PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION

9 King George’s Avenue 208581 Tel: (65) 63405430;63405432;62382032 Fax: (65) 63485977 Website: www.pa.gov.sg

17 February 2017

NEW ADVISERS APPOINTED TO THE PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION MALAY ACTIVITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES COUNCIL (MESRA) A Panel of Advisers will guide MESRA and MAECS in their engagement efforts to reach out to the Malays and other communities

Mr bin Masagos Mohamad, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Grassroots Adviser to GRC GROs was appointed the new Adviser to the People’s Association (PA) Malay Activity Executive Committees Council (MESRA) on 5 December 2016. Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal bin Ibrahim, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Social and Family Development and Grassroots Adviser to Nee Soon GRC GROs was appointed as Co-Adviser to MESRA.

2 MESRA, the co-ordinating council of the MAECs, aims to guide the MAECs in engaging the community, including the non-Malays, through a wide range of outreach programmes, assist the MAECs and other grassroots organisations (GROs) to identify and recruit suitable Malay grassroots volunteers. They also facilitate collaborations between MAECs and other GROs, community partners and individuals in the relevant fields from the various communities to benefit the wider community.

3 The Advisers to MESRA will guide and chart the future direction of MESRA and its Malay Activity and Executive Committees (MAECs) to better engage and serve the Malays and other communities.

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4 To further strengthen MESRA and support its functions, Minister Masagos Zulkifli has initiated the formation of a Panel of Advisers to MESRA. The new Panel of Advisers comprises MESRA Adviser, Co-Adviser and four Grassroots Advisers. They are:

Panel Adviser GRC Chairman Mr Masagos Zulkifli Tampines Adviser to MESRA Vice Chairman A/P Nee Soon Co-Adviser to MESRA Members Mdm Marsiling-Yew Tee Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman East Coast Mr Sembawang Mr Chua Chu Kang

5 The Panel of Advisers will focus on deepening and widening MAEC’s outreach programmes to engage the Malays and other communities. The Panel will spearhead new initiatives to broaden the network and outreach of the MAECs. This will ensure continued recruitment of new volunteers and leadership renewal of its MAECs’ members.

6 Associate Professor , Minister for Communications and Information, former MESRA Adviser for more than 15 years, has been appointed Honorary Adviser to MESRA since 2016. He continues to provide consultancy and guidance to MESRA and the MAECs, given his valuable experience.

7 We would appreciate it if you can publish the above announcement on Saturday, 18 February 2017. You may also arrange for interviews with Minister Masagos Zulkifli and members of the Panel of Advisers to MESRA after 23 February 2017, when the Panel has convened their inaugural meeting, so that they can share the challenges and future plans for MESRA and the MAECs.

Contact person : Miss Noormah Azizi Manager (Integration) HP: 90480405 Email : [email protected]

Issued by : Corporate Communications Division People’s Association Tel: 63405430/432 /231

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______About People’s Association

The People’s Association (PA) is a statutory board established on 1 July 1960 to promote racial harmony and social cohesion, and to act as a bridge between the Government and the people. We offer a wide range of community programmes and volunteering opportunities for Singaporeans from all walks of life. Our network includes more than 1,800 grassroots organisations (GROs), over 100 Community Clubs, five Community Development Councils, National Community Leadership Institute and Water-Venture. More information at www.pa.gov.sg.

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