Neugen Iftar celebration 2026 - Speech by Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs

Mr Phillip Tan, Chairman of ISCOS Board of Trustees,

Mr Sallim Bin Abdul Kadir, Chairman of ISCOS Board of Directors,

Distinguished guests, families, and friends.

Introduction

1. A very good evening to each and every one of you. I’m very happy to meet you. This is the fourth consecutive year at this meaningful gathering.

The Significance of Ramadan and Community Bonding

2. Ramadan is a time of devotion, reflection, and gratitude. It has always been about strengthening family bonds through meaningful acts such as breaking of fast together.

Celebrating NeuGen’s Continued Impact and Community Commitment

3. Tonight, as I look around this room, I see something very beautiful; I see 500 people from diverse backgrounds coming together as one community. I recognise some familiar faces whom I have met at previous events.

4. I would like to acknowledge NeuGen's dedication in organising these annual iftar celebrations since 2023, and the various other programmes by NeuGen. Please join me to give thanks to NeuGen. On top of events like these, NeuGen also provides comprehensive support through bursary programmes, case management, and enrichment activities.

Human Interest Story – Achievement Through Compassion and Support

5. Tonight, I would like to share the inspiring story of a family – I will call the mother Martia to protect their privacy. Martia is a dedicated mother of seven children.

6. Three of her sons - twins aged 15 and their 12-year-old brother - participate in NeuGen's After-School Activity football programme. Through their dedication and hard work, these young athletes have earned the opportunity to represent Singapore in an international soccer tournament in Kuala Lumpur.

7. This achievement reflects not just their talent, but their commitment and discipline. The youngest of the three also received one-to-one tutoring support from NeuGen. He successfully cleared his English subject in his PSLE.

8. This is Martia's family's third time joining us for the iftar celebration, and their journey beautifully reflects the Ramadan values of compassion, perseverance, and community support.

9. Their story reminds us of something important - when we treat families with kindness, patience, and understanding, we create opportunities for growth and achievement. We see how community support can help unlock potential and create pathways to success.

Gratitude and Call for Continued Community Support

10. Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the NeuGen board, staff, and organising committee for their unwavering dedication. My sincere appreciation also goes to our volunteers from PCS Security who have generously given their time and energy to make tonight possible. I also want to thank all the sponsors for making tonight possible.

11. And to all the families [here], I encourage you to stay connected with NeuGen's programmes. Remember that everyone, regardless of circumstances, has something valuable to contribute to our community. Look for opportunities to give back and be part of this meaningful cycle of care.

Conclusion

12. I wish all of you a blessed evening and a meaningful Ramadan. My fellow muslims, selamat berbuka puasa. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this wonderful celebration.