PPIS Newsletter September ’22

Introducing the newly minted PPIS 26th Board of Governance, elected at the Annual General Meeting on 24 September 2022. A team of dynamic professionals I am proud to serve with and to lead.

Thank you for your trust, the outpouring of support, and well-wishes as I continue to serve as PPIS President for the second term. I am truly humbled and inspired by your unwavering belief in us.

The work continues and we will do the best that we can for womankind and their families. Please send a dua our way as we build a community of successful women and thriving families – PPIS’ new vision for the future.

Turning 70 inspired us to re-envision what our girls of today and women of tomorrow can look forward to. And more importantly, we invite you to join us (brothers, you too!) to make this cause yours because the future is ours.

Speaking of believing in a brighter future, our Rise Above Halfway House welcomed her first batch of residents on 28 September 2022 – a new milestone for PPIS. We are committed to partner the Singapore Prison Service and the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen the aftercare support and facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of our residents. Let’s roll up our sleeves and join the Risers to stand tall. Reach out, if you would like to help out.

Battling the pandemic together brought us closer as a nation, and I was heartened by how ready Singaporeans were, to help each other. This motivated the #OnePPIS family to continue commemorating our National Day Observance by giving back. After a two-year hiatus, we gathered in person to pack thoughtful gifts with handwritten notes for special young students from My Inspiring Journey (MIJ) Hub. We also did our bit for the environment, and ended our celebrations with a beach clean-up at East Coast Park. (Please spread the message to not leave polystyrene foam cups and packs by the beach – they disintegrate into tiny pieces, making it hard to pick up and are non-biodegradable which means they don’t disappear.)

One more important celebration in September was Teachers’ Day! We honoured our educators whose wisdom, love, and care go a long way towards moulding our future generation. In fact, one of our very own new board members, Liyana Sinwan is a PPIS preschool alumna! I beam with pride each time I meet an inspiring individual and they proudly tell me they are our alumni.

This term, the PPIS 26th Board of Governance looks forward to continue honing partnerships with organisations that share a common purpose. PPIS hosted the NCSS leadership team led by President Anita Fam and CEO Tan Li-San at our Family Service Centre East (FSCE) where we had a meaningful exchange of how we can better serve the needs of women, families, and children and of course explore potential areas of collaborations. As part of the Tunas programme, several like-minded organizations are also working on ways to team up and design initiatives that uplift our community. So watch this space.

Yes, it does take a village. Because together, we can do more and together, we can be better.

– President Hazlina Abdul Halim

#OnePPIS – illustrates how PPIS’ suite of services works hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart to ensure we not only serve the community but care for our staff. To realise this aspiration, staff need to embody this spirit of #OnePPIS and nurture a culture of trust, care and camaraderie to ensure productivity levels and quality of work remain high and our commitment to serving the community and continuing the good work that we do remain equally strong.

This is where team bonding activities planned by PPIS Staff Social and Recreation Committee (SSRC), provide opportunity for staff to bond and cultivate greater understanding and rapport as we pat each other’s back and remind each other, we are #OnePPIS and we are in this journey together.

Over Archery Tag, we had friendly battle armed with bows and arrows and plenty of humour and at the same time clocked in an awesome workout. Oh, the sweat that was trickling down my face while I witness everybody’s competitive team spirit shine! The more recent one was the walkathon held on 16th September. It was a heart-warming sight with everyone motivating each other to reach the finishing line.

I remember seeing all of the staff, including a five-month expecting mom waiting for me at the halfway mark of our 7.8 kilometres walk, yelling ‘Jia you’ and clapping in encouragement as I inch nearer. I was thinking to myself, “Oh how much I love this spirit of warm good-fellowship.” Well done SSRC!

Just a day before the walkathon, it was Family Night for the staff of Rise Above Halfway House (Rise Above). ‘Risers’ as they affectionately called themselves invited their family members to experience the house before the real tough work begins.

Through their warm gestures and conversations, it pulled on my heartstrings to know that our Risers not only receive the care and support from each other but also from their family. This is the collective spirit of #OnePPIS where we aspire to strengthen our own, so we can provide a seamless service to the community, hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart. Oh, they are so ready for the real work to begin, I can feel it!

In the last week of August, four of our social workers from PPIS Family Service Centre East (FSCE), Family Service Centre West (FSCW) and As Salaam Family Support Centre (AFSC) represented PPIS at the International Childhood Trauma Conference in Melbourne. PPIS believes in investing in staff as part of building their capabilities and expertise. We will continue on this journey of continuous learning and upskilling to ensure our staff remain competent and able to face evolving challenges, grow stronger over time and help carve a better future for our women and their families as #OnePPIS.

I believe that when we hand good people possibility, they do great things with it. Let’s continue to do great things together.

– Mdm Tuminah Sapawi, CEO

24th September was a date to remember as PPIS held its 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) physically at the Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, after two years of online and hybrid sessions. Along with the newly elected PPIS 26th Board of Governance, the AGM also saw the announcement of the organisation’s renewed vision as it commemorates its platinum jubilee this year – ‘A Community of Successful Women and Thriving Families’.

Welcoming new talents is key to PPIS’ journey of remaining relevant; in keeping up with the evolving social landscape of the community and meeting the expectations of the present and future generations of our local Muslim women community. The event also saw Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim being re-elected as PPIS’ President for a second term and the initiation of two newly-elected Members, Assistant Honorary Treasurer, Ms Azlinda Zainal Abidin, and Board Member, Ms Liyana Sinwan.

As PPIS celebrates 70 decades of inspiring women and strengthening families, we recognise the profound contributions of our outgoing Board Members – Mdm Sapiah Molla, Mdm Salina Samion, and Mdm Hawa Zinat Jailani, who will always remain part of the #OnePPIS family.

On 11th September, PPIS Research and Engagement Department (RED) collaborated with the Muslim Converts’ Association of Singapore (MCAS) to host Chaplain Samia Omar, the first female Muslim Chaplain at Harvard University for a talk themed, ‘The Religion that Honours Women’.

The event saw over 200 attendees from various walks of life, with PPIS President Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim and Board Members joining the session. The sharing by Chaplain Samia was intriguing to say the least, as she elucidated on how Islam honours women through parables of inspiring women in the Quran and her own personal narratives. She also negated misconceptions on women’s standing in Islam, including how Muslim women are perceived as inferior or unequal to men, and highlighted how Islam in reality elevates both men and women alike.

The talk, which was moderated by Ms Nazeera Mohamed, Assistant Vice President (Da’wah) of MCAS, also featured a Q&A segment, where attendees were invited to pose any burning questions they may have to our guest speaker. Through the discourse, Chaplain Samia illuminated participants’ understanding of Women in Islam, unpacked various ways to demystify cultural stereotypes and differentiate the ‘hazy’ line between cultural practices and religious values. In addition, she encouraged her fellow women to be open, walking books; empowering other women through our stories, learning from one another and helping each other to better navigate the challenges of the modern world.

The Rise Above Halfway House (Rise Above), Singapore’s first all-women secular halfway house, opened its doors to its first batch of visitors’ post-renovation earlier this month.

Gracing the visit was Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development, as well as the Adviser to Jalan Besar GRC GROs, Dr Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah. Together with the Commissioner of Prisons, Ms Shie Yong Lee and PPIS President Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim, they took a tour of the newly renovated halfway house and were introduced to its refurbished amenities, new programmes, as well as the all-women team behind Rise Above, or ‘Risers’ as they call themselves. The visit also featured the unveiling of Rise Above’s logo, which was designed by Mr Karuna Chua, a student from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)’s School of Design & Media.

Exactly nine months ago, MOS A/P Faishal, Commissioner of Prisons, Ms Shie Yong Lee and President Mdm Hazlina had put on the finishing touches of a Kintsugi artpiece, by painting a gold stroke over the broken lines of mended ware during Rise Above’s groundbreaking. The art piece is now part of a feature wall in Rise Above’s dining café, to remind residents to stay optimistic when the going gets tough, and celebrate the flaws and misadventures of life.

As our Risers rolled up their sleeves to welcome its nine maiden residents earlier this week, we wish them all the best as they start on their hard and heart work.

Last August, PPIS was honoured to host the Board Members and Directors of the National Council of Social Services (NCSS) at its Family Service Centre East (FSCE). PPIS’ Board Members and Senior Management, as well as the NCSS leaders were brought together for an insightful exchange on how both organisations can galvanise resources to better serve the needs of women, families and the Singapore community at large.

With PPIS President Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim and NCSS President Mdm Anita Fam leading the discussion, the session saw PPIS introducing its suite of services to NCSS, including the latest addition to the #OnePPIS family, the Rise Above Halfway House. PPIS also shared on key insights from its inaugural research on the Aspirations of Muslim Women in Singapore, including our women’s top three personal, family and career aspirations and the four archetypes of Muslim women. The discussion also touched on what lies ahead for PPIS and potential areas of collaboration between PPIS and NCSS, as well as with other community stakeholders and corporate partners.

From left to right:

Ms Hafizah (As-Salaam), Ms Khadeejah (FSCW), Ms Suhaili (FSCE), Ms Yuliza (FSCW)

PPIS is proud to have our social workers represent the organisation at the International Childhood Trauma Conference held at Melbourne, Australia from 31st July to 5th August. Over the week, our social workers had the privilege of attending masterclasses and keynote presentations by world experts sharing on neuroscience, trauma, attachment and therapeutic intervention. Our social workers (pictured below) were also given the rare opportunity to go live on Radio Melayu Melbourne, and share (based on their close to forty years of collective experience) on how parents and families can better create safe spaces and raise awareness of trauma in young children. Read below for each of their accounts.

“As the saying goes, we plan, and He decides. While I had actually prayed to be able to do the pilgrimage this year, the week-long conference was indeed a blessing in disguise. One key takeaway for me was how non-verbal communication and therapy is crucial in working with children who have gone through traumatic experiences. Play is a child’s language – and toys are the child’s words. It is also important for social workers to engage and connect better with adults through sensory-based exercises that help to restore their ability to regulate their thoughts and emotions, but also narrate their traumatic experiences non-verbally.” – Ms Hafizah (As-Salaam)

“While it was only four of us who attended the conference, getting here was truly a #OnePPIS family effort. With the help and support of our Centre Managers and Principal Social Workers, we were better prepared for the conference and knew how to get the most out of it. What impacted me the most was how often we talk about social service staff needing more support given the complexity of trauma cases they manage – but it is also important to practice mindfulness in our interactions and actions as anyone, regardless of age, gender or occupation can experience trauma.” – Ms Khadeejah (FSCW)

“It was truly insightful to hear from other trauma experts in the field. Hearing from like-minded professionals and the intellectual exchange of conversations as we networked, had rejuvenated and reminded me of why I became a social worker. It was definitely a sight to behold watching women experts sharing on stage, and I’m confident that PPIS has the people and expertise to front that stage too in the future.” – Ms Suhaili (FSCE)

“Learning from world experts and interacting with trauma professionals from the international scene definitely made the conference flavourful and enriching. I was not only humbled by the humility of sharing among the keynote speakers and professionals, but also the resilient stories that the childhood trauma survivors courageously shared with us. My hope is that with the right support systems, our clients can be their own advocates in their journey towards recovery, and eventually offer hope and support to others who are struggling.” – Ms Yuliza (FSCW)

This year’s Fostering Seminar, organised by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) saw more than 100 participants attending, and was presided by Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Health, Mr Masagos Zullkifli. Our very own Oasis Centre Manager, Ms Aaqilah, presented and moderated at the seminar, alongside a senior case worker from Boys Town Fostering Services and two pairs of foster parents.

The session delved into the journey of foster care and the slew of initiatives that the Government has ramped up to provide more holistic support for foster parents as they care for these vulnerable children. The foster parents also shared their lived experiences in caring for their foster children; a challenging yet equally rewarding journey of imparting values, moulding character, and enabling them to thrive and grow healthily, like any other child should in a loving and stable environment.

Ms Aaqilah was also given the opportunity to share with the participants the various ways that parents and foster parents can best connect with children. One way is connecting through play, as it builds rapport and creates attachment which is important to the children’s growth. Oasis staff, Ms Aliffah, Ms Nuraniah and Ms Hafizah, were also on-site to welcome visitors at the PPIS booth, and introduce the good work that Oasis does as well as encourage ‘would-be’ foster parents to start their fostering journey with us.

Get to know the ladies behind our latest addition to the #OnePPIS family –

Rise Above Halfway House, and the critical role they play in offering women a second chance.

As PPIS celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, Ms Saleha also celebrates her 10th year with PPIS! In her decade-long service with PPIS, Ms Saleha has certainly scaled great heights in her desire and commitment to uplift women and their families. As the Centre Manager of Rise Above, a typical day for her includes coaching and guiding her team members through their duties, as well as ensuring that the halfway house’s programmes, people, processes and facilities are operationally ready. A key aspect of her role is to ensure that Rise Above’s vision and mission is understood and carried in the hearts and actions of all Risers, which is paramount to the operationalisation of the all-women, secular halfway house.

“It has been a journey full of meaningful growth for me at Rise Above. Working with these women offenders have opened a new layer of gratitude and forced me to examine our very basic life privileges. Even the ability to have our loved ones by our side, speak, hold their hands and even squabble with them – is a privilege. I am growing my own mindfulness in building a community of gratitude, care and healing; one that celebrates milestones, so each individual can actualise their potentials and aspirations.”

– Ms Saleha Rashidi

Bringing her wealth of expertise into PPIS as a seconded staff from the Singapore Prison Service (SPS), Ms Rina’s role is fundamental to Rise Above’s efforts in helping women offenders reintegrate into the community and return to their families. A key aspect of Ms Rina’s role is to focus on capability-building initiatives; from developing key systems and structures to delivering effective programmes and services for the residents of Rise Above, as well as equipping staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively execute their roles.

“A support system for women is one that seeks to heal, by helping women cope with the challenges in their lives, nurture women to develop personal gifts and strengths to their fullest potential, and serve others by seeing value in them and helping without judgement.”

– Ms Rina Arip Wee

While Ms Syaheedah (Syah) has only been with Rise Above for two months, she carries the mammoth task of being its Head of Operations. Ms Syah oversees the operational aspects of Rise Above, and ensure that the halfway house adheres to SPS’s Halfway House Service Model (HSM) criteria. Ms Syah is also a seconded staff from SPS, and leads a team of operations executives to effectively manage and care for the residents. She mentors and trains her operations team in areas including the Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) processes and guidelines, and on incident reporting.

“It has been a warm and welcoming experience thus far, joining the #OnePPIS family. I am very grateful for the supportive team at Rise Above, and they have become my own personal support system. They bring so much laughter and joy whilst we go on this journey of setting up Rise Above. Not forgetting PPIS CEO, Mdm Tuminah Sapawi, who checks in on us regularly. I believe our diverse experiences and backgrounds will set us up for success, as we welcome our residents and be with them on their journey to heal and strive towards a new beginning.”

– Ms Nur Syaheedah

As a member of the multidisciplinary team at Rise Above, Ms Hamizah conducts counselling sessions with residents and their families, in addition to helping them reintegrate upon their discharge. The session explores opportunities for them to find meaningful work, empower them with coping mechanisms to overcome life stressors, and find purpose as they start on their rehabilitation and social integration journey.

“Every day since I’ve joined Rise Above, I’ve been in awe of the processes unfolding in front of me. As a woman myself, I believe in empowering women to reach their full potential. I’ve only been here for two months, yet it has been a purposeful and meaningful experience for me. Each person has their own strengths and stories that define them, so witnessing the unique growth of each of our residents is something that I definitely look forward to.”

– Ms Nur Hamizah

Masagos sertai panel anjuran BH bincang pemansuhan Seksyen 377A

A post-National Day Rally roundtable organised by Berita Harian included Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Second Minister for Health, Masagos Zulkifli, Deputy Director of Office of the Mufti and Religious Policy and Regulation in Muis, Ustaz Irwan, Vice President of Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas), Ustazah Kalthom, Founder of law firm A Rohim Noor Lila & Partners, Abdul Rohim Sorip, and PPIS President, Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim. The roundtable highlighted that despite differing views and priorities among the various community groups, we need to be united instead of divided in order to move forward together as one cohesive nation.

Read more here.

Aplikasi dating, kurang stigma dorong wanita kahwin semula

Easy access to ‘dating’ applications and less stigma to remarriage are some reasons that may prompt women to remarry. Commenting on the trend of more widows compared to widowers who remarried last year, PPIS Vista Sakinah Centre Manager, Ms Sarinah Mohamed, said the primary reasons motivating couples to remarry include the need for companionship, readiness to settle down, and driven by loneliness, love and attraction. Secondary factors include wanting a complete family and to be accepted for their status.

Read more here.

Bangkitlah semangat wanita S’pura

In this article, PPIS President Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim highlighted the importance of increasing the narrative of female role models in line with the Action Plan that was presented in the White Paper for women’s development recently. These women are a catalyst that is indeed important for the next generation of women. Strong support systems also play an important role in providing opportunities for women and also for them to realise their aspirations.

Read more here.

Pro bono legal aid, helpline among plans to help victims of online harms

By year-end, victims of online harm will soon be given other avenues of support including a hotline and pro bono legal advice from volunteer lawyers. PPIS President, Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim, who is a member of the Sunlight Alliance for Action (AfA) stated the services will be administered by SG Her Empowerment (SHE). A manual on online harms will be developed to facilitate training sessions for SHE staff and qualified counsellors in its partner organisations to support victims. To reduce users’ exposure to harmful online information, the new proposed regulations call for designated social media platforms to follow community standards and content moderation procedures.

Read more here.

Dana S$5 juta biaya sektor khidmat sosial; sokong inisiatif bantu golongan lemah

The Social Service Summit organised by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) saw various social service leaders, as well as key public and private sector partners gathered in an exchange of ideas on creating an impactful sector that is ready to tackle the challenges of the future. A key initiative expected to roll out at the end of this year would be a $5 million funding to further uplift families grappling with complex issues, despite already receiving help from various social service organisations. With the funding, PPIS CEO Mdm Tuminah Sapawi said that social service organisations are able to do more good, such as venturing in digitalisation and outreaching to the fellow Singapore youth.

Read more here.

Presiden Halimah sanjung bakti guru prasekolah dalam majlis di Istana

A #ServingSG Appreciation Event for 32 early childhood educators hosted by President Halimah Yacob was held at the Istana. The preschool educators were recognised for their dedication and commitment to their students during the challenging Covid-19 circuit breaker. One of them is Mdm Fatrah Mohamed Fauzi, Principal of 7oaks Preschool – Bedok Reservoir Centre, who has been in the early childhood industry for 27 years.

Read more here.