Neugen Family Day 2024 – Speech by Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development

Mr Phillip Tan, Chairman of ISCOS Board of Trustees,

Mr Keith Tang, Vice-Chairman of NeuGen Fund Management Board,

Friends and families,

Introduction

1. A very good morning. I am happy to be invited to NeuGen’s Family Day 2024.

NeuGen’s Family Day 2024

2. The Family Day is an annual event organised by NeuGen that aims to strengthen family bonds through fun and meaningful activities.

3. This year, the programme will include an ‘Amazing Race’, where families will go to various stations around Bird Paradise to complete specific activities.

4. I hope you will have lots of fun exploring Bird Paradise and trying out the activities together with your children and loved ones.

5. Do take this opportunity to spend quality time with one another and build lasting memories.

NeuGen’s Support

6. NeuGen was established in 2018 to provide dedicated care and support to families facing difficulties and challenges, and in need of assistance and support.

7. Without the community’s support, it can be very difficult for families to cope all by themselves and create a stable and conducive environment at home for their children.

8. NeuGen plays an important role in reaching out to the families and offering various programmes and assistance. They include practical gifts of milk powder and diapers, enrichment workshops for the children, and home improvement projects.

9. Such assistance not only benefit families in a practical sense, they also help to sustain motivation, foster stronger family bonds, and importantly, remind families that they are not alone in the community.

10. On top of supporting families, NeuGen also seeks to empower children and youth. Some of the initiatives include:

(a) Bursary awards;

(b) The After-school Activity initiative, which aims to provide a platform for children to pursue unique interests and talents beyond the classroom; and

(c) Mentoring and counselling support. This includes the Youth Engagement Platform, which provides a safe space for youths to express themselves and learn coping strategies and positive traits from others.

11. These initiatives support children and youth in their social and emotional well-being and character development.

12. They also provide valuable opportunities for children and youth to build up their confidence, develop their talents, and encourage them to aspire and achieve their fullest potential.

13. Let me share with you how NeuGen had brought the best out of a 17-year-old boy, Syafiq (not his real name), and how this had benefitted his family.

14. When Syafiq first came to NeuGen, he was struggling with motivation and other issues.

15. With the encouragement of NeuGen case managers, Syafiq joined the After-school Activity initiative, where he was given the opportunity to take part in football and boxing.

16. Through this, Syafiq found that he enjoyed sports, and he was actually pretty good at them.

17. Syafiq then decided that he wanted to take action, turn his life around and become a successful athlete.

18. Syafiq knew that it would not be easy, but he was determined to work hard to achieve his goals. NeuGen supported Syafiq in his ambitions, providing further opportunities for him to hone his skills and sponsoring some of his expenses.

19. Recently, Syafiq was chosen to represent Singapore in an overseas boxing competition.

20. This was a remarkable achievement for Syafiq, who had once thought that he could never be good at anything and had struggled with self-esteem issues.

21. This achievement had also made Syafiq’s family, including his three younger siblings, very proud of him. They look up to him as their role model, and as their source of inspiration.

22. Above all, Syafiq’s achievement had brought the family closer together and gave them a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future.

23. Today, Syafiq continues to pursue his dreams and has set his sights on making Singapore proud in the Youth Olympic Games and other international competitions. Let’s wish Syafiq all the best in his efforts.

24. Syafiq’s story is an example of how the right encouragement and support can bring about life-changing impact.

25. I would like to encourage all families to stay positive, and remember that you are not alone in this journey. You will never walk alone.

Conclusion

26. NeuGen will continue to work closely with its partners and volunteers to expand and strengthen its programmes and initiatives.

27. On behalf of NeuGen, I thank all the event sponsors and partners for graciously supporting this event.

(a) Baker McKenzie, Wong & Leow; Julius Baer Singapore; and Allen & Gledhill; for sponsoring the event and for lending your volunteers; and

(b) Mandai Wildlife Group, for the complimentary tickets.

28. Special thanks also to all the volunteers present today – kudos to all of you for giving your time and effort.

29. My message to all of us – we are not alone. Whatever circumstances we face, there will be people around us who care for us.

30. To the children, take all the opportunities given to you. This includes the afterschool activities and the programmes that will be rolled out for you. Focus on your studies and co-curricular activities. Your parents, your caregivers, as well as the community, will do their best to help and support you.

31. For the parents and caregivers, continue to do your best to support your children and families. We believe in you, and we want to support you.

32. I wish all families a wonderful day ahead. Thank you.