Singapore Government Press Release
Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2^nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 837-9666

I am pleased to be here this afternoon to join you in the launch of the Tabung Amal Aidil Fitri (TAA) Charity Boxes. This is the tenth year of TAA’s Charity initiative since it was launched in 1992. Since then TAA has performed commendably with various programmes and projects to provide financial and other assistance to the needy. The support the TAA receives each year shows that Singaporeans are caring and generous when it comes to helping those who are less fortunate and in need of help. TAA’s success also demonstrates the multi-racial and multi-religious harmony that we enjoy. Although the main beneficiaries of the TAA come from the Muslim community, many other Singaporeans have also strongly supported and donated generously to the Fund.

Another noteworthy achievement of TAA is the increasing number of volunteers who have contributed their time and services to the Fund. I am told by TAA officials that the number of volunteers is steadily increasing year to year from 200 to 400 volunteers this year. The TAA has therefore also successfully inculcated a strong spirit of volunteerism and community service.

TAA is built on solid foundation because of the positive contribution of our various Muslim organizations with support of other Singaporeans. All our Muslim organisations have emphasized the importance of solidarity in TAA. It is only by working together and pooling our talents and resources that our community can keep turning in enhanced achievements on a sustainable basis. It is indeed the only effective way to become more successful. Each and every organization has its strength, experience and special expertise and the challenge is how we can merge these capabilities into a dynamic force to propel the community to greater heights of excellence. Let us therefore focus our endeavors to enhance our ability to collaborate more effectively with one another. The Muslim Community faces great challenges ahead in this fast changing and competitive world. We cannot therefore afford to dissipate our energies but instead must do all we can to develop synergies to enhance our performance and ability to successfully meet the challenges ahead. It is also imperative that we motivate the most committed and able amongst us to step forward to contribute selflessly to the community and nation.

I am confident that as we continue to strengthen our spirit of unity and togetherness we can move relentlessly ahead to greater success.

Finally, I would like to commend the TAA officials and volunteers for their good work and initiative. I would also like to encourage Singaporeans to continue to donate generously to the Fund.