On March 16, 2017, a team of senior officials from the People’s Association (PA), led by Chief Executive Director (CED) Mr Desmond Tan and Group Director Mr Nah Juay Hng, graced the 3.16 Kosen-rufu Day Commemorative Meeting held at the SSA Headquarters, Ikeda Culture Auditorium.
March 16 is a very symbolic day for Soka Gakkai and its members around the world as it marks a day of new departures, of eternal beginnings and perpetual hope. It is also an occasion focusing on fostering capable youths.
On this day, PA presented two awards — the Community Partnership Merit Award 2016 to SSA, and Special Tribute to Dr Daisaku Ikeda, in recognition of SSA and Dr Ikeda’s contribution to the Singapore society.In his speech, PA CED Mr Desmond Tan gave his warmest congratulations to the SSA Chingay 2017 team for winning the ‘Most Popular Contingent’ and ‘Audience’s Favourite Contingent’ Awards at the Chingay 2017 Awards Ceremony. He thanked SSA for the great friendship with PA and SSA’s significant contributions to the community over the last five decades. Mr Tan also paid tribute to Dr Ikeda for his “passion and affection for Singapore and for inspiring SSA members to strive their best in contributing to the Singapore society”.
SSA Chairman Mr Michael Yap received the The Community Partnership Merit Award on behalf of SSA, and SSA General Director Mr Tay Eng Kiat received the Special Tribute to Dr Daisaku Ikeda on behalf of Dr Ikeda.
In addition, a limited edition People’s Association 45th Anniversary Commemorative book was presented to Dr Daisaku Ikeda, received on behalf by SSA Women’s Division Chief Ms Sek Soon Heng. The book was specially signed off by Minister Chan Chun Sing, Minister (Prime Minister’s Office), Deputy Chairman, People’s Association with a message, that reads:
Dear Dr Daisaku Ikeda,
Thank you for inspiring members of Singapore Soka Association to be good citizens and make positive contributions to the Singapore society in the last 50 years!
Chan Chun Sing, Minister (Prime Minister’s Office), Deputy Chairman, People’s Association.
In his Thank you address, SSA General Director Mr Tay Eng Kiat thanked the People’s Association for the long-standing partnership with SSA and looked forward to many more years of friendship towards the future with PA.
