Latest news with #Zaqy
Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Safra Bayshore targeted to open in 2030 next to TEL's Bedok South station: Zaqy
Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad said the new clubhouse will replace the existing Tampines clubhouse. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Safra Bayshore targeted to open in 2030 next to TEL's Bedok South station: Zaqy SINGAPORE - Come 2030, national servicemen (NSmen), regulars from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and full-time national servicemen (NSFs) can look forward to participating in activities at the largest Safra clubhouse in Bayshore. The new Safra Bayshore clubhouse, which is targeted for completion in 2030, will replace the existing Tampines clubhouse, said Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad on June 29. Safra Bayshore will be located next to the Thomson-East Coast Line's (TEL) Bedok South MRT station, which is slated to open in 2026. The new clubhouse will also be Safra's largest, with a gross floor area of at least 30,000 sq m – the equivalent of about four football fields. ' That is double the size of the current Safra Tampines... It will offer a wider range of modern and affordable facilities ,' said Mr Zaqy at Safra Toa Payoh, where he launched initiatives to appreciate NSmen as Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence. The Tampines clubhouse, built in 1988, is Safra's oldest. Safra Bayshore , to be built behind Temasek Secondary School, will be the eighth clubhouse providing activities for servicemen and their families. Plans to build the clubhouse were first announced in March. Mr Zaqy, who is also Safra president, said the social and recreational organisation has been engaging NSmen living in the east to determine the mix of facilities and activities at Safra Bayshore, and a committee has been formed to develop the club. 'Special attention will also be given to the club design in achieving high sustainability standards, as well as providing sheltered communal spaces for national servicemen and their families to gather for various arts, sports, music events and fairs,' he added. Mr Zaqy said the new clubhouse's location will allow those living in the east of Singapore to access its facilities more conveniently through public transport. Bedok South MRT station had initially been targeted to open by 2025, but construction challenges, including tunnelling near existing critical infrastructure, had delayed works. The station will be part of an integrated transport hub, which will also house a bus interchange. Some 10,000 homes, including about 7,000 Housing Board flats, will be built in Bayshore as an extension of Bedok town in the coming years. Appreciating servicemen Mr Zaqy also announced the launch of a host of new initiatives aimed at appreciating NSmen in the lead-up to SAF Day on July 1 and National Day on Aug 9. These include a variety of deals and discounts for NSmen and Safra members come July 1, including discounts on booking fees for some Safra club facilities and membership fees for selected interest groups. More than 4,000 burgers will also be given away islandwide by fast-food chain Burger King to NSmen on July 1 to celebrate SAF Day. Between July 2 and July 6, the Burger King at Safra Choa Chu Kung will also give away 300 burgers to servicemen and members. Safra also organised a video competition, collaborated with Temasek Polytechnic on a short film, and organised an art jam with more than 35,000 pre-school children, to reflect its appreciation for servicemen in Singapore. Said Mr Zaqy: 'Given how our national servicemen have contributed to Singapore's defence and security over the years, it is right for us to express our appreciation for their sacrifices and commitment. ' 'It does not always take grand gestures. Even the smallest interactions in our daily lives can affirm their sacrifices.' Mr Zaqy, who has served as Safra president since 2020, will hand over the reins of the organisation to Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo in July. ' I am confident that under his leadership, Safra will continue to make inroads to further strengthen efforts to appreciate national servicemen, and to meet their evolving family lifestyle needs and life stage needs ,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
28-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Over 700 Marsiling-Yew Tee residents walk for mental health, amid more initiatives for Malay/Muslims
Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad, Mayor Alex Yam and Ms Hany Soh flagging-off a walk during the Hijrah Walk & Health Fiesta on June 28. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Over 700 Marsiling-Yew Tee residents walk for mental health, amid more initiatives for Malay/Muslims SINGAPORE - Residents in Marsiling-Yew Tee, those in particular from the Malay/Muslim community, can look forward to more mental health support in the coming months. Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad said on June 28 that the M³@Marsiling-Yew Tee team has been engaging residents since the start of 2025 with mental health sharing sessions and information about dementia awareness. More than 80 people have been engaged so far, through a partnership with An-Nur Mosque. Speaking to The Straits Times on the sidelines at the annual Hijrah Walk and Health Fiesta event, Mr Zaqy said the initiative is in its early days, but has plans to expand. He said he has gotten feedback, especially from the Malay/Muslim community in Marsiling-Yew Tee, that they cannot find enough support for caregivers of those with mental illnesses or dementia. The June 28 event, held in conjunction with the Islamic New Year, was held at Choa Chu Kang Stadium and attended by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Mr Zaqy, Ms Hany Soh and Mr Alex Yam. All are MPs for the GRC. The event was organised by the M³@Marsiling-Yew Tee team. M³ is a collaborative effort between three key Malay/Muslim institutions - the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, Mendaki and Mesra. More than 700 residents from Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC came together to show their support for mental wellness through a mass walk. Residents visited interactive booths and activity stations by community partners like the Singapore Cancer Society, Caregivers Alliance, and Health Promotion Board which featured information on mental health support services, wellness resources, and active lifestyle initiatives. Said Mr Zaqy: 'It's important from a community perspective to talk about mental wellness. I think there's always been mental illness around us, but it can be seen as a taboo issue and therefore not much of it has been spoken about.' 'But I think that sharing experiences, resources, and support is one way in which we bring the community together and help bring down the barriers to discussing mental illness.' He added that connecting those in need with help is always challenging. 'For many of them, the reason why they are not well-connected is because they're are busy firefighting at home. Taking care of those struggling with any issue is not easy, so we need to go reach out to them through neighbourhood networks.' He said the M³@Marsiling-Yew Tee team plans to also work with youth in the rest of the year. Among younger people, he said, mental health is less of a taboo topic, thanks to greater exposure in schools and on social media. PM Lawrence Wong (in pink) interacting with participants after their walk during the Hijrah Walk & Health Fiesta. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO 'We have to translate that and see how they can be ambassadors to do outreach to the rest of the community, and refer friends and family members who may have issues,' he added. 'I think they are more ready to speak about this, and I hope they can help bring family members who might be older onboard.' Retiree Madam Zulaiha, 63, attended the mass walk on June 28 with her grandson. 'It is not only good exercise and fun to walk with everyone else, but it is for a good cause,' the former canteen cook said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Young Malay-Muslim leaders drive community growth with new ideas: Acting Minister Faishal Ibrahim
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said self-help group Yayasan Mendaki is a key institution championing the success of the Malay-Muslim community. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG SINGAPORE – New ideas and new ways of connecting proposed by young Malay-Muslim leaders will help take both the community and Singapore forward, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. In a Facebook video message on June 14 addressing self-help group Yayasan Mendaki, Associate Professor Faishal said that as it is a key institution championing the success of the Malay-Muslim community , various stakeholders like the Government and community leaders have pitched in to help those from humble backgrounds make progress. 'It is only with everyone's interest, unity, and active support of many partners that we are strong,' said Prof Faishal, addressing Yayasan Mendaki at its annual general meeting. Apologising for missing the event due to family commitments, Prof Faishal also expressed gratitude for the continued leadership of Mendaki chairman Zaqy Mohamad. Mr Zaqy took over the reins of the group from former chairman Masagos Zulkifli about three weeks ago. Prior to his appointment, Mr Zaqy had been the deputy chairman of the self-help group since May 2018. Prof Faishal said that under Mr Zaqy's active guidance over the last five years , Mendaki has made big changes in building capability and professionalism while continuing to deliver its services with compassion. One example is the Mendaki Professional Networks that allow members to connect with others and contribute to the community through ad-hoc volunteering. 'It is a fantastic idea that widens their community support base, in tune with the times. It harnesses the desire for professionals to grow and contribute through their professions, while at the same time, activate good ideas to uplift the community,' said Prof Faishal. 'Let us continue to uplift our community together. Help parents give our children an early start, encourage students to do well in school, help workers to contribute meaningfully to society with lifelong learning, as well as our professionals to give back to our community with the same spirit as our earlier generations.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Free Malaysia Today
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
S'pore politics not along racial, religious lines like in M'sia, says minister
Singapore's senior minister of state Zaqy Mohamad said it is dangerous for religion-based parties like PAS to ask Singaporeans to vote along racial and religious lines. PETALING JAYA : Singapore's politics is not like those in Malaysia, where parties are divided along racial and religious lines, says the republic's senior minister of state Zaqy Mohamad. Zaqy said it was dangerous for religion-based parties like PAS to ask Singaporeans to vote along racial and religious lines. 'That's the kind of politics you can see in Malaysia, where you have different parties representing different faiths and races, whether they are Umno, PAS, DAP or MIC. 'That's not the case in Singapore, where we've spent the last 60 years trying to build peace, unity, harmony and mutual trust between races,' he said in a video by CNA. Yesterday, the Singapore home ministry and elections department said in a joint statement that several online posts had urged Singaporeans to vote along racial and religious lines, which in turn sparked more social media content of a similar nature. They called out PAS leaders and a former detainee, now an Australian citizen, for allegedly trying to influence the country's general election on May 3 with posts that could harm racial and religious harmony. The Singapore government ordered Facebook parent Meta to block Singaporeans' access to the posts made by foreigners, ahead of the election, under rules restricting their social media posts. Facebook user 'Zai Nal', identified as Zulfikar Shariff, accused several Malay-Muslim MPs of failing to represent the Muslim community, and said Singapore does not need another Malay MP who does not reflect their views. PAS national treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad also expressed support for a candidate in the Singapore election, while Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar shared Zulfikar's post in support. Zaqy warned against exploiting racial and religious sentiments, saying its dangers were seen in the early days of Singapore's independence, and riots that had taken place in the republic. He also said while there is scope for discourse, it 'does not suit' Singapore to have foreigners ask Singaporeans to vote a certain way because of beliefs or ways of life held by those overseas. 'We've seen this in many countries, whether they distort algorithms or use bots to influence elections. 'But I think the bigger danger is when you start using religion and racial divides. This is something we have to guard against in Singapore. 'Once you break that trust between races or people of different faiths, I think that's very dangerous here in Singapore,' he said. Zaqy said while many Singaporeans today identify as Singaporeans first, there are segments of the community that feel otherwise. 'They identify more with race and religion. Therefore, there is that balance that has to be managed. 'We are making it clear that foreign interference is not something we will accept. Singapore politics is for Singaporeans alone,' he said.
Daily Express
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Singapore maintains politics based on unity, not race, says senior minister
Published on: Saturday, April 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Apr 26, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: PETALING JAYA: Singapore's politics are not like those in Malaysia, where parties are divided along racial and religious lines, says the republic's senior minister of state Zaqy Mohamad ( pic ). Zaqy said it was dangerous for religion-based parties like PAS to ask Singaporeans to vote along racial and religious lines. 'That's the kind of politics you can see in Malaysia, where you have different parties representing different faiths and races, whether they are Umno, PAS, DAP or MIC. 'That's not the case in Singapore, where we've spent the last 60 years trying to build peace, unity, harmony and mutual trust between races,' he said in a video by CNA. Yesterday, the Singapore home ministry and elections department said in a joint statement that several online posts had urged Singaporeans to vote along racial and religious lines, which in turn sparked more social media content of a similar nature. They called out PAS leaders and a former detainee, now an Australian citizen, for allegedly trying to influence the country's general election on May 3 with posts that could harm racial and religious harmony. The Singapore government ordered Facebook parent Meta to block Singaporeans' access to posts made by foreigners, ahead of the election, under rules restricting their social media posts. Facebook user 'Zai Nal', identified as Zulfikar Shariff, accused several Malay-Muslim MPs of failing to represent the Muslim community, and said Singapore does not need another Malay MP who does not reflect their views. PAS national treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad also expressed support for a candidate in the Singapore election, while Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar shared Zulfikar's post in support. However, Zaqy warned against exploiting racial and religious sentiments, saying its dangers were seen in the early days of Singapore's independence and riots, ostensibly a reference to the 1969 race riots that spilled over from Malaysia into Singapore. He also said while there is scope for discourse, it 'does not suit' Singapore to have foreigners ask Singaporeans to vote a certain way because of beliefs or ways of life held by those overseas. 'We've seen this in many countries, whether they distort algorithms or use bots to influence elections. 'But I think the bigger danger is when you start using religion and racial divides. This is something we have to guard against in Singapore. 'Once you break that trust between races or people of different faiths, I think that's very dangerous here in Singapore,' he said. Zaqy said while many Singaporeans today identify as Singaporeans first, there are segments of the community that feel otherwise. 'They identify more with race and religion. Therefore, there is that balance that has to be managed. 'We are making it clear that foreign interference is not something we will accept. Singapore politics is for Singaporeans alone,' he said. - FMT * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
