Mr Haji M K A Jabbar
Senior Advisor, United Indian Muslim Association

Mr Farihullah
President, United Indian Muslim Association

Parents, students

Ladies and Gentleman

1.      I am very pleased to join you this afternoon at the United Indian Muslim Association's Bursary Awards Presentation Ceremony.  It is a meaningful event, bringing benefit 296 students from the primary to the tertiary levels.

2.      The Indian Muslim Community produces a good number of students who have excelled in their studies. For instance, one of the top Indian students in last year's PSLE was Shamira Bte Shariffudin. At the GCE N level last year, Basheer Ahamed Sultan Abbas was one of the top Indian students with an aggregate of 8 points. We celebrate their achievements, and those of many other students. They are role models for other students.

3.      Our community organisations are playing a valuable role in this regard. By coming forward to render assistance to students from needy families, they allow  them to concentrate on their studies and school activities without the burden of financial worry.

4.      The United Indian Muslim Association is a good example of such an organisation. Last year nearly 135 students from poor and needy families benefited from its bursary awards, which amounted to about $35,000. This year the association will distribute about $70,000 in bursaries. The association is also clearly committed to helping needy students regardless of ethnic and social background. I commend the United Indian Muslim Association for its vision and generosity.

5.      The bursary awards are just one of the many ways the United Indian Muslim Association assists the community. The association is a unique community organisation in that it is linked up to a wide range of bodies  -  the Government, MUIS, Jamiyah, Mendaki and SINDA. It is an affiliate member of the National Council of Social Service and an active member of the of MCYS feedback committee. The association is also a member of the Federation of Indian Muslims.

6.      The United Indian Muslim Association has come far since it commenced operations as the Pasir Panjang Indian Muslim Association in 1964. (In 1990, the association was renamed United Indian Muslim Association.) Under the leadership of former president Haji M K A Jabbar, the association engaged in various fruitful activities aimed at social bonding and educational upliftment. To Haji Jabbar's credit, he groomed younger members of the community to take on leadership, and last year passed the baton over to Mr Farihullah. 

7.      I am glad under the new leadership, the association continues to serve the community through a wide spectrum of initiatives. For instance, last year it started a child care centre for children of all ethnic and religious backgrounds.  The association also runs madrasah classes.  Last year too, the association collaborated with Mendaki and launched a computer ownership programme. To date 120 participants have signed up for the programme.

8.      I wish Mr Farihullah and his committee members all the best in their endeavours to serve the community, and am confident that the association will continue to make valuable contributions to society.

9.      My warmest congratulations to all recipients of the bursary awards. I am sure the awards will help you realise your dreams. Work hard, remember those who have helped you, and give what you can back to society when you are able to.