On 3 March 2011, SSA General Director led a group of nine SSA youth representatives for a goodwill visit to the People’s Association (PA) Headquarters.
In his opening address, Mr Yam Ah Mee, Chief Executive Director of People’s Association expressed his appreciation for what SSA has done in partnering PA for different community events, especially through Arts and Culture, to showcase what the “Singapore Spirit” is and can be. SSA’s contributions have helped promote the Singapore Spirit and he looks forward to many more years of partnership between PA and SSA.
During the dialogue, Mr Nah Juay Hng, Director (PMET Division) fondly recalled that during the Chingay appreciation lunch for major sponsors hosted by Singapore President S R Nathan, the President spend some 15 minutes talking about SSA, including how he enjoyed SSA’s performance at the Chingay and National Day Parades, his memorable visit to SSA in June 2007, as well as SGI President Ikeda’s courtesy call to the Istana in November 2000.
A gift exchange took place following the dialogue, whereby PA presented SSA with a commemorative plaque for its 30th year in Chingay and the PA publication “We are One”. SSA in turn presented 20 titles of SGI President Ikeda’s writings and dialogues to PA. The session concluded with open-hearted interaction amongst the youthful representatives of both organisations and a joyful group photograph taken in front of the PA vision wall.
The SSA youth division next visited the Ba’alwi Mosque on 18 March 2011. This time, a delegation of eight youth representatives, led by General Director Mr Ong, were warmly welcomed to the mosque by Imam and Head, Mr Syed Hassan Al-Attas (Habib Hassan) and his son Mr Syed Ahmed Al-Attas.
The dialogue touched upon a range of topics, including humanitarian efforts and moral support for the Japan quake-tsunami relief, SSA youth division’s plan to hold a inter-racial carnival in July, plans for exchanges among the youth of both organisations, recent local interfaith events, as well as activities organised by Ba’alwi Mosque for the less privileged.
Habib Hassan tireless encouraged the youth throughout the dialogue and stressed on the importance of interfaith endeavours: “Interfaith is very important. Not only must you understand others, but others must understand you.”
It was indeed refreshing and moving experience for the SSA youths to be inspired by the humility and humanism of Habib Hassan and his profound understanding of the conviction, intent and philosophy of SGI President Ikeda.
The dialogue came to a close with a group picture and Habib Hassan presenting SSA with a Persian carpet as a symbol of friendship between the two organisations.
