On October 2, 51st SGI World Peace Day, Singapore-based humanitarian organisation, Mercy Relief (MR), presented a special Tribute to President Daisaku Ikeda for his unflinching endeavour in promoting global peace. It was held at the SSA Headquarters with MR Board members and staff, and 1200 SSA leaders in attendance.
The audience was treated to a short video clip, “A Journey of Peace”, that shared on President Ikeda’s efforts for peace as well as SSA’s collaboration with MR. After that MR’s Advisor and Speaker of Parliament,
Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, shared: “Today, Mercy Relief has great pleasure in presenting a Special Tribute to SGI President, Dr Daisaku Ikeda, in recognition for his unending mission in promoting peace amongst mankind over the last 51 years.” Mr Abdullah added, “MR is very fortunate to have the SSA as our institutional partner since MR’s inception 8 years ago. You have partnered and supported us in many ways, through donations (more than SGD 1.1 million), provision of hundreds of volunteers and the use of SSA’s premises for many of MR’s events including the Stakeholders’ Nite and the launch of the island-wide ‘Cultivating a Grateful & Gracious Society’ programme. MR has also benefitted from the SGI regional network in countries like Japan, Sri Lanka and Taiwan. Through this network, MR was able to provide timely and effective aid to our crises-stricken Asian neighbours.”
The MR Special Tribute was presented by Mr Abdullah and was received by SSA General Director Ong Bon Chai, on behalf of Dr Ikeda. The Special Tribute reads: “To H.E. Dr Daisaku Ikeda – In recognition and honour of your unflinching, untiring and noble endeavour and contribution, towards the advancement of global peace and the betterment of humanity. Your strength, perseverance, dedication and charisma are humbling traits for our next generation to embrace and emulate, in striving for desired global harmony and cooperation.”
Following that President of Sanyi Finger Painting Society, Mr Wu Ee Lung, presented a finger painting depicting the beautiful Dendrobium Kaneko Ikeda. It was received on Mrs Ikeda’s behalf by Women Division Chief, Chan Mei Wah. In his speech, SSA General Director Ong Bon Chai thanked both Sanyi Finger Painting Society and Mercy Relief for their kind gestures. Mr Ong mentioned that SSA is grateful that since it’s formation in 2003, Mercy Relief has been actively engaging SSA in its endeavours to promote a civic life of compassion, care and volunteerism both locally and abroad. Much of SGS’s aspirations have resulted in fruition because Mercy Relief has been conscientiously providing collaboration opportunities. Mr Ong also commend the Mercy Relief staff and volunteers for braving challenges to serve and uphold the sanctity of humanity and helping to channel our members’ sincere donations into good use.
On this joyous occasion, SSA presented the SSA Goodwill Award to Mr Abdullah Tarmugi to show our deepest appreciation for his tremendous guidance, invaluable support and friendship to SSA throughout the partnership with Mercy Relief, thus enabling SSA to advance our peace, culture and education work with confidence and success. At the end of the meeting, SSA members presented a song “On My Way” which was dedicated to SGI President Ikeda and Mr Abdullah Tarmugi. This song was composed by the MR team en-route to Japan for the relief efforts after the March 11 disasters in Japan.
