Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development, on Guru Jayanthi 2021

RECORDED MESSAGE BY ASSOC PROF MUHAMMAD FAISHAL IBRAHIM MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS AND MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MP FOR NEE SOON GRC FOR GURU JAYANTHI CELEBRATIONS

I would like to congratulate the Mission in commemorating Sree Narayana Guru’s 167th Birth Anniversary this year. This year, SNM is celebrating this special occasion virtually consecutively over two years and I am heartened to see the strong support from all of you despite the challenges of COVID-19.

The occasion today celebrates the contributions of Sree Narayana Guru to the community at large regardless of race, language, or religion. This resonates well with Singapore, a multi-racial nation, made up of the same belief system – regardless of race, language, or religion.

From a small hut in No. 48 Soon Keat Road to today – SNM now runs the SNM Nursing Home, two Senior Care Centres, Meranti Home@Pelangi Village and the SNM Care Centre in Jalan Besar

I extend my heartiest congratulations to SNM for being awarded its second nursing home along Yishun Ave 6. This is a testament to all the meaningful work done by the Mission for more than 70 years

As a charity, it is very imperative to leverage on community partnerships to move forward, especially during these pandemic times. We need to build on our partnership efforts so that we continue to transform and grow to do good for the community.

I am glad to know that SNM has also reached out to the community through its slew of community programmes to motivate and help beneficiaries develop new skills.

Nursing homes like SNM play a very important role in helping seniors age in place. To echo this sentiment, SNM has established the Residents’ Committee to encourage empowerment amongst its residents. This is an excellent idea as it allows residents play an integral part in decision-making on behalf of residents for the home.

I am positive that SNM will continue to support the Government in building a strong ecosystem for our seniors to age in place.

When COVID-19 vaccination became available for Singaporeans, there was uncertainty amongst our people as they were afraid of the effects resulting from the vaccine. But the vaccination was an important step – it helps in increasing the immunity of one, making it harder for the virus to strike. I am very appreciative of SNM’s effort in ensuring that their staff and residents are vaccinated. Earlier this year, SNM also encouraged the Indian community to consider vaccination through its Indian Leaders Community Forum. The forum aimed at dispelling the myths and fears of the community about the COVID-19 vaccine.

The battle against COVID-19 is everyone’s effort! It is through such collective efforts that we inch ourselves closer to a COVID-19-free nation.

I hope you take some time to appreciate the efforts of the Mission. They have done tremendously well over the years, playing a part in our healthcare sector as well as the community. Safeguarding the wellbeing of seniors is a collective effort, and each of us can play our part to support one another.

I thank all of you for working together to make Sree Narayana Mission (Singapore) a trusted charitable organisation and wish the Mission success in the near future.