Tree Planting @ Marsiling - 1 November 2009

Western Adventure Park Connector Network (PCN)

The 23km Western Adventure Park Connector Network (PCN) joins 8 parks in western Singapore, namely Choa Chu Kang Park, Villa Verde Park, Zhenghua Park, Dairy Farm Nature Park, Bukit Batok Nature Park, Bukit Batok Town Park, Limbang Park and Bukit Panjang Park.

The Western Adventure PCN caters to users ranging from the adventure-seekers to the nature lovers and families. For the adventure-seekers, they can go mountain biking at Zhenghua Park and Dairy Farm Nature Park, rock climbing at Dairy Farm Quarry and hiking at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Zhenghua Park. For the nature lovers, the Western Adventure PCN offers them opportunities to spot butterflies, birds and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The Western Adventure PCN is the second loop of park connectors to be completed, after the Eastern Coastal PCN in December 2007. Five more loops of park connectors are in the pipeline.

To find out more, click here...

Deepavali

Deepavali or Diwali, in Sanskrit means 'rows of lights'. So it is quite apt to call Deepavali the 'Festival of Lights'. It is traditional for to light small clay lamps.

There are several legends which explain why lamps are lit during Deepavali. But there seems to be a common theme about these legends: good will eventually overcome evil. So by lighting lamps during Deepavali, Hindus celebrate the victory of light over darkness. To read more of such legends, click here...

It's also a time to drop bad habits and bring on the good, to let knowledge triumph over ignorance. It represents the dawn of good things to come!

During Diwali, many wear new clothes and share sweets/snacks with each other. Some Indian business communities start their financial year by opening new account books on the first day of Diwali for good luck the following year.

Here's wishing all our Hindu friends, a Happy Deepavali!

Launch of the National Brisk Walking Clubs

Today marked the launch of the National Brisk Walking Clubs in Singapore. The initiative is supported by various government agencies and is part of the government's efforts to promote healthy lifestyle and bonding among Singaporeans.

The national effort was launched on Sunday by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Lim Boon Heng, together with the mayors of the five Community Development Councils (CDCs) at the Singapore Turf Club. Thousands participated in the launch and brisk walking trek around the Turf Club.

The five CDCs have helped form 391 brisk walking clubs with close to 80,000 brisk walkers as at the end of August this year. They hope to increase the number of clubs to 620 with some 100,000 members in the next three years.

Other initiatives include :

• Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS)to provide the People's Association with a grant of up to $1.9 million from 1 April this year till 31 March 2012 to implement the National Brisk Walking Clubs initiative.
• Health Promotion Board (HPB) will enhance the capability of the exercise leaders and develop resource materials to educate the residents and oversee the evaluation of the programme in terms of the effectiveness in improving the fitness level and health behaviours of participants.

Selamat Hari Raya Adilfitri

This year, Muslims celebrate it on 20 Sep 09. The celebration signifies the end of the fasting season of Ramadan for a month. The celebration is determined by sighting of the new moon. This is the most significant celebration for the Muslims. Muslims starts the day by congregating in the mosques early in the morning to perform Hari Raya Puasa prayers followed by visits to the graves of the departed. To find out more, click here...

We wish all our Muslim friends a Selamat Hari Raya!!!

Photos contributed by Ms Angela Goh

More Childcare Centres by PCF

The number of childcare centres run by the PAP Community Foundation(PCF) is set to more than double in the next two years to meet demand.

The PCF, which runs 33 Sparkle*Tots childcare centres, is looking to add at least 40 more in the next two years. This is in line with a plan announced earlier by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, to add some 200 childcare centres industry-wide in the next five years.

Efforts are also being made to improve the quality of education in both childcare centres and kindergartens. This can only be achieved with the help of qualified PCF teachers. PCF wants its teachers to continue learning by making scholarships and subsidies available to them to encourage them to upgrade their skills.

By 2013, PCF aims to equip 95% of its teachers with a professional diploma and at least 25% of them with a degree. The PCF also wants to encourage its principals to upgrade themselves, and in the long term, have all of them possess a degree.

Visit to fire victim's house

Mr Hawazi visited the fire victim's family in Marsiling on Wednesday,2 September 2009 and presented a cheque as an immediate relief to the family.

Also present was the Civil Defence officer explaining and showing Mr Hawazi the extent of the damages to the flat. The officer also took time to explain to the resident on the use of the fire extinguisher.

The HDB and Town Council also extended their assistance to the fire victim's family during this time.

Hari Raya Hongbao - 29 August 09

Distribution of Hari Raya Hongbao to the Malay and Muslim needy families at Marsiling Community Club on a Saturday afternoon by Mr Hawazi. He also took the opportunity to give away bursaries to 15 needy students sponsored by SembCorp Marine.

Project "Corporate Doors"

Photo Source : Yellow Ribbon Project website

The aim of this new initiative, "Corporate Doors" was mooted by the Industrial and Services Co-operative Society and the Singapore Business Federation, is to get companies to hire at least one ex-offender to give them a chance at a new lease of life. More than 50 companies have already signed up for the Corporate Doors initiative.

The recidivism rate of prisoners is going down – in 1988, 44 per cent of ex-convicts landed in jail again, but by 2006, the figure was down to 25 per cent.

The Yellow Ribbon Project (official launch in 2004) has been successful in raising public awareness about the difficulties and challenges of ex-offenders and their families. , meaning they would be employing at least one ex-offender in their company.

It is encouraging that the Government has been supporting such projects to re-introduce the ex-inmates into the society and giving them a chance to start life afresh.

Race and Religion in Singapore Politics

Photo Source

An article from Channel News Asia which I found interesting especially after the PM Lee's speech on racial harmony.

Text as below :

"In a rare speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew pointed out what he feels are the stark realities of race relations in Singapore. While one of the basic rules of governance here is to keep the state secular, political observers said race and religion can never be truly separated from Singapore's political structure.

84-year-old Othman Wok is one of Singapore's pioneer leaders. He was the first minister to be put in charge of Muslim affairs before the portfolio was formalised in Cabinet. He explained that while his role was to oversee specific issues concerning his community, such as the building of mosques and pilgrimage arrangements, there was also the task of being the intermediary between the government and the minority Muslim community. "To see that everybody is treated equally because these communities sometimes have their own problems. So for the Muslims, you have to have a Malay who understands their problem," he said. "The government gets feedback from whoever's in charge - What is the best way to solve this? Why did it happen? Although it's peaceful, sometimes little things can happen. Part of my role was to see that race relations between the Muslims and the rest were smooth."

The position of Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs was formalised in 1977. Today, it is a position held by Minister of Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim.

Having lived through the 1964 race riots, Mr Othman knows too well that race relations are delicate. "It's always there. The only thing is to calm it down, to keep it down so that it won't flare up again. My generation, the future generation – it's the same thing," he said.

Other ministers have also been informally tasked to oversee the Indian and Eurasian communities – Senior Minister S Jayakumar for the Indian community and Foreign Minister George Yeo for the Eurasian community.

Eugene Tan, assistant professor, School of Law, Singapore Management University, said: "I think we have reached a stage where if any particular religious or racial community feels insecure, our ethnic peace and stability would be under threat. "When individual communities' identities are secure, I think that would contribute to the overall peace and stability that we've enjoyed. It's part of the whole exercise of confidence building." Some point to the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system, which ensures minority representation in Parliament, as another example of the reality of Singapore politics with regard to race and religion.

Bilveer Singh, political scientist from the National University of Singapore, explained: "In housing, there is no place in Singapore where a minority is a majority. If you play politics and leave it to the state of nature, there will not be a single Indian or Malay in Parliament through a natural process, so you have to politicise race and religion on this count for the sake of a bigger good. "This is a benign politicisation, compared to maligned politicisation. Maligned politicisation would be a Chinese, Malay or Indian (who) asserts and demands that the state play politics according to one's race, religion. The GRC is not about creating a Malay or a Chinese or an Indian constituency per se, but it's about representation. "We politicise race and religion in a very indirect fashion. If you don't do so, politics of race and religion will become de facto a reality because the minorities will say, 'I am not just being under-represented, I am being unrepresented' and the bomb will explode."

Even after 50 years of self-governance, observers said race and religion will continue to shape Singapore's politics, especially with the triple threats of increasing religiosity, ethnic flash points around the region and rising number of new immigrants. No national policy has ever been framed to benefit one particular race or religion, and that is the essence of being a meritocratic, secular society. While every group has its own ethnic autonomous space, this cannot override the common Singaporean space. Increasing the common space for all Singaporeans is key, even for ethnic-based self-help groups.

Today, these groups have evolved to form broad partnerships. For example, Mendaki, SINDA and the CDAC have jointly organised job fairs and offer joint tuition programmes to serve all races."

Raksha Bandhan - 10 Aug 09

"Raksha Bandhan" is a traditional Indian festival aimed at strengthening bonds between siblings. Women or sisters tie special strings called "rakhi" on the wrists of their brothers as well as close male friends whom they consider to be brothers. It's looked upon as a form of blessing. To find out more, click here...

Pledge Moment 2009

Today, Singapore celebrates its 44th birthday with a bash! From Beijing to Jakarta, and even Afghanistan, Singaporeans overseas also took part in the mass pledge taking to showcase their solidarity and unity to the country we call Home.

The Pledge Moment - Sembawang McDonalds

Photo contributed by Goh Peng Hong

Happy 44th Birthday Singapore!

Pledge Moment - 9 Aug 2009 @8.22pm

With Singapore celebrating her 44 birthday this year, the Singapore Pledge is in the limelight. The Pledge Moment will arrive on August 9 at exactly 8.22pm, when Singaporeans are invited to spend 30 seconds reciting the pledge.

The Civil Defence will also mark the Pledge Moment by sounding its 'chime' through its island-wide Public Warning System.

The National Pledge was written by Sinnathamby Rajaratnam in 1966 shortly after Singapore's independence.

The Singapore Pledge in the 4 languages :
English
We, the citizens of Singapore
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society,
based on justice and equality,
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and
progress for our nation.

Malay
Kami, warganegara Singapura,
sebagai rakyat yang bersatu padu,
tidak kira apa bangsa, bahasa, atau ugama,
berikrar untuk membina suatu masyarakat yang demokratik,
berdasarkan kepada keadilan dan persamaan
untuk mencapai kebahagiaan,
kemakmuran dan kemajuan bagi negara kami.

Chinese

我们是新加坡公民，
誓愿不分种族、言语、宗教，
团结一致，
建设公正平等
的民主社会，
并为实现国家之幸福、繁荣与进步，
共同努力。

Tamil
சிங்கப்பூர் குடிமக்களாகிய நாம் இனம்,மொழி,மதம்
ஆகிய வேற்றுமைகளை மறந்து ஒன்றுபட்டு,நம் நாடு
மகிழ்ச்சி,வளம்,முன்னேற்றம் ஆகியவற்றை அடையும்
வண்ணம் சமத்துவத்தையும்,நீதியையும்
அடிப்படையாக கொண்ட ஜனாயக
சமுதாயத்தை உருவாக்குவதற்கு
உறுதி மேற்கொள்வோ!

My Endearing Home Exibition @ Causeway Point

Check out the fun things to do around your neighbourhood plus exciting developments coming your way presented by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Photos contributed by Mr Cheong

Project CAN - 27 July 09

A collaboration between NUS Community Services Committee, SunLove Linkhouse and Marsiling grassroots organisations with support from North West CDC.

Mr Hawazi distributing food rations to needy residents in Marsiling

Photos contributed by Mr Cheong

Marsiling Youth Executive Committee BGM

Marsiling Youth Executive Committee held their Biennial General Meeting on the 18th July 2009 to elect their 14th term Ex-co members to serve the Marsiling Family.

YEC Ex-Co members are all elected rather than appointed into the office. The unique system of YEC allows youths in Marsiling (and other YECs) who are passion card holders to elect their own representatives to serve them better.

This year BGM marks the outgoing of 13 Ex-co members and witnesses an even stronger team of 18 members to serve the Marsiling Family. The incoming Ex-co consists of a good mix of members that include students and professionals.

Marsiling YEC organizes a range of events such as, visits to Homes to share the joys of festive seasons, Policy Forum to empower the Youths and others interesting events.

You may wish to view pictures of the BGM at the following link;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/low_willie/sets/72157621858318038/

If you want to volunteer yourself at the Marsiling YEC, please feel free to pop by any Fuchun or Marsiling CC to sign up with us. Alternatively, you can drop us an email at low_willie@yahoo.com.sg and we will keep you informed of our upcoming activities.

Cheers and have a good week ahead.

Racial Harmony Day

Every year in Singapore, Racial Harmony Day is celebrated on 21 July. The event is to commemorate the Racial Riots which took place on 21 July 1964.

Singaporeans, especially young Singaporeans, may not wonder at our harmonious multi-racial and multi-religious society. Therefore it is important for the schools to use Racial Harmony Day as an opportunity for students to learn and understand why it is important for the society to be built on a rich diversity of culture and heritage. This is exceptionally important for us being a multi-racial society that we understand and be tolerant of the different races.

The racial riot that happened on 21 July 1964 was the worst ever racial riot that happened in Singapore. The incident taught us a valuable lesson - to racial tolerance. This can only be achieved by having better understanding among the people of Singapore and is important to ensure the continued peace and prosperity that we have enjoyed for many years.

In Singapore, all students are encouraged to be dressed in their traditional costumes such as the Cheongsam for the Chinese, Bauju Kurung for the Malay and Sari for the Indians.

SCEC Sports Day @ Woodlands Secondary School field - 19 July 2009

Qigong fan exercise
Stretching exercise & warming-up

Reading Marathon 2009

For the first time, READ! Singapore is taking a shot at a Singapore record-setting event with a 144-hour Reading Marathon.

Participants will form teams of not more than 12 members to read the selected READ! Singapore literary works or other stories of their choice for a continuous period of six hours per team.

After completing six hours, each team will pass the baton to the next team to continue the reading marathon. The event will run from 3 to 9 July at The Plaza, National Library Building.