, Home Team and other uniformed services will remain status quo. These officers wield armed force and enforce the laws of Singapore, and are secular arms of the State. Therefore, they must always be seen to be fair and impartial and performing their duty without fear or favour. This is especially important when responding to incidents that have racial or religious undertones. Dr Shahira asked how our madrasah graduates can continue serving as asatizah and contribute to the religious development of the community. There are currently over 600 undergraduates pursuing degrees in Islamic Studies and related programmes overseas. After undergoing the Postgraduate Certificate in Islam in Contemporary Societies (PCICS) programme and certified under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS), they can teach or work at religious institutions such as MUIS, Syariah Court, madrasah and mosques. MUIS is also studying how to connect these graduates to the relevant institutions. To attract asatizah to continue serving in the Muslim religious sector, MUIS is developing the Common Salary Guidelines to review the salaries of asatizah, and ensure competitive remuneration that is commensurate with their qualification and job functions.”
“Last September, MUIS organised the International Conference on Communities of Success (ICCOS) to empower not only Muslims in Singapore, but also Muslims in other minority communities, to lead their lives as good Muslims and good citizens in a plural society. ICCOS offers a construct of how we, as a minority Muslim community, can contribute to the peace and prosperity of our nation. To Mr. Zhulkarnain's and Mr. Saktiandi's queries, MUIS is developing a body of religious knowledge to empower our asatizah to guide the community confidently and contribute to the nation. Our efforts to develop this body of religious knowledge has attracted interest from religious institutions overseas. During my recent visit to Egypt, the Al-Azhar University and Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta expressed their support to Singapore's efforts. They also expressed interest to work with MUIS to develop this body of knowledge. MUIS had set up the Research Programme in the Study of Muslim Communities of Success (RPCS) to expand this body of religious knowledge for minority Muslims. One of the pioneer research fellows of the RPCS is Ustaz Fathurrahman Dawoed. He studied the factors that contributed to an observed over-reliance on halal certification. His research findings help our asatizah to guide the community to preserve our common spaces. This will facilitate social mixing and forge trust between different religious groups, while upholding our religious principles. MUIS will provide greater support to the RCPS research fellows to develop Singapore's future religious leaders and thinkers. They will be given training opportunities in research methodologies and data visualisation, along with mentorship with esteemed local and international experts.”
“Muis will continue to enhance the capabilities of asatizah to better support these individuals and their families with sensitivity. This is on top of the training for asatizah who serve in the education and counselling sectors so that they can provide effective support to these individuals and their families. All these community efforts will further strengthen our national programmes that seek to support the building of strong families. Senior Minister of State Zaqy will elaborate how we can further contribute to society by developing our competencies. The spirit of self-help and gotong-royong has always been deeply rooted in our community. As the Malay saying goes, "We carry the burden together regardless of its weight". This spirit of collaboration was the driving force that established the M3 network and various Malay/Muslim organisation (MMOs). The MMOs provide programmes that not only benefit the Malay/Muslim community, but also the broader society. Minister Maliki will elaborate on the contributions of our MMOs in his speech. To empower our MMOs, among others, we must continue to support and strengthen their leadership core. Ms Nadia asked about efforts to develop our future community leaders. The "Tunas Bersama M3" programme grooms future MMO leaders and equips them with critical skills. This includes building networks and synergy with others, which will help the community more effectively and systematically. I have personally heard the ideas from these leaders which are not only refreshing, but also emphasise synergy in collaboration. Our religious leaders also play an important role in guiding the community.”