Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,

Mr Alami Musa, Chairman of AMP

Distinguished guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my great pleasure to officiate at this launching of the AMP New Building Fund.

I have kept close contact with AMP since its inception.

I am therefore aware of the good work that AMP has done.

Over the years, AMP has grown in effectiveness rapidly.

It has helped to raise the level of academic achievement among the children under its programmes.

The counselling and social services it offers have benefited thousands of students and families.

Its research has highlighted critical areas of concern, and pointed the way to solving the problems.

AMP has done all these despite functioning from an old building that could not fully meet its needs.

The Association now has the opportunity to have its own, permanent, purpose-built premises.

I congratulate AMP for coming this far in such a short time.

I am most encouraged by AMP’s vision for a Total Learning Centre for the Community to be built in Pasir Ris.

The Learning Centre aims to run a comprehensive range of programmes for students, families, workers and volunteers.

With a dedicated committee and management staff to look after the centre and its programmes, I am sure that it will soon develop into a centre of excellence, a source of pride for the community.

This project is worthy of support.

The Government will contribute $6.75 million to the cost.

AMP needs to raise $2.25 million for its share.

I urge Singaporeans to donate generously to the Fund.

While our economy is entering a recession, it is all the more important that Singaporeans give a helping hand to those who need help.

Mutual assistance and community support are the basis of development for a community.

Our society will remain strong if it is cohesive not only in good times, but especially so during bad times.

It is in times of difficulty that the disadvantaged and the needy require the most help and support.

The Learning Centre will be a source of encouragement and fulfilment for many.

Beyond the economic crisis, when the centre is fully equipped and operational, it will be a key institution for social and educational development.

I hope that all Singaporeans will support the centre’s aims and help to bring it to fruition.

It is now my pleasure to launch the New Building Fund.