Recognition For Singapore Malays

By Massita Ahmad Bernama's correspondent in Singapore Massita Ahmad shares her take on the happenings across the Causeway. SINGAPORE, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Being a Malay, it feels great to see Malays in Singapore being recognised for their achievements. They have proven that they too could shine in a meritocratic and a highly competitive environment. The first recognition went to Zuraidah Abdullah, a policewoman with the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC). She is also the Malay Heritage Foundation Chairperson. Zuraidah, 54, the first Malay to join the Singapore Police Force through its direct entry programme three decades ago, was presented the Berita Harian Achiever of the Year (Anugerah Jauhari) Award by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday. The award is for her leadership in serving the nation and her steadfast dedication in helping the underprivileged Muslim community. The annual awards, organised by Singapore Press Holdings' Malay daily, Berita Harian, honours Malay/Muslim individuals for their achievements in their chosen field, be it education, business, arts and culture, sports, the professions or social work. Into its 18th year, the award is also open to organisations. The qualities that the judging panel looked into included perseverance, determination, integrity and the ability to overcome odds. Above all, the recipient has to be a role model for the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore. A trailblazer since young, 30 years ago the Nanyang Technical Institute graduate became the first Malay and sixth woman to join the Singapore Police Force (SPF) through its direct entry programme where university graduates became senior officers. Since then she rose through the ranks to hold senior positions including the Commander of the Airport Police Division; Commander of Jurong Police Division; Commander, Training Command and Head of Operations of Central Police Division. In 2013, Zuraidah added another feather to her cap when she was promoted as the first woman to hold the rank of SAC in SPF. From 2007 to 2009, Zuraidah was seconded to the self-help group for the Malay/Muslim community Yayasan Mendaki. While there she was convinced that the key strategy to help troubled Malay/Muslim families was to ensure that the children stayed in school and enjoyed the learning process. She enlisted the help of 80 young professionals from various fields to brainstorm ways to improve students’ grades and address problems in dysfunctional families. Among other things, Zuraidah also initiated Math workshops and intensive PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) Math sessions to help groups of weaker students. Zuraidah was the first woman in four decades to be appointed as a member of Singapore Islamic Affairs Council (MUIS), to help oversee the religious affairs of Muslims in Singapore. She was also presented with the Her World Woman of the Year award in 2015. Commenting on the award, Zuraidah said: "The job in the police force now is very demanding. You hardly have time of your own. I decided that being seconded to Yayasan Mendaki is my way to contribute to my own community." "It opened my eyes to helping the disadvantaged. It was an experience that I never regretted and I'm very happy that I agreed to it. That's why I agreed to continue, making sure that I still have one leg within the community, to volunteer with the Malay Heritage Foundation." Meanwhile, Berita Harian's Editor Mohd Saat Abdul Rahman said: "Berita Harian celebrates Zuraidah not only because of her achievement as one of the highest-ranking women officers in the SPF but also her many significant contributions to the community despite of her busy schedule. "She inspires the community to give back and uplift the community as they progress to greater levels. She is also a model career woman in the Malay/Muslim community." Prime Minister Lee, who was guest of honour at the event, also presented the 2016 Young Achiever Award (Anugerah Jauhari Harapan) to Sheik Farhan Sheik Alau'ddin, 18-year-old silat world champion. Silat is the Malay art of self-defense, practiced as a martial art or accompanied by drums as a ceremonial display or dance. The award recognises young inspiring Malay/Muslim Singaporeans aged 30 and below. Sheik Farhan won Singapore's only gold medal in the 2015 Pencak Silat World Championships in Phuket. In June 2016, he also won the gold medal in Class J (90-95kg) at the Asian Pencak Silat Championships held in Singapore. --BERNAMA