PPIS Newsletter January ’23

What a year, 2022 has been and what a year 2023 will be.

I am extremely proud of what #OnePPIS has accomplished in 2022. We dedicated all of last year to celebrate 70 amazing years of PPIS. Everyone was committed to commemorate our platinum jubilee meaningfully and celebrated by giving back. I hope you take the time to view our New Year Message on Facebook and Instagram.

We began 2022 by analysing what we needed to do to support womankind with our inaugural research publication, ‘Aspirations of Muslim Women in Singapore’ (AMWR).

We also celebrated Harmony Raya in person after two years of gathering online.

And more importantly, we welcomed the pioneer residents of our Rise Above Halfway House, Singapore’s first secular halfway house for women.

Also on the top five list, commemorating Oasis Fostering Centre’s 5th Anniversary with an anthology on fostering and organising our inaugural Social Service Professionals Forum to develop a deeper understanding of the families we serve.

In 2023, we have a series of highlights already lined up:

A ‘Women’s Space’: A safe space for Women to convene, connect and co-create initiatives to uplift one another and become better versions of ourselves.
Social Service Practice Circles: An initiative for social service professionals to learn from each other to better serve our clients.
PPIS x LBKM Post Graduate Scholarship for Women: We will award our first out of ten scholars.
RISEAP General Assembly: We presented on our Aspirations of Women Research and shared our give-back initiatives as we celebrated 70 wonderful years.
40 years of early childhood education: We will celebrate the mile stone by launching two new centres in 2023.

In our pursuit to nurture a community of successful women and thriving families, we must be cognisant of change as the only constant.

There are a lot of complexities to navigate as our social landscape transforms but in our efforts towards nurturing a cohesive yet diverse community, we should endeavour towards constructive discourses and continue to work on respecting shared spaces while remaining steadfast to the values of our faith.

I extend my love and appreciation to our ecosystem of support, friends, partners, donors, volunteers, and male allies who have contributed in PPIS’ formation and growth all this while.

We have smashed many glass ceilings. Nowhere to go but onwards and upwards from here.

– President Hazlina Abdul Halim

“The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.”
— Maya Angelou

Farewell to an amazing and memorable 2022. Starting 2023 on a high note and hope for another year of accomplishments for PPIS.

2022 is remembered fondly with our various staff engagement activities. The easing of safe measures allowed us to meet and over lunch, we crocheted at Rise Above Halfway House in support of Yellow Ribbon. Over the two hours, we learn – To forgive. To Laugh. And Be Proud. We forgave ourselves when our crochet did not turn out as expected or when we could not even crochet a decent line. Life is about forgiving and giving ourselves second chances and grow.

We held our first in-person Townhall where we envisioned PPIS in 2052 when the organisation turns 100. It is always inspiring to hear staff wanting PPIS to be the leading social service agency of choice and known beyond our tiny Red Dot.

Last October we held our first Volunteer Networking event where a community leader, Mr Nassar Mohamad Zain, President of Malay Youth Literary Association (4PM) shared on ‘The Power of Volunteerism’ and its impact to our community. There were many stories to share. One of which was a volunteer giving back to PPIS because we journeyed with him during his preschool years.

I looked back at 2022 with gratitude and in awe of the #OnePPIS spirit.

We will continue celebrating our contributions and commitments in 2023 as we turn 71. While there is no big celebration planned, we know that in our hearts we will continue to strive to achieve our goals and aspirations.

We are determined to provide support and scaffold those segments of the community that needs to be uplifted, so together we can soar ahead.

Here’s wishing everyone a year of great and blessed 2023.

With renewed energy and directing it into positive, effective and unstoppable determination to touch more hearts!

– Mdm Tuminah Sapawi, CEO

In this new year edition of the newsletter,

we reflect on the last quarter of 2022,

in what has been a year filled

with many “firsts” for the organisation.

These milestones are a testament that there

will always be more that we can do for our women,

families and children in the community.

Here’s to 71 years of PPIS!

Thank you to each one of our patrons, partners and

people who have been instrumental to our growth.

Closing the year strong, the eventful night of our Platinum Jubilee Celebrations on 6th December was a success with the presence of our members, alumni, donors and volunteers. From 22 like-minded women, PPIS has grown to include male allies rallying alongside us in our journey to inspire women and strengthen families, seven decades later. The evening served to not only commemorate these stakeholders, but to also celebrate the resilient women in our community. PPIS highlighted our journey and milestones throughout seventy years with the screening of PPIS’ Commemorative video.

Ending a year of multiple firsts with a bang, the evening saw Guest-of-Honour Mr Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, announcing a $150,000 post-graduate scholarship for women. Launching in June 2023, it will be jointly funded by PPIS and

Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud (LBKM).

Celebrations for the evening were enlivened with performances that signified the strength, grace, and beauty of the many Muslim women who have walked through PPIS doors throughout the seven decades. One of the performances included a silat performance by none other than our young talents from PPIS 7oaks Student Care – Jurong.

The evening had also recognised four outstanding individuals in PPIS and their invaluable contributions, including PPIS Gold Donor Award recipient,

Al-Zuhri Institute of Higher Learning. Scroll over to our #PeopleofPPIS segment and get to know our three other award recipients!

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” – Hellen Keller

As we celebrated our 70th year of service to the Malay-Muslim women and the community, our nation had also commemorated 2022 as the Year of Celebrating SG Families (YCF). In line with these two key themes for the year, our Social Service Division held its inaugural specialist forum themed “Demystifying Working with Malay-Muslim Families” on 11th November. Officiating the event was Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health & Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs. The forum not only rejuvenated the 150 social service practitioners in attendance, but also enhanced their cultural competencies and learning of the different world views – critical in a client-centric industry.

Takeaways from the Keynote Sharing by Assoc Prof Dr Timothy Sim included the importance of supporting minority families through a multicultural lens. This was further reaffirmed by the breakout sessions held by the seven centres under PPIS Social Services. Many of the attendees had feedbacked new insights and understandings of the Malay-Muslim landscape, including Mr Jeffrey Tan, Assistant Director of Thye Hua Kwan Family Service Centre (pictured below).

“An organisation’s cultural competencies are very important, for us to bring back and see how we can extend it further for our newer colleagues, so that we can be more competent in terms of serving the multiracial groups in Singapore. One of the eye-opening insights that I had today was the sanctity of marriage in the Muslim religion and how fathers play an important role as the wali, for his biological daughter to pass through this rite of passage.”

Five years old on 5 November! Since its appointment in 2017, PPIS Oasis has grown to emplace 139 Children in safe and stable homes, and continues supporting foster parents and the facilitation of foster children. A celebratory tea engagement session was held to celebrate foster families and their stories of resilience in fostering. Gracing the event was Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Mr Eric Chua.

The highlight of the event was the launch of Oasis’ very first publication, “Fostering Relationships – A Collection of Best Practices by Foster Parents and Professionals”. The book documents experiences contributed by both new and experienced foster parents, adding a unique and realistic lens to the situations foster parents and children go through. Adding a personal touch, the book also contains recipes of local food such as chicken rice that have helped foster parents’ bond and build trust with their foster children. Serving as a guide for fostering, the book was also well-balanced with professional tips and information.

Here are personal reflections from two foster parents who opened their hearts and homes to the children in need:

“The task of being a foster parent is full of challenges, but it is balanced by its own set of blessings. PPIS Oasis welfare workers also provides a lot of support and help whenever we feel challenged. We are also given childcare and medical subsidies which helps us in the care of our foster child. Either way, we are grateful and we enjoy the opportunity to give love to these children who otherwise do not have a set of parents to love. We were trusted with this opportunity and it is a priceless gift knowing that we are providing a stable home for these children and setting inspiration for the society to do the same.”

– Mdm Zubaidah Abdullah Sani, 35

“It was definitely a humbling experience. Every child has their own unique challenges. Especially when these children are in the adjustment process and are trying to understand the changes in their lives. A lot of big emotions will be involved in this process. When the challenges were tough, PPIS Oasis always tried to support me by suggesting alternatives, as well as helping us network with other foster parents to share our strategies. During the Covid Circuit Breaker, PPIS Oasis tried to find out if we needed devices for children’s schooling. We are very grateful to PPIS Oasis for being willing to be present to check on the well-being of both foster children and foster parents. We never feel alone in this journey.”

– Mdm Lenny Haslinda Binte Jaffar, 43

Exciting times lie ahead for PPIS Oasis and its foster parents in this new year,

as they reach out to families in need this Ramadhan and host a fostering roadshow. Stay tuned!

PPIS Staff Volunteer x Fundraising Programme

What better way to end off the year than to give back to the community? To commemorate SG Cares Giving Week and our 70th anniversary, a Staff Volunteer-Fundraising Programme was held throughout the month of December!

PPIS Giving Week

Our colleagues at the Head Office (HO) kicked off the two-part programme with PPIS Giving Week, volunteering for two days at Free Food For All (FFFA), a non-profit organisation working towards food security.

Through innovation and sustainability, FFFA provides nutritious food and groceries completely free and accessible for Singapore’s underprivileged communities. Our colleagues tried their hands on growing plants without soil and using water-based mineral nutrient solutions in aqueous solvents! Their tasks for the first day included nurturing the plants with clean water and minerals, testing of water pumps, as well as planting new seeds for germination.

Next was harvesting the plants! As seen here, our colleagues are busy harvesting the plants that are ready, which would then be weighed, packed and delivered to the families as vegetables for their daily meals. The previously germinated seeds would then be moved to the growing table, and the hydroponics systems area would be cleaned. Our colleagues certainly enjoyed contributing their share to the urban food ecosystem.

PPIS Gives Back!

Going strong, our colleagues all across the island on the other hand raised funds on Giving.sg for their choice of charity! Rallying on friends and family to donate, the centres’ choice of charity created a “full-circle moment”. For example, our young ones at 7oaks Student Care chose to give back to their peers with special needs and the elderly.

With the initial goal of raising $700 each for all our 10 centres and the Head Office, PPIS surpassed the total target of $7,700 and raised $8,210 in a span of 16 days! Proceeds from the respective centres will be donated to MIJ Hub, Pertapis Old Folks Home, Darul Ihsan Orphanage, =DREAMS, Casa Raudha, Mercy Relief, Babes, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), CARE Singapore, Mainly I Love Kids (MILK), and also PPIS.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this fundraiser! Your support goes a long way in our journey to uplift and empower our Singapore communities.

PPIS Volunteer Networking Event

2023 was a year for PPIS to reflect and find new ways to incorporate and celebrate the spirit of volunteering that began in 1952. 22 like-minded volunteers dedicated their time to advocating for the rights and progress of Muslim women and their families. Themed ‘The Power of Volunteerism’, PPIS held its first Volunteer Networking event on 14th October, seeing over 50 volunteers connecting with each other across the centres they volunteer with.

Keynote speaker and President of Malay Youth Literary Association (4PM), Mr Nassar Mohamad Zain recounted his personal experience as a veteran volunteer and how volunteerism has impacted the Malay-Muslim Community. A full circle moment, Mr Nassar flashed a preschool photo of himself attending PPIS’ kindergarten (Taman Asuhan PPIS) in 1987 and 1989! It truly is delightful to have an alumnus as our respected male-ally.

PPIS x NCSS Feature: Driving Change Through Volunteers

Recognising our unsung heroes continues, with PPIS being featured in the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) in-house publication for volunteers! The publication is a part of the NCSS Volunteer Management Capability Development (VMCD) Consultancy Project. It is aimed at improving the volunteer management capabilities of Social Service Agencies (SSAs) through the implementation of the Volunteer Management Framework (VMF). PPIS had journeyed on this project for 12 months, and in doing so better understood the strengths of the organisation. We then found ways to pilot meaningful initiatives in different focus areas to improve our organisational capabilities.

The publication documents the snippets and challenges of the various 16 SSAs in Singapore, as well as the efforts and successes during the project. In the feature, PPIS Volunteer Manager Puspa Thangavelu had shared on how the organisation increased the visibility of our services through multiple channels online (social media, donation pages, volunteer centres), as well as conducting an onboarding session for new volunteers. Engaging our pool of volunteers also remain essential for them to feel valued for their contributions to the agency and their service users (hence the first networking event!). “We want the spirit of giving to stay roaring and alive in PPIS. As we continue moving forward in this journey, I am excited to kick start initiatives that will deepen their engagements. These active volunteers deserve to see the impact of their good work and I am excited to give them a reason to grow with us.”

PILOXING Singapore Charity Bakes

For the 2nd year running, PILOXING Singapore led by Ms Rasidah Caudal organised its Charity Bakes to support charity organisations with its sales proceeds. 50% from the sale of cookies was donated to PPIS and this year, a total of $2,592 was raised for PPIS from 2th to 27th November. When asked why PPIS was chosen as the charity to support for the 2nd year in a row, Ms Rasidah said that PILOXING Singapore wishes to show their continued support for women. We thank PILOXING Singapore for its unwavering support!

Dadah Itu Haram (DIH)

Appreciation Lunch for Partners and Volunteers

The Dadah Itu Haram (DIH) campaign is one of Singapore’s community-based campaigns aimed at building anti-drug resilience amongst the Malay-Muslim community, in collaboration with Malay-Muslim Organisations (MMOs) and volunteers. A DIH Appreciation Lunch for partners and volunteers was organised on 9th October to celebrate the achievements of the campaign thus far. PPIS President, Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim received a token of appreciation from Assoc Prof Muhd Faishal Ibrahim for PPIS’ contribution and partnership.

The campaign hits close to home for our organisation, as we journey alongside the women residents who are making a concerted effort to turn their lives around at the halfway house, Rise Above. The campaign complements PPIS’ efforts in strengthening the aftercare support of our residents who are undergoing the process of reintegration and rehabilitation.

As part of the MMO Rehabilitation Network, it is PPIS’ pleasure to expand our reach as a community partner in the campaign.

As PPIS opens a new chapter, we will continue to forge partnerships with other like-minded organisations to co-create initiatives that empower and uplift our communities. As the Malay proverb goes “Sedikit demi sedikit, lama-lama menjadi bukit.”

Bahasa Ibundaku, Budaya Nadiku, Jasa Pertiwiku

Finally, the annual celebrations of our national language!

Themed ‘Cita. Citra. Cinta. Bahasa Kita.’, the celebrations for 2022 had reflected the dynamism of the Malay language as we move towards a new era.

Putting their unique spin on the festivities, our 7oaks Preschools and Student Care illustrated the beauty of our national language and heritage with the theme of women, in view of our Platinum Jubilee. Students paid homage to the influential women figures in the Malay-Muslim past and present through their performances. Guests were blown away by the poetry, skits and dances that were beautifully choreographed showcasing women as role models!

The virtual celebrations by 7oaks Preschools saw many parents streaming online; one was watching from home while cooking, some were in their offices,

a few were in their cars by the roadside to cheer on their loved ones!

Peraduan Bahasa Cilik 2022

Our kakak-kakak and abang-abang from 7oaks Student Care celebrated it by organising the “Junior Language Competition 2022”. These brave children competed in singing and public speaking, with the third runner up of the event being Tamil-speaking students!

Families in attendance gave glowing commendations to our teachers and staff

as they watched their children perform confidently and gracefully on the grand stage.

“Me and my family totally enjoyed the whole event – Peraduan Bahasa Cilik 2022. The event is so beneficial and a good exposure for my child. The duration of the show is acceptable. Overall, we are satisfied with the event and I hope there will be more such events. Kudos to PPIS.”

– Madam Suzana Bte Anwar, 33

“Assalamualaikum. I feel the need to pen my thoughts for the event Peraduan Bahasa Cilik which was held yesterday at Wisma Geylang Serai by PPIS. 7oaks nailed it again! An event which we thought would be a small affair turned out unimaginably grander. Who would have thought amidst their busy schedule, the teachers and managers could organise such amazing event of impeccable standard. From planning to sourcing of various elements to guiding talents to selection of relevant prizes and beautifully wrapped ‘buah tangan’ (door gift) and to execution, everything was perfect. MashaAllah. I, for one was amazed at the amount of time and energy they invested to ensure that the event was enjoyable for all competitors, performers, audience and parents. The event was a terrific platform for the children to showcase their talents. The children showed such enthusiasm and confidence on stage beyond their small age. I strongly believed that this was possible due to the relentless effort and guidance of all teachers involved. Even the children in the audience were all well behaved!! Subhanallah. I even teared a little when my little Hassan did a soulful deliverance of the Poem ‘Ibu’”

– Madam Zuraidah Md Noor, 52

We aim to continue to inspire love for the Malay language beyond schools and community.

Let’s play our part to pass on the heritage to the future of Singapore, one Bulan Bahasa at a time!

In this special edition, this segment features three of the outstanding individuals in PPIS

who have made a difference in the lives of the women, children and families we serve.

The Lighting Lives Award is awarded every five years to leaders who have minimally volunteered for 10 years or more in the areas of leadership, network outreach, strategic direction, impact, advice and consult, to the development and progress of the organisation. The award embodies the spirit of PPIS’ founding members whose purpose was to better the lives of women, families and the standing of the community. Their tireless contributions to PPIS have inevitably led to the ‘lighting of lives’ of the people we serve, enabling them to continue contributing back to society and nation.

Immediate Past President (IPP) Mdm Rahayu Mohamad has served PPIS for exactly a decade! Her leadership and wisdom shone bright, when she was nominated as a Board Member in 2012, and elected as Vice President II in 2013, and subsequently President from 2014 to 2020. Once, she was asked what she would do if she was given $5 million dollars. Without hesitation, she replied “a foundation for girls.”

“There are many more leaders in PPIS who deserve this recognition. However, I am humbled and grateful to receive this recognition, as a token of appreciation in my life, to be celebrated with colleagues and even family members. My hope is that now, many Muslim female employees are more courageous to take on leadership roles in organisations. This awareness and spirit should continue to be celebrated and appreciated, to break stereotypes and the perception that women do not have the ability or are not competent in leadership fields.”

– Mdm Rahayu Mohamad

A volunteer with PPIS 7oaks Student Care – Bedok since 2014, Mr Zulhafiz first started as a Camp Commander with PPIS, and has since taken on the role of a Camp Mentor. He also facilitates school holiday motivational and educational workshops for both parents and students. To enhance the programmes and workshops conducted, he invites special guests to speak at the workshops. A full-time Secondary School teacher, Mr Zulhafiz still finds time to conceptualise, prepare the materials and facilitate these workshops during each school holiday. His unwavering commitment to volunteering at PPIS for the past eight years has been exemplary.

“I never imagined that I would receive an award like this, because like the true definition of a ‘volunteer’, I serve without expecting anything in return. However, I am very grateful for this recognition and I really hope that this can be an inspiration not only for me, but for people out there as well to see that we can continue to help our community in our respective capacities, skills, and abilities.”

– Mr Zulhafiz Zainal

A true blue PPIS employee, over the course of 33 years, Mdm Zaleha Ahmad has indeed proven her soft spot to groom the young and bright minds of children and students to become well-rounded individuals. As the Senior Supervisor of PPIS 7oaks Student Care – Bedok, she spearheads the operations, finance management and staff manpower at the student care. Her motivation to go the extra mile for her students stems from the believe that both herself and her team are moulding them for the future – thus encouraging the students to do well through positive reinforcement and exposure to cultural and educational experiences.

“I absolutely did not expect to receive this recognition. What I’ve been doing all this time is honouring the trust given to me. This includes taking care of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs of the children under my care. I hope they will be confident and successful individuals in the future. With this recognition, I hope it will be a source of inspiration and example to other friends, to continue to give their best in whatever their job may be. May their efforts and hard work reap benefit to the families in need, as well as our society.”

– Mdm Zaleha Ahmad

Masyarakat Melayu perlu persiap diri ceburi sektor kian membangun

Growth mindset and open-mindedness in enhancing capabilities and gaining opportunities play an important role in building a brighter future for the Malay-Muslim community. In this article, PPIS President Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim highlighted the importance of self-help bodies such as PPIS in helping the community achieve their objective, and meet their ever-changing needs. She said, “Our ethos remain the same, which is to help the less fortunate so that all members of the community have access to opportunities. This will be done through collaboration with members of the community as well as the public and private sectors. PPIS will continue to offer services through our centres to promote, develop and maintain the well-being of the family unit so that they can contribute to the country’s progress.”

Read more here.

PPIS edar 1,800 kit bertema kekeluargaan sempena ulang tahun ke-70

PPIS’ Social Service Division prepared 1,800 family-themed activity kits to be distributed to their partners, clients and beneficiaries. The distribution is in line with the ‘Year of Celebrating SG Families’ (YCF), a movement led by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and to commemorate PPIS’ Platinum Jubilee. PPIS Oasis Center Manager, Ms. Noor Aaqilah Abdul Latiff explained, “The kit is based on the idea that families can bond through activities. It is an effort by the centres under our Social Service Division and it aims to promote family togetherness by spending time together, especially outside the home.” The activity kits were packed and prepared by 13 Rise Above Halfway House residents and include items from various PPIS centres such as frisbees and picnic mats.

Read more here.

Pernah didera ibu bapa; perlukah si anak beri nafkah?

Recently proposed changes to the Maintenance of Parents Act seek to protect children of abuse cases, and prevent the misuse of the act. The proposed changes include requiring parents with record of abuse, neglect or abandonment to first seek the permission of the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents before commencing the reconciliation process at the Office of the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents. While abuse survivors have genuine and valid reasons to reject being financially responsible for their abusers, PPIS Family Service Centre West (FSCW) Senior Centre Manager and Registered Social Worker (RSW) Mdm Nooraini reiterated the need for such cases to be sifted through to ensure the reasons for non-maintenance does not stem from being financially negligent. She added that these abusers may not have the intent to retraumatise their victims but are driven by a simple need to survive as they have no other means to support themselves.

Read more here.

6 ways to co-parent better after divorce

Experts say that cooperative co-parenting is important for children’s development, after seeing a 13.4 per cent increase in the number of marital dissolutions in 2021. Those married for five to nine years accounted for the largest group of divorce applications. Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Social and Family Development & Home Affairs announced in her speech at the Law Society of Singapore’s Family Conference in September 2022, that parents of minors filing for divorce are required to attend the Mandatory Parenting Programme, take an e-learning course and go for counselling from September 2022. The course will help them manage their co-parenting relationship, among other things. The article also suggests six ways to co-parent better; to take care of yourself, put the child first, create co-parenting schedule, be consistent on rules and discipline, have respectful communication & seek help when you need it. PPIS As-Salaam was listed as one of the agencies to seek help from.

Read more here.

KOMENTAR: Amanah dan anugerah sebagai ibu bapa titipan

In this commentary article by PPIS CEO Mdm Tuminah Sapawi, she shared that children who are neglected, abused or born into challenging families also receive support from PPIS Oasis Centre for Fostering, which had celebrated its fifth anniversary on 5th November. The number of foster children has doubled since the centre started its service with 75 children in 2017. The commentary included lived experiences of a pair of foster parents, Mdm Nur and Mr Mohamed, who shared both their sweet experiences and challenges in this journey.

Read more here.

Sertai usaha sokong wanita bangkit

In this commentary article by PPIS President Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim, she highlights the need for the community’s support to provide the residents of Rise Above Halfway House (Rise Above) a conducive space to rebuild their lives and transition for the better. Operated by PPIS, Rise Above had welcomed its first batch of 13 women in September 2022 to undergo programmes and interventions at its safe and holistic therapeutic space to learn to reconnect with their families as well as re-integrate back into the community. While it is undeniable that this journey to recovery will be challenging, the community will need to join hands to build a supportive ecosystem that will effect positive change as well as uplift and support women’s aspirations.

Read more here.