YEARBOOK 2008

About MENDAKI Club

MENDAKI Club, or MClub, is a community of Malay/Muslim young professionals and students who are engaged in
affairs concerning the community, Singapore and the world. We engage in strategic youth development initiatives
and participate actively in discussions on current developments in the local and global arena. We also strive to build
bridges within the Malay/Muslim community, and between our community and other communities, to promote
mutual understanding and cooperation.

MClub was launched in 2000 by then-DPM Lee Hsien Loong and constantly seeks new and interested individuals
to be part of its growing community. As a registered society affiliated to the Malay/Muslim Self-Help Group Yayasan
MENDAKI, the activities and programmes of MClub are largely organised and run by volunteers from a wide range
of professions and backgrounds.

Vision
A dynamic and progressive young generation of Malay/Muslim Singaporeans with a strong commitment to society
and plugged into the global community.

Mission
Our mission is to engage young Malay/Muslim Singaporeans through Thought and Action. We do this by fostering
a community of young Malay/Muslim professionals which:

• Build bridges within the Malay/Muslim community, and between our community and other communities, to
promote mutual understanding and cooperation

• Participate actively in discussions on current developments in the local and global arena

• Engage in strategic youth development initiatives to act as positive agents of change in the community and
nation
 contents

Advisor’s Message | 02

President’s Message | 03

Profile of Executive Committee Members and Secretariat | 04

Young Minds’ Club (YMC) | 09

Talent Development Programme (TDP) | 11

MClub Conversations | 12

Making ‘Cents’ of the Global Economy | 13

Contributions

Harvard National Model United Nations 2007 | 15

Eid Gathering 2007 | 17

YMC Secondary 2 Community Service Project 2007 | 18

YMC Secondary 3 Community Service Project 2007 | 19

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 0

Advisor’s Message

T
he Malay/Muslim community has made significant progress over the
past 25 years. Higher levels of educational attainment, increasing
household incomes, and higher levels of home ownership indicate this
progress that we have made together with fellow Singaporeans.  

There is also a corresponding increase in the number of young and talented

Malay/Muslim professionals who will help shape the future of Singapore even
as they appreciate the values that determined the success of their parents’ more
humble generation.

Since its formation in 2000, MENDAKI Club has worked actively to engage young
Malay/Muslims to help them fulfil their own potential, and, at the same time, channel their
thoughts and energies towards giving a helping hand to the less well-off.

As we resolve issues at home, globalisation also affects us. Globalisation gives an added dimension to economic and
social challenges. At the same time, it creates many opportunities that we cannot afford not to tap especially when, as
Singaporeans, we are well-placed to do so. In this regard, MENDAKI Club will need to continue to nurture our youth
to appreciate and capitalize on the opportunities that globalisation presents.

I am pleased that MENDAKI Club has contributed to the Community Leadership Forum (CLF) efforts on globalisation
and has developed and strengthened several of its programmes targeted at secondary and JC students, in particular
Young Minds’ Club and the Talent Development Programme.

While we nurture our youth to harness such opportunities, MENDAKI Club has also played a useful role in facilitating
our youth and young professionals to involve themselves in the community and the national scene. Through focus
group discussions and seminars on topics such as new media, foreign relations, and entrepreneurship, MENDAKI
Club has generated interest and involvement in pertinent issues. I hope that this will continue, and more young
professionals will develop greater awareness in issues affecting society, and in turn be motivated to come forward and
give back to the community and nation.

The quest for a Singaporean Malay/Muslim community of excellence is a continuing pursuit. MENDAKI Club must
continue to adapt and remain relevant, so as to be able to play a pivotal role in engaging young Malay/Muslim
professionals.

I wish the members of and the MENDAKI Club all the very best for the coming year.
 
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources
and Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 0

 President’s Message

D
emands on young professionals today are intense. This is especially so
with diverse and challenging work portfolios, and an interconnected
world where travel and working across time zones is becoming
increasingly common. Coupled with the strong demand for talent
globally, young professionals are not only busier, they are increasingly mobile. 

Set in this context, the role of MENDAKI Club (MClub) has never been more
important - engaging young professionals to the community, be it “through
thought” - via discussions on pertinent issues, or “through action” - via strategic
programmes that make a distinct impact on youth. The aim of this is to create a
vibrant community of Malay/Muslim youth who care about society, and who want to
make a difference. This group will in turn drive the continued progress of the Malay/Muslim
community in Singapore.  
 
2007 was a watershed year for MClub, with changes to all the key office bearers, and 6 new Exco members coming
on board. With the previous Exco led by Nizam Idris setting in place the foundations of many of our key programmes,
the energised and enthusiastic new Exco, as well as a strong team of committed volunteers and Secretariat, sought to
strengthen on the core while developing new ideas.
 
As part of the Community Leaders Forum (CLF) efforts on globalisation, MClub held two follow-up events to a series
of Focus-Group Discussions held by the Malay Members of Parliament in the middle of 2007. These two events
comprised detailed discussions on harnessing the opportunities of globalisation, where speakers were invited to share
their first hand experience at expanding businesses overseas to work or studying abroad.
 
A new programme “MClub Conversations” was also initiated in August 2007. MClub Conversations provides a regular
platform for young professionals to meet, learn and discuss pertinent issues affecting society and the community. Six
sessions have been held between August 2007 and March 2008, reaching out to 95 participants.
 
Our flagship programme for Secondary School students, Young Minds’ Club, saw the 4th batch of 132 students being
inducted into the programme, bringing the total number of students in YMC to 416. It was also a notable year to see
the pioneer batch of students come full circle, as they graduated from our programme after 4 years.
 
Talent Development Programme (TDP) for JC students, in its second year running, was expanded to include more pre-
university institutes. TDP’s second batch comprised of 214 students from 5 JCs.
 
Towards the end of 2007, MClub also welcomed new members on board into the secretariat. With the departure of
Zahara Mahmood, Azlinah Arif has assumed the role of Manager, Volunteer Relations and will concurrently head up
the MClub secretariat team. Other new members of the Secretariat are Siti Nur Hannah Hardy, Sarah Adam, and Rizal
Rasit with the departure of Noorhizah Abdul Rahman and Satria Razeri.
 
Looking forward, 2008 promises to be a challenging and exciting year. MClub will continue to focus on enhancing
the effectiveness and outreach of our programmes, as well as on strengthening our internal capabilities. We will
also aim to better understand the needs and interests of young professionals, so as to be better able to tap on their
contributions for the good of the community.

Through these efforts, MClub will strive to continuously attract young professionals to come forward to contribute to
the community, and in doing so continue to remain relevant.
 
Esa Masood
President, MENDAKI Club

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 0

Executive Committee Members 2007/2009

Esa Han Hsien Masood [President]

Esa, 28, is serving his second term in the MENDAKI Club Exco. He currently works in the Energy
Division in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Esa undertook his tertiary education in the US, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where
he received a Masters and Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 2002. Prior
to joining MENDAKI Club, he was a volunteer youth mentor and was involved in various community
youth projects.

He has many interests, including sailing, inline-skating and basketball, among other sports. He also enjoys reading books
on a range of topics that he finds interesting. Aside from that, he likes to travel when time permits, as it provides him with
the opportunity to experience various cultures and languages, explore historical sites and soak in the calm and expanse
of wide mountain ranges, forests and rivers.

Seeni Syed Ahamed Kabeer [Vice President]

Having been in private law practice for 10 years, Seeni has recently become a Legal Counsel.
Juggling work with family and other commitments, Seeni tries to devote as much quality time as
possible to his young family. Besides playing taxi-driver and repairing the toys that his 3 children
are fond of perpetually trying to destroy, his favourite hobbies are football and reading.

He is an ardent believer that the catalysts for greatness and change can be found in each and every
individual.

“If you think you can do it, or you think you can’t do it, you are right!”……Henry Ford

Siti Nurhanna Riduan [Secretary]

Siti Nurhanna graduated with an honours degree in Applied Chemistry from the National
University of Singapore in 2005. A self-described hands on person, she is currently working as a
researcher at A*STAR’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), in a state-of-the-art
laboratory at Biopolis. Her research interests include the development of materials and catalysts
for pharmaceuticals synthesis. In layman’s terms, she is creating stuff to help make the process of
producing medicines more efficient, and hence the final product to the consumers, cheaper. She is also
currently pursuing graduate studies at her alma mater.

Siti likes to work with kids of all ages (even the overgrown ones). Since her university days, she has been an active volunteer
with Yayasan MENDAKI , and often helps out at their activities for the young beneficiaries. She has been involved with
MClub’s Young Minds’ Club since 2005, and has since enjoyed her Saturdays spent with the members. She is also a Youth
Research Program mentor with IBN, and has had numerous attachment students over the school holidays, guiding them
to do research projects independently.

In her free time, or whatever is left of it, Siti spends it with family and good friends, often indulging in food and good
conversation. Unfortunately for her wallet and savings, she also likes to de-stress herself with retail therapy. She also tries
to find time to read stuff like Booker prize winning novels in contrast to the daily scientific mumbo-jumbo (occupational
hazard) and occasionally dabbles in arts and crafts projects when bitten by the creative hands bug.

Indeed, she feels that being a researcher at the forefront of science and technology, and a volunteer is not all that different.
It is about taking steps, no matter how small, for the betterment of society and mankind; albeit though different means.

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 0

 Masnidah Masnawi [Assistant Secretary]
Masnidah Masnawi, a recovering TV addict, derives much glee from witnessing her students at
National Junior College, where she is a teacher of General Paper, find themselves in a state of
disequilibrium. She also derives much glee from her work as a consultant for an overseas branding
company and from her work as an Exco member of MENDAKI Club, where she co-manages the
Talent Development Programme (TDP).

She was awarded an honours degree in English Language from NUS where she majored in English Language
and Mathematics and had a wild time, academically. She was recently nominated by MENDAKI Club and National Junior
College for the Outstanding Youth in Education Award 2006 awarded by the National Youth Council.

In her free time, she reads, experiments with food and music and watches movie trailers.

Akmal Abdul Rahman [Treasurer]

Akmal Abdul Rahman did not know what he wanted to do when he was growing up. Following in
the footsteps of his parents, he is a Physics and Maths teacher. Secretly, however, he wishes to be
a code monkey. So he volunteered to run his school’s Infocomm Club which enables him to work
closer with computers and the occasional student. He is proud to identify himself as a Linux user
since 1998, and is baffled why others do not share his passion for open source computing.

During National Service, he picked up the bad habit of running, and has since remained addicted. He has run
the Singapore Marathon once, and like all addictions, cannot stop training for ever more races.

National Service also imbued in him a love for Nature where trees, wildlife and beautiful scenery are abundant and
humans much less so. He hopes you will invite him if you are going trekking; he promises to be quiet and not disturb your
contemplation of Nature.

Arzami Salim [Assistant Treasurer]

Arzami Salim graduated from NTU/NIE with a B.A in English Language and Literature (merit) in
2001. In 2005, he received his M.A in English Studies from NUS. This is his second term as an Exco
member with MENDAKI Club. As the coordinator for the Talent Development Programme, he had
the opportunity to liaise with interesting professionals from diverse career sectors to help engage
the aspiring youths of the Malay/Muslim community. Arzami sees his involvements with Mendaki Club
as very meaningful, interesting and fulfilling as he gets to feed his passion in community work and dealing
with the youths.

Apart from serving in MENDAKI Club, he is also involved with other volunteer organizations with the limited spare time
that he has left. The rest of his spare time is spent exclusively with his family of four daughters and a beautiful and
wonderful wife. At the end of the day, he hopes to see that he could affect a positive development and change to the
Malay/Muslim community with his small contribution.

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 0

Executive Committee Members
Nurhidayati Yahya
Nurhidayati Yahya graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Nanyang Technological
University (NTU) in 2004. Curious about real life ventures in the business world, she then spent
some time in NTU and the University of Washington (USA) pursuing her graduate diploma under
the Technopreneurship and Innovation Programme (TIP) Upon her return, she spent a year working
with the INSEAD Business School in Singapore, before leaving home again to satisfy her intellectual
curiousity to read Islamic finance at the University of Durham (UK) under a MUIS Scholarship. Currently,
Nurhidayati is an officer with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, under the International Relations Division.

An active youth leader since her student days, Hidayati served two terms on the NTU Muslim Society, first as Finance Officer
and later as Vice President. She was also an active member of the NTU Welfare Services Club, looking into the development
and social integration of young probationers. Since graduation, she continues this work as a volunteer with the Singapore
Boys Home. In mid-2005, she took on a new challenge as a member of the MENDAKI Club Executive Committee, adding
on to her other community portfolios. She is also a Council Member of Perdaus, a Malay/Muslim organisation with a focus
on human enrichment.

In her free time, Hidayati seeks nature as her refuge, and spend quiet weekends at her family home in Johor
Bahru. One of youngest members of the MENDAKI Club Exco, she believes and hopes that her life has yet to bloom, her
leadership yet to grow, and her experiences and learning yet to make a significant change to the community.

Mohammed Jaleesudeen Jalal

Mohammed Jaleesudeen Jalal is a proud Victorian who experienced both Victoria School and
Victoria Junior College.

Following his NS, Jalees was given a place at NTU’s School of Communication and Information. After
deciding that he had enough of dancing mass dances in JC, Jalees decided to try out something that all
along he only thought about but never really tried: study until the cows came home. No cows showed up,
but he was placed in the Dean’s List twice, inducted as an NTU President’s Research Scholar and in the grand
finale, presented first class honours. In between studying, he took breaks to play lead roles in his School’s annual
drama productions in 2004 and 2005. Jalees was awarded the Singapore Indian Education Trust Achievement Award, the
MENDAKI Anugerah Cemerlang Award and the SINDA Academic Excellence Award in 2006. Jalees is now with the Ministry
of Community Development, Youth and Sports.

To occupy his free time, Jalees volunteers at the neighbourhood mosque by trying his level best to get hyperactive youth
interested in the intricacies of tajwid. He enjoys reading books on Islamic history, contemporary politics and science, loves
eating good food and hates jogging afterward to prevent fat build-up in the arteries but still does it because it needs to be
done. Jalees also loves to indulge in mindless Tamil and Hindi movies and songs regularly as catharsis.

Hirman Abdullah
Despite desiring little publicity but maximum impact while performing community work, Hirman’s
reputation as ‘he of large girth and mismatched appearance (Chinese face, Malay name, non-
existent Mandarin proficiency)’ precedes himself. His trademark fidgetiness and impatience to get
things done was thankfully put to some good use in his previous career incarnation as an ‘enforcer’,
although the only enforcement now in his life is that of his healthy diet, and being a good role model
to his pet cat.

Despite being of aforesaid large girth, Hirman is surprisingly nimble and therefore he can be found pounding (literally)
the pavements in the early hours of the morning, amongst other surprisingly active and cardiovascular feats. Hirman also
loves a good song, although it rarely extends to singing it (as it is usually out of tune). Hirman hopes that his simple Shrek-
like existence (it has to be, given some of the ‘cartoon’ characters comes across with alarming frequency in his daily life) will
ultimately benefit not just himself, but also the wider community of idealists who desire a better tomorrow – the Cinderellas,
Gingerbreadmen and Prince Charmings who do believe in fighting the right fight, following the yellow brick road and of
course, the wisdom of linguistically gifted cats such as Puss in Boots. Although he has yet to come across the last..

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 0

 Ratna Damayanti Mohamed Taha
Having benefited from many MENDAKI programs as she was growing up, Ratna felt it apt to
contribute back by being part of MClub. 2007 was filled with several meaningful MClub activities for
this new Exco member as she and several others attempted to focus on a new target group – the young
professionals.

Ratna had worked as a communications professional in the private and public sectors since graduating from
NTU’s School of Communication and Information in 2004. 2008 is a sabbatical year for her as she travels, explores
new career/business opportunities and, together with her husband, eagerly awaits the new addition to their family.

Mohamed Faizal Mohd Abdul Kadir

Mohamed Faizal, 27, graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Laws
(First Class Honours) in 2005. He joined the Singapore Legal Service one month after graduation
(having spent the singular month in between savoring the finer aspects of legal practice) and has since
held the positions of Justices’ Law Clerk and Assistant Registrar of the Supreme Court. In September
2007, Faizal was appointed as a Deputy Public Prosecutor at the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Faizal is overall-in-charge of the Young Mind’s Club (“YMC”) Program. In his opinion, the YMC program has
highlighted to him two inalienable truths: one, that teenagers should constantly be challenged and given opportunities
outside the conventional, tried-and-tested academic environment to shine, and two, that, he derives considerable enjoyment
from the constant interaction with students in such an informal, though structured, setting [he, however, stresses that he
makes no representation as to whether such enjoyment of company is mutual]. Outside of his commitments with MClub and
YMC, and work, Faizal has taught, in adjunct capacities, at the Faculty of Law in the National University of Singapore and the
Singapore Management University and, volunteers his time in a couple of other organisations as well.

In his free time, Faizal enjoys travelling and spending time with his oft-neglected loved ones. He also enjoys the occasional
game of sepak takraw, though given the acutely sparing amount of time that he spends playing the game, he readily confesses
that any (already limited) flexibility and skill that he possessed in his university days in the game have all but disappeared.

Muhammad Ramzi Babjee

At the tender age of 12, Ramzi decided he wanted to change the world.

But he didn’t know how to do it.

So he set out to see the world. He journeyed far and wide, picking up a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in
Economics along the way, as well as a love for good food, good music and good humour - absolute
necessities to survive many a bitter winter’s night in Chicago.

At the end of his journey, he found himself back home in sunny Singapore, and realized what had been obvious
all along - that change begins at home. Coincidentally, he joined Mendaki Club around this time, and has been striving to
change himself, amongst other things, ever since.

Now, still 12 at heart, Ramzi works for change in Community Relations at the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.

Nur Azhar Ayob

After being infused with the Acsian spirit in his formative years, Nur Azhar had the best years
of his life in NUS where he was pleasantly surprised at his Honours Degree in Information and
Communications Management. He is currently a Planning Officer at the Police Technology
Department.

Being immersed in the technological world, Azhar has a voracious appetite for new experiences both
online and in the real world. As such, when he is not finding excuses to travel to the plethora of island
getaways in Asia, Azhar is an avid observer of the interactions of society and the new media who believes that the
Digital revolution can and will empower.

He speaks and writes English, German and Malay relatively well although his proficiency may wax and wan in tandem with
the moon. Believing that life must be lived to the fullest, he also hopes to do as much good to others as he can and is
enjoying the personal satisfaction, development and growth in developing activities of value in MClub.

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 0

MENDAKI Club Secretariat

Azlinah Arif
Head of Secretariat at MENDAKI Club, Azlinah enjoys the company of people. She believes that
each individual has unique personality that adds vibrancy to life. Like a string of pearls, individuals
connected through various means, have a unique glow that should be appreciated.

“Only through our connectedness to others can we really know and enhance the self. And only through
working on the self can we begin to enhance our connectedness to others” Harriet Goldhor Lerner

Najihah Mohd Idris

Graduated in 2004 with Bachelors’ Degree in Civil Engineering from Nanyang Technological
University, Najihah first embarked her work life with a stint in a counselling center. Though, an
engineer by training, she is inspired and driven to contribute back to the community. Najihah is
currently a Volunteer Relations Executive with Yayasan MENDAKI. A cheerful person, who enjoys
outdoor activities and surprisingly also loves to sew! She believes that happiness is often derived from
the simple pleasures of life.

Mohd Rizal Rasit

Mohd Rizal Rasit is currently a Volunteer Relations Executive with Yayasan MENDAKI. Graduated
in 1999 with a Diploma in Tourism Management from Temasek Polytechnic, he furthered his
studies after serving his National Service in 2002. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from
University of Tasmania in 2005 majoring in Marketing and International Business. A simple person by
nature, he always believe that success comes to those who yearns for it.

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t
quit.” Conrad Hilton

Sarah Adam
A (wo)man of few words, Sarah can most only say this of herself: “Man cannot discover new
oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide

That is what she believes in, and that will be her driving force in life. In whatever she does, she
must find meaning. Thankfully at this young phase of her life, she got herself into MENDAKI – serving
MENDAKI Club. The past three months have enlightened of another face of volunteerism she did not
know before. Finally, although this doesn’t flow, Sarah has met a newfound love for Indian ghazals & sufi music.
Oh yes, perhaps her rediscovery of her ethnic roots – the Indian part we mean.

Siti Nur Hannah Hardy

Siti Nur Hannah Hardy, the young-at-heart eldest of five daughters, graduated from Madrasah
Al-Ma’arif Al-Islamiah in 2003 and Temasek Polytechnic in 2007. She was brought up to believe in
dreams, and to follow her heart without disregarding her head. Not unlike the poet Edna St. Vincent
Millay, Hannah has had many love affairs, most significantly with photography, Manchester United,
Wikipedia and sunsets. With a drive to make a difference in others’ lives (and a head in the clouds), she
sought to follow Robert Frost’s road:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 0

Young Minds’ Club
A time for celebrations and reflections
Mohamed Faizal [Program Coordinator]

If there is one thing my thoughts rest upon whenever I attempt to pen

down my thoughts on events that have taken place under the auspices
of the Young Minds’ Club (“YMC”) Programme, it is that written words
invariably fail to accurately and fully encapsulate the laughter, excitement
and exuberance that naturally entails each YMC event. Though no write-
up can ever serve as an able substitute to the first hand experience of
the YMC Programme, an annual report on the events that has taken place
over the past twelve months would no doubt be beneficial in facilitating
reflections on YMC’s achievements of the year gone by (read: the editor
kindly informed me of the need to come up with a write-up). With that in bers
YMC mem
mind, though one should readily concede the magnitude of catalogueing,
in full, the vast array of activities that had taken place over the course of the
past twelve months, it may be of significant utility to revisit the more salient
events.

The past year has represented a watershed period of sorts in our history. Started
four years ago, YMC saw its pioneer batch graduate. Their involvement in the
programme culminated in an overnight graduation camp in April 2007 which,
together with the assistance of our friends from National Junior College
Malay LDDS’ team, involved elements of fun, games, reflections and even
aspects of career planning (all of this despite going without sleep throughout
the entire course of the two day camp!).
YMC launch 2007 at The Arts House

As we said our sad goodbyes to the graduating batch, warm welcomes

were extended to the Secondary One students in the annual launch of
Young Minds’ Club at the The Arts House on 14 July 2007. The Launch,
spearheaded and planned entirely by the Secondary Two YMC students
and graced by the Mayor for Central Singapore CDC and Member of
Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Mr Zainudin Nordin, was attended
by almost two hundred students from a number of secondary schools
in Singapore. Having regard to how well organised and exciting the
day’s activities was, it was to little surprise that after an engaging (and
exhausting) three hours, most of the invitees enthusiastically applied
to formally join the YMC Programme.

As those involved in YMC are aware, its raison d’etre is the equipping
YMC
of young Malay/Muslim students with personal development skills, mem
bers
role-p
laying
as well as to raise awareness and sensitivity towards community, national and at a w
orksh
op
global issues, so as to facilitate their development into successful all-rounded

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 0

 individuals who can contribute positively to the society at
large. In line with such an ethos, YMC continued its policy of
continued active engagement with the community, with
two Community Service Projects organised by members
of the Club for Education Trust Fund (“ETF”) Beneficiaries
– a Leadership Camp on 4 and 5 September 2007 at the
Boys’ Brigade Camp (organised by the Secondary Two
YMC members) and a Drama and Dance Camp on 20 to
22 November 2007 at the MOE Campsite (organised by the
Secondary Three YMC members). If the smiles on the faces
of the ETF beneficiaries is any indication, it is clear that both
camps were a resounding successes.

Given the vast array of activities listed above, it is difficult to

YMC mem
believe that the above list of activities are not exhaustive and,
bers
in fact, represent no more than a small fraction of the events
that took place in 2007. That YMC has been able to achieve
so much in such a short period of time can be attributed to
three main factors: first, the continued support of MENDAKI
in the form of funding and Secretariat support, second, the
ever-wonderful kids who have time to time again made us
question our assumptions on the limitations of their potential
and talents and finally (and perhaps most importantly), to the
amazing volunteers who we have had the privilege of working
with in the YMC Sub-Committee and who spend many hours
doing work for which the only reward is the development of
the YMC kids and the wish to help out for the greater good
of the community. For all of this, YMC is blessed.

Though YMC has gone from strength to strength over the

course of the past twelve months, 2008 promises to be
an equally challenging, adventurous and exciting year.
In particular, on a personal level, I’m very much looking
kshop
ary 1 2007 wor forward to the Expedition that is scheduled to take place
YMC Second
sometime in mid-2008, further continued engagement with
the wider community and the fuller implementation of our
ambitious aims, initiated last year, to ensure integration of
National Youth Achievement Award-related activities.

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 10

Talent
Development Programme
Arzami Salim [Program Coordinator]

About 4 years ago, MENDAKI Club approached the Malay

Language teachers of Anderson Junior College and proposed
their intention to work closely with the Malay/Muslim students,
both in terms of developing their talent in academics as well
as life skills. From this the Mentoring Initiative was developed,
where working professionals were matched with students,
allowing students to have a better idea of their career options
after they graduated. The collaboration was a successful one
and this eventually inspired the club members to throw a wider
net to get other JC students to be involved. The programme
further developed, with the inclusion of post secondary TDP Seminar at SMU

students from other junior colleges and madrasahs, and

eventually evolved into the Talent Development Programme
(TDP).

TDP for the new cohort of JC students was launched in August

2007 by our Guest-of-Honour, Mr Zainuddin Nordin, Mayor for
Central Singapore CDC and Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa
Payoh GRC. A total of 100 students had signed up to participate
and since then many have been involved in the various sessions/
events tailored for them. Among others, we had conducted the
Terrorism dialogue session, hosted by National Junior College,
a career seminar on the Arts, and a mock Scholarship Interview
a workshop
workshop. More career seminars and life skills training would TDP members at

be conducted throughout this year to cater to the needs of our

aspiring and enthusiastic young future leaders.

With a team of dedicated volunteers at its helm, this

programme aims to achieve the MClub’s objectives in
engaging and building bridges with the young professionals
within the community.

Seminar
at a TDP
Speakers

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 11

 MClub Conversations

Mohammed Jaleesudeen [Programme Coordinator]

As part of MClub’s active engagement with young Malay/Muslim

professionals, a series of informal sessions is being held with speakers
from a range of backgrounds. The purpose of these of these sessions,
known as “Conversations”, is to provide a regular platform for Mendaki
Club members, as well as other young professionals, to gather and discuss
issues of interest. The aim of this will spark deep and critical thinking on a
broad range of issues affecting our society and identify opportunities and
challenges that may be on the horizon.

The topics for Conversations are varied and multi-dimensional – issues

covered included the impact of new media on local society; the impact of
Singapore-Malaysia bilateral relations; youth leadership and many more.
Sessions are usually held monthly in the evenings on the first Wednesday
of each month, at the National Library at Bras Basah Road. Each session
Conversa
tions on N
ew Media
typically sees a turn-out of about 15-25 persons.
at NLB Bu
ilding
In August 2007, master potter Iskandar Jalil shared with an intimate
audience on the art of self-discovery. The group of young professionals
and students were thoroughly mesmerized by a potent mixture of wit,
uncontrolled energy and hard facts with which Mr Iskandar shared his
thoughts and ways to self-discovery. Stressing that self-discovery involves
many layers and lots of sacrifices, Mr Iskandar left a lasting impression on
each and every participant.

In January this year, participants were initiated into the interconnected,

multilevel, globalised nature of new media by Mr Idris Surattee, Head
Librarian at Singapore Press Holdings. His sharing on the complex
interplays between the consumer (us), the message (what we see, hear
or read), the author of the message and the medium itself, invited
more than a few questions.

In February, participants were treated to an entertaining yet deeply

Foreign Re lations through-provoking session by Prof. Johan Saravanamuttu, a Visiting
Co nversations on
Senior Research Fellow at Institute of South-East Asian Studies. His frank
perspectives on the Singapore-Malaysia ties, from historical times until
contemporary times, started a lively and engaging discussion with the
participants.

In March, Ustaz Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, Head, Office of the Mufti at MUIS,
discussed with participants a topic close to many of our hearts – The
Singapore Muslim Identity. One of the personal insights that Ustaz Nazirudin
shared was the result of different foundations and rituals of Islam for the
different cultures and communities around the globe.

Such Conversations, we hope, will engage Muslim professionals and youth

to think about things that may not have occurred to be important. Not
only will participants benefit from the knowledge gained through the
dialogue and sharing, it is also a valuable platform for young professionals
to network.
Professor Jo
han Sarava
Singapore-M namuttu sh
alaysia bilate aring on
ral relations There will be more Conversations sessions in the coming months – do look
out for them in your e-mail!

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 12

Making Cents of the Global
Economy
Mohammed Jaleesudeen [Program Coordinator]

Talking about Globalisation

From end-2006 to mid-2007, the Singapore Malay/Muslim community
began in-depth discussions about the issues of globalisation, focusing
on the opportunities that it brought about.

Focus Group Discussions were held by the Community Leaders Forum

(CLF), chaired by the various Malay Members of Parliament, to raise
awareness and engage various segments of the population on this issue.
The focus group discussions culminated with the launch of a website portal
(www.globalmalays.sg) to facilitate sharing of experiences of venturing
abroad amongst members of the community.

Speakers
MENDAKI Club (MClub) was involved in these discussions, as part of its for “Maki
ng Cents
of the Glo
bal Econo
new Young Professionals Outreach, a new programme targeting young my”

professionals. The programme aims to create platforms for Malay/Muslim

youth and professionals to meet and network. MClub conducted two
follow-up sessions as a continuation of the earlier efforts by the CLF. These
comprised of a dialogue session targeting undergraduates, which focused
on capturing education and internship opportunities overseas, and a
larger scale forum targeted at young professionals and entrepreneurs
entitled “Making Cents of the Global Economy” involving 3 well known
panelists.

Making Cents of the Global Economy

Held on 8 September 2007 at the Sheraton Towers Hotel, the forum
included established speakers who knew their dollars and cents, and the the event
Participants at
global business scene. They included:

1. Mr Aylwin Tan – Director of Operations, Asia Pacific, EDB

2. Mr Inderjit Singh – CEO of Infiniti Solutions and Member of Parliament
3. Ms Elim Chew – Founder and President of 77th Street

Among many important nuggets of information that was shared, here

are some key takeaways that the 70-odd participants of the forum
brought home with them. Students and professionals from various ethnic
backgrounds graced the forum.

Participan
ts at the e
vent

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 13

 Knowing National Policies and Strategies Well and Tapping on Available
Resources
Mr Aylwin Tan from EDB shared that the emerging giants in the global
marketplace were India and China, and these were two countries to explore
business opportunities. He also shared with the audience resources for
the entrepreneur that could be found on EDB’s website. These resources
included seed funding opportunities and taxation rates in other countries
when doing business.

Venturing Abroad as an Entrepreneur – Cultivating the Right Mindset

Mr Aylwin Tan on stage
and Developing the Right Skills
Mr Inderjit Singh penetrated the mind of the audience with his unique
presentation style. He explained that the Government can provide all
types of resources for the entrepreneur, but that it all stemmed from
having a entrepreneurial mindset in the first place. This mindset will find
opportunities.

The mindset would be, in a nutshell, to:

1. Have a winning spirit
2. Aim high but be prepared for the worst
3. Know there is no shortcut to success

Businesses for a Cause: Social Entrepreneurship

President
h MClub
Ms Elim Chew wit Doing business, in general, needs a lot of passion and drive. Ms Elim Chew
shared that one who can spot opportunities and use them to his or her
advantage has taken the step in the right direction to be an entrepreneur.
There is also another “industry” where there are opportunities, apart from
the usual goods-and-services/for-profit businesses. This is the industry
helping to plug in solutions to social issues. For example, a business
that would benefit and run by persons with disabilities, but which still
works on a business model, would be social entrepreneurship.

The speakers also spoke on negotiating cultural differences between

countries – for example, lessons learnt in dealing with businessmen in
China was a world of difference from dealing with local businessmen.

Mr Inderjit Singh with participants

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 14

Contributions
Harvard National Model United Nations 2007
Contributed by Ayuni Ali

In February 2007, MENDAKI Club helped two of its members – NUS

undergraduates Ayuni Ali and Nur Fadhilah – to secure funding to attend the
prestigious Harvard National Model United Nations.

The Harvard National Model United Nations 2007 is one of the most
established and distinguished Model United Nations conference for youth
in the world today. Thus, I felt very fortunate to be a part of this prestigious
event which is held annually in February at the luxurious Boston Park Plaza
Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. February is considered one of the coldest
months in Boston where the temperature regularly reaches subzero levels.
Nonetheless, the thought of donning layers of clothing did not deter me from Ayuni and other representatives from Singapore
enjoying myself and leaning as much as possible from the conference.

The five days conference provided the delegates with ample opportunities to
discuss and debate over critical contemporary world issues. The tools of
diplomacy were used to achieve a county’s stand regarding on a wide array
of problems on the table.

I am very privileged to be given this valuable opportunity to be involved

in such a conference on a large-scale at the international level. Never had
I experienced the excitement of being able to meet and socialize with
youths from a myriad of backgrounds. Most of the youths were, in fact, from
recognised universities and it was a real pleasure to be able to share our ideas
rk
and thoughts on a wide range of topics, with one another. in New Yo
ssembly auditorium
The UN General A
The delegates were very interested to know more about Asia, especially when
they found out that I am from Singapore, which is a far away sunny island,
tucked in the Southeast Asia region. I was most keen to provide them with
details regarding our modern city of concrete jungle with high-rise majestic
buildings and of course, our unique multiracial society. On another note,
some of them were surprised that we have a good grasp of the English
language. I was proud to proclaim that our main language of instruction
is English and thus, it is not unusual that we mastered the language, very
well. Certainly, this is an advantage since being fluent in English equates to
having the ability to communicate very well with the rest of the delegates,
whom were mostly from the West.

At Harvard University in winter

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 15

The Conference
Overall, the whole conference ran like clockwork. It was a major event since the number of delegates’ attendance was close to a
thousand where many of them were from other parts of the world such as Asia, Europe and even Middle East, not just from the
United States of America. Therefore, there was a unique multiracial blend amongst the delegate, which is very similar to that of
the real United Nations conference setting.

During the opening ceremony, several important people were invited to give speeches at the grand ballroom. Flags representing
the different countries participating in the conference were displayed all over the grand ballroom, creating the UN-effect.

There were more than ten committees in HNMUN 2007 and thus, delegates were spoilt for choice. The topics being discussed
in each committee were very interesting which range from hard security issues to trade and human rights programmes. With my
team-mate, Nur Fadhillah, we chose the Special Political and Decolonization Committee where one of the issues was on the Iraq
problem. During the pre-conference, delegates were given a comprehensive guide on the issues which would be discussing.
Delegates were encouraged to research on their chosen country’s stand regarding the various issues. Also, there was a workshop
for first-timers who might not be familiar with the mechanisms of a United Nations committee session. Indeed, these were
necessary for healthy and vibrant discussions to take place, where diplomacy would be at its best.

The venues for the committee sessions were located all over the hotel compound which was very convenient since many of the
delegates were staying at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Besides being accessible, the venues were spacious and comfortable;
making the whole conference seemed very professional.

Our SPECPOL committee voted for the Iraq problem and thus, we spent the next five days creating working papers and draft
resolutions while engaging in lively debates in order to find concrete solutions. The sessions were enriching and there were
injections of crisis simulations, making the whole discussion very realistic. Delegates were given ample opportunities to socialise
amongst themselves as alliances need to be created in order to reach an agreement.

In my opinion, the Chairs of various committees were able to conduct the sessions very well and most of the delegates came
very prepared for the conference. Many of the delegates were experienced MUN-ers. Since it was my virgin MUN experience,
I was rather confused with the mechanism and rules of procedures. We represented our own homeland, Singapore. Of course
we played the card, Singapore-style. We formed alliances with big powers in order to have a greater voice regarding the issue.
Therefore, I was very glad that we were able to create working papers and later, draft resolutions with big powers that were
running the show.

The Social Activities

The organizing committee tried to interact with the delegates as they often witnessed and addressed the committee sessions as
a gesture of welcoming them. However, due to the vast number of delegates, it might be rather impossible to personally reach
out to every single member. Besides the committee sessions which stretched from morning till late afternoon, there were other
activities organized by the HNMUN committee. These include social nights for the delegates and day-tours around the city of
Boston, where delegates were able to socialize with one another, in a more relaxing atmosphere.

Post conference trips

After resolutions were passed in all of the committees, this marked the end of the conference. Email addresses were exchanged
and pictures were snapped to remind us of the eventful moments together.

In order to celebrate our last night in Boston, the whole team from Singapore decided to have dinner together at a posh Italian
restaurant. It was a merry event filled with exciting stories from the conference. The next day, we went to the prestigious Harvard
University for a day trip, before packing our luggage for the excitement that was impatiently waiting for us, in New York City!

Indeed, the whole experience of HNMUN was a mixture of intellectual indulgence and at the same time, pure fun!

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 16

Contributions
Eid Gathering 2007

At MClub, each year we have a wonderful mix of new friends and

familiar faces. What better excuse to bring everyone together

than an Eid Gathering for the old and new. On 24 October 2007,

MClub held our first Eid Gathering at one of the newest and more

interesting event spots in town, The Pod @ National Library. With

a great view overlooking the Singapore city centre, The Pod

provided a magnificent backdrop coupled with good food and

great conversation.

By then, it was the third week of Syawal , and we figured everyone

would be tired of the traditional Eid spreads of rendang and

lontong, so we dished out a non-conventional Eid spread of salad,

sushi, seafood pasta, Italian chicken and a carving beef sirloin station,

just to mention a few of the scrumptious dishes! Members, both old

and new, comprising professionals from diverse industries dropped

by to catch up, and we were heartened to see many new friends

and connections made, which we hope will go a long way to foster

both professional and community-based interests amongst our

members. Looking forward to the next gathering!

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 17

Contributions
YMC Secondary 2 Community Service Project 2007
Contributed by Aqid Aiman Azam bin Azmi, YMC member of batch ‘09

Although the sky was still dark, member of the YMC batch of ‘09
members began to walk through the gates of the Boys’ Brigade
Campsite in Sembawang, where we were to hold our Leadership Camp,
dubbed “Hand in Hand we Lead”. This camp was to be the culmination
of several months’ worth of meetings, correspondences and planning.
It was no surprise that all of us were very excited to play host to about
twenty-five kids that came from less privileged backgrounds for two
days.

In their own groups led by two YMC members as facilitators, the kids
YMC mem
bers and were given ample opportunity to shine as leaders, and in their own way
participan
ts
each and every one of them did. Whether it was directing the group while
manoeuvring a difficult obstacle course, screaming his head off on stage
in front of everyone as part of a play, or even designing a sculpture
and defending it from water bombs hurled by other groups, they took
charge, deciding for themselves in which direction they were to take
their efforts.

We had time to sit and talk with them during lunch, free time, and while
waiting for activities to get started. Not surprisingly, we discovered
that these kids, although less privileged than we are, were deep
down inside very much alike. We shared common passions such as

Park sport, movies, music and the desire to have fun.

Sembawang
Participants at

The camp ended with a bang, with a campfire made out of candles
painstakingly lit into the shape of our camp logo and the letters
‘YMC’. Now visibly more confident than when we first met them,
they kids put on their plays for everyone to see, showcasing
their interpretation of our camp theme. After several rounds of
campfire songs, the day was done. We were undoubtedly sad
to see the kids go, but were certain that in one way or another
we left a good impression on them, and left feeling that we had
accomplished what we had set out to do.

YMC membe
rs guiding the
participants

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 18

Contributions
YMC Secondary 3 Community Service Project 2007
Contributed by Athirah Mustaza, YMC member of batch ‘08

After our batch organised a successful Community Service Project (“CSP”) in

2006 involving a day trip to the zoo for kids from the Muhammadiyah Home,
we were determined to do something more exhilarating this time round and
thus out came our brainchild, a three-day Camp ’07, entitled “There’s a Class
for This”.

It was a camp encircling three main ideas – Dance, Dikir and Drama – that we
had decided to organise for the Education Trust Fund (ETF) beneficiaries. We
designed the camp for kids ranging from 8-12 years old not only to experience
something new and enriching, but at the same time to ensure that they too
had fun whilst learning important lessons in co-ordination and teamwork. YMC members and participants

We divided the kids into 3 groups and started off the event with icebreakers.
Though they took some time to warm up to each other, as the day went on,
such was the excitement that built up with each passing moment that before
long, they were exemplifying the mantra that “kids just want to have fun!”
The main idea of the camp was to allow each group to try out the 3 categories
of activities before the facilitators eventually allocated each group a specific
category to work on. The camp culminated with a performance from each
group, showcasing their hard work and originality.

Though the group that had performed the Dikir definitely stole the limelight
after their amazing presentation and co-ordination meant that they won
the showcase, the event ended off on a good note for everyone, with each ity
king activ
ts in an ice-brea
of the beneficiaries being given a special souvenir to bring home for their Participan
outstanding performances.

As much as goodbyes are always painful, it was definitely heartening to hear

them call ‘kakak!’ or ‘abang!’ when we were all bidding farewell, telling how
they had enjoyed the camp and how they wished they could meet us again. On
hindsight, I cannot help but reflect on the fact that what seemed to have been
originally too meticulous to pull off had actually materialized before our own
eyes. Taufik Batisah was definitely right in his observation that, “if you put your
heart and mind into it, you can accomplish anything.” It is overwhelming and
immensely satisfying to reflect and realize how the secondary three facilitators
were able to put aside any differences that we may have had to work together
and collectively pool our efforts to make a little difference in the life of our
underprivileged friends. Trekking into Bukit Timah

Nothing beats the satisfaction of successfully pasting a smile on the faces of those
young kids!

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 19

OUR SINCERE THANKS TO...

Our Partners

Bock’s Trading & Bus Transport Service

Community Leaders’ Forum
National Junior College
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre
National Youth Council
Sheraton Towers Singapore
Yayasan MENDAKI

Our Speakers, Guests-of-Honour and Contributors

Mr Aylwin Tan Director of Operations, Asia Pacific, EDB

Ms Ayuni Ali Graduate, National University of Singapore
Ms Elim Chew Founder and President of 77th Street
Ms Hamidah Adilah Mustafa Undergraduate, Singapore Management University
Mr Inderjit Singh CEO of Infiniti Solutions and Member of Parliament
Mr Iskandar Jalil Highly-regarded National Ceramist
Ms Iva Aminuddin Senior Executive, Civil Service College
Mr Muhamad Imaduddien Abdul Karim Senior Legal Counsel, Monetary Authority of Singapore
Mr Noor Effendi Ibrahim Previously Artistic Director of Teater Ekamatra
Currently Lecturer at Republic Polytechnic
Mr Rofizano Zainor Design Director, FutureBrand
Mdm Siti Rohanah Koid Lecturer, Singapore Polytechnic
Mr Zainudin Nordin Mayor for Central Singapore CDC and
Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 20

MENDAKI Club Yearbook 2008 | 21
 design & production by Future Print Pte Ltd [future@pacific.net.sg]

No 51 Kee Sun Avenue

Off Tay Lian Teck Road
Singapore 457056
Tel: 6245 5818 / 5749
Fax: 6449 4492
www.mendakiclub.org.sg