WATZUP!An AMKFSC Community Services Ltd employee newsletter Jul - Sep 2016

From the Editor-in-Chief ❧ In this issue ❧ Dear comrades,

I believe the last three months had been a rewarding period for all of us. We organised and attended a slew of agency events, including Learning Escape Day 2016 and the official opening of our four centres; the latter of which saw the attendance of our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Thank you very much for your preparation and the hard work you put into on the day of the events. Each time I attend an agency-led event, I am heartened to see the tight cooperation between the staff and the overwhelming support from 2 Inaugural Combined those who were not involved directly. Rededication Ceremony I understand that we work very hard to provide our clients with the best support. 3 Events at a Glance However, it is not just what you do professionally that defines you as a person. Official opening of our four new Having a role in the committee of these events gives you the opportunity to centres hone a repertoire of soft skills including D. A. R. T. – diplomacy, accountability, resourcefulness and teamwork. 4 Events at a Glance Run, Kick, Goal! We all have different personalities, and it is inevitable that we do not see eye to eye all the time. And that is all right. Knowing how and when to be diplomatic is 5 Events at a Glance a skill, and a vital one too. Simply put, diplomacy is the art of resolving disputes, BASIC Day 2016: Rain, rain, go and at the same time, maintaining friendly relationships. away 6 Events at a Glance Everyone makes mistakes. More often than not, it is the way we react and learn Budgeting for Mother’s Day from the mistakes that makes it count. We tend to respect people who are Beating the Heat willing to admit their error, shoulder that responsibility and ensure that they do not repeat the same mistake. 7 Events at a Glance Learning Escape Day 2016 Being resourceful is to optimise what you already have in creative and innovative ways. It is also about believing in your co-workers, leaning on them and trusting 8 It’s Your Special Day that they give you the best kind of support you need. Do not be afraid to ask Welcome to the AMKFSC family for help.

A good team player will always have the goal in mind, and works hard with everyone to achieve that common goal. Sometimes, it means being the leader and taking charge, making important decisions, when plans come to a standstill; other times, that means being a follower and meeting deadlines, working with others. After all, too many chefs spoil the soup.

We are now entering the second half of the year. I look forward to our Annual General Meeting, where the agency will unveil our new set of vision, mission and values (VMV), and share our future strategic direction. Once again, thank you very much for your dedication and commitment. Dr Vincent Ng 1 The Armed Forces Day, simply known as SAF Day, falls on July 1. This year, our Agency organised our first Combined Rededication ceremony (CRC), where all Inaugural our NSmen come together to pledge allegiance to our country. All male employees were strongly encouraged to participate. Combined Guest of Honour Dr Ang Seng Bin, our vice-chairman, said, “Our NSmen form the backbone and frontline of our nation’s security and stability. Regardless of where Rededication they serve – be it in the Singapore Armed Forces or as members of the Home Team – and their capacity, their dedication and commitment represent the will to stand up for our nation, to protect our families, and loved ones ceremony from any potential threat and aggressor.” He also announced that the agency will observe and organise the CRC annually. he was a sniper – “in other words, I was a marksman on my Dr Vincent Ng, our CEO, echoed the sentiment, “The team” – during his NS days. reason our country is safe, is not by luck. It is by the hard work of our security forces.” He also said that On the other hand, Alvin described his role as a medic during it is important that the agency respond to call of duty his active serving days. Later, he added that colleagues have together. shown him tremendously support when he needs to return to camp for training. He said, “They are really people I can trust, At the ceremony, Mohamudh s/o Abdul Ravoof (Moe) so I can go for reservist and not really worry about work.” from Cheng San FSC and Alvin Mak from Nexus FRC recalled the time they served their mandatory National The event ended with the recitation of the SAF pledge, led Service. by Joseph Chan, the head of FSC, and the singing of our national anthem. Moe began with the story of how he, as a child, would always choose to be a policeman, before sharing that Check out more photos from the ceremony here. 2 Events at a Glance Official opening of our four new centres

Clockwise from top: PM Lee officiates the opening of centres, PM Lee hands out Sparks of the Community awards to four beneficiaries, Group photo at the end of the event

It was the day of the official opening of our four new awards to four beneficiaries, who have overcome life centres – Family Services @ , Family challenges and spread warmth, inspiration and positivity Services @ Teck Ghee, Youth Infinity and COMNET within the community. Cluster Support. Mr Lee also toured the booths located under Blocks 325 Excitement buzzed on the morning of June 25, 2016 and 323, Ave 5, where he took a photo with (Saturday). Staff members, decked in our new navy blue our youth at the photo booth manned by Youth Infinity agency t-shirt, ran between Blocks 323, 325 and 325A to and learned of our new initiative Project Pilih Pilih. make sure every little detail was in order. When their eyes Presented in a fresh food distribution concept, Project met, they would greet and ask one another, if they had Pilih Pilih kicked off in May, and encapsulates the idea taken their breakfast. of helping beneficiaries choose healthy food produce, as well as the kampong spirit of giving and sharing. It also At about 10.30AM, together with Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, aims to raise awareness on the importance of nutrition Minister for Social and Family Development, and Ang Mo and healthy eating. Kio GRC advisors Dr Koh Poh Koon and Mr Darryl David, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrived at the multi- At the end of the event, every staff member, who helped purpose hall to officiate the opening ceremony. out at the event, came together for a group photo to commemorate their hard work. The ceremony opened with an energetic performance from Cheng San BASIC children. After the launch of the Check out more photos from the event here! new centres, Mr Lee handed out Sparks of the Community 3 Events at a Glance

Run, Kick, Goal!

Six beneficiaries from Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre, between the ages of nine and 12, had the chance to train with soccer coaches from Spain at the Real Madrid Foundation Technical Academy in Singapore. From April to June, the boys kicked balls with their peers every Saturday at ITE College Central.

Their enthusiasm and passion for the game was evident when we met with the boys at the pitch on the day the sextet were given their jerseys. Clutching the package tightly, they sprinted towards the toilets to change.

These would not have been possible, if not for Don and Agnes. The couple had learnt from Carlos González, the academy director, that there was an opportunity to allow children from disadvantaged families to chase after their dreams. When asked why they extended the generosity, the mother shared that the game provided a safe “Our son is in the programme too. It’s just a small environment, where the children can learn about gesture,” Agnes told us, while watching her son at teamwork and other social skills. She added that practice one day. there is little to no pressure or competition, because everyone is a learner.

Muhammad ‘Elffi Bin Mohamed Saffri, a participant in the programme, went on to clinch a gold medal with his team at the inaugural H-TWO-O Ultimate Junior Football Fiesta, held at ITE College Central on May 21, 2016. 4 Events at a Glance Rain, rain go away Rain did little to dampen the spirits of our young’uns from the three BASIC student care centres. This June holidays, more than 100 children attended an intensive, but fun camp, organised and chaperoned by volunteers from NCS Pte Ltd, on June 3, 2016 (Friday), held at Camp Challenge @ .

The day started with energiser games to Gathering the children together, a provided by the facilitators. The other four warm the participants up. Half an hour facilitator got them to follow his speech and groups built a domino system, based on later, two large groups, made up of eight movements. However, his plan backfired designs they had sketched on paper. smaller clusters, broke off for outdoor when the children refused to stop their and indoor activities separately. Despite mimicking at the end of the activity, tickling After a quick tea break, the children an overcast sky, the outdoor activities the funny bones of everyone present. collectively thanked the NCS volunteers, continued without a hitch. facilitators at Camp Challenge and our When the kids finally settled down, they staff members for a fulfilling day. At lunch, adults mulled over the possibility were broken off into their eight small of rain, worried that the weather would groups for various activities. Click here for photos from BASIC Day spoil the children’s day. When drizzle 2016! turned into rain, then into a downpour, Four groups competed in the construction facilitators at the camp quickly put their of a roller coaster, using only the materials, wet weather plans into action. such as balloon sticks and newspapers,

Volunteer spotlight: Mr Andros Lee Mr Andros Lee from NCS Pte Ltd is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, which focuses on organising several events including BASIC Day and NCS Carnival. The team has been working with our agency for more than 10 years.

We spoke with Andros, who shared how the volunteering experience with AMKFSC has been for him.

What is your most memorable experience of volunteering with us? It was the first time I participated as a volunteer for BASIC Day. I was a little apprehensive because I wasn’t sure if I can manage so many kids, even with the help of my fellow colleagues. But that apprehension melted away when I started interacting with the children. Their enthusiasm was infectious! Sometimes when I visit the centres, some of the children still remember my name.

What made you want to volunteer with us repeatedly? I have a soft spot for children, and have always wanted to contribute to the community. Volunteering with the NCS CSR team has broaden my horizons far beyond the confines of work, and has led to forming very rewarding relationships with AMKFSC.

What do you think is the greatest reward from these volunteering experiences? Personally, I think [the greatest reward] is the experience of working with children in BASIC, being able to bring a smile to their faces and knowing that we have done something to brighten their day. 5 Events at a Glance Budgeting for Mother’s Day

Each month, the character-building programme Achieving Kids & Kin at Transition Plus+ sets a theme to educate children on various facets of life.

May was financial literacy month. And with Mother’s Day just round the corner, what better way to teach the children about money and budgeting than having them throw a picnic for their moms?

On May 7, the children and their facilitators went grocery shopping at a nearby supermarket. During the trip, they were educated on budgeting and comparing prices, to see which items were value for money.

Later in the afternoon, the children arrived at the venue an hour before their guests to set up and decorate the place. Two girls, who are neighbours, made tasty egg mayo sandwiches for the mothers.

One of the girls’ elder sister had taught them how to make the sandwiches and praised the girls for making a delicious snack. Heleena, a youth volunteer in the community, also joined in the celebrations with her handmade cookies.

Beating the Heat

It was nonstop chatter in the bus, as 15 children and their families from FSC made their way to SAFRA Punggol.

SAFRA Punggol had invited them to have a day of water fun at Splash @ Kids Amaze, Singapore’s first indoor water playground, to escape the heat, and sponsored lunch at Pizza Hut.

The kids could not wait to have first dips in the water, as they ran around their parents enthusiastically, as soon as a staff member tied a wristband around their wrists.

One child tugged at his ‘entrance ticket’ and questioned innocently, “Would this fall apart in the water?” However, that worry clearly diffused the moment he stepped into the attraction.

After a briefing on child safety in the park, it was all fun and games. The children dashed into the pool, aimed water pipes at their friends and parents, and stood under a humongous bucket, which drenched them once it was all filled up.

As the day wore on, so did their energy. In spite of weariness, the children participated in a mural painting, and helped set a record in the Singapore Book of Records for the largest number of people painting a mural together.

By the time lunch came, the children were so tired, they made nary a sound as they ate. 6 Events at a Glance Learning Escape Day 2016 Each year, our Agency dedicates a day to learning. Titled ‘Learning Escape Day (LED)’, everyone in AMKFSC comes together on this day to learn more about the agency’s future directions, mingle with colleagues from other centres, and acquire new knowledge and skills.

LED 2016 began with a town hall meeting, hosted by Chun Yat, our Head of Planning and Development. Using a real-time web application, participants had the opportunity to voice their thoughts, and ask Dr Vincent Ng, our CEO, and our deputy directors Dr Terence Yow and Ms After a filling lunch, the crowd went their separate ways Hilyah Saparin, questions. to attend various workshops that spoke on topics like harnessing resources, technology and collaboration. For the presenters, these workshops serve as a platform for them to get to know their friends better, and to learn to work with different people.

The highlight of the day was definitely the LED talks, presented by people of various backgrounds. For example, Jenny Low from MindCare, who has more than 20 years of experience in advertising, gave us a glimpse into the industry; while Goh Zhong Yi, receptionist at Cheng San FSC, shared his struggles as a visually-impaired person navigating through everyday life.

The LED committee would like to take this chance to thank Hilyah, Natalie, Rauhdah, Chun Yat, Ntihya, Haiza, Geraldine, Audrey, Salina, Shirleen, Bhavaani, Established Max and Fadil for their support in making the event a in September 2013, our success. Psychological Services Unit (PSU) has helped clients with psychological Click here for more photos from the event! health problems and behavioural problems to manage life stressors.

The unit specialises in treating children and adolescents between the ages of five to 18 years old. In June, the PSU extended their services to the general public, chargeable at a reasonable rate.

Click here for more information on Psychological Services Unit services provided by the PSU. extends services to public 7 It's Your Let us celebrate the birthdays of our colleagues Special Day! born between the months of July and September.

July August September

Marieretnam Jesu Milton Goh Mui Lian, Helen Tan Jin Hiang Hong Shao Wei Rosliah Binte Mohamed Mok Li Yong Neo Chue Ching Iris Marwilah Bte Suhatee Suriya Kummar Arhmugam Nurshabana Binte Senari Haslinda Binte Suhadi Lim Ang Wee, Anne Nur Hilyah Bte Saparin Sammi Tan Mui Peng Chew Chiu Wing, Joann Yasmin Binte Abdul Rahim Yeo Kia Poh Melvin Maria Vitriany K. Shantasaravanan Moagana Rani d/o Rajagopal Jeremy Yap Choon Hock Nasyrah Bee Binte Mohamed Yeow Beng Zhen Lim Yu Bing Ernie Lydia Binte Abu Yamin Toh Yan Ling, Jocelyn Siti Fadzila Binte Muzopar Kuah Pei Li, Nicole Amanda Ong Hui Zhong Tan Yi Ying Lim Hui Wen Hong Daneng, Maximilian Goh Zhong Yi Cheung Tin Hang, Ivy Nithya Levi Vasanthan Ang Pei Si Priscilla

e o th me t ily! co am Wel C F KFS AM

Joined on Name Designation 01.04.2016 Leong Jia Min Counsellor, MindCare

18.04.2016 Nasyrah Bee Binte Mohamed Social work executive, Cheng San FSC 01.05.2016 Seah Geok Khim Vera Admin assistant, Punggol FSC 01.05.2016 Wee Wah Meng Manager, Corporate Support 09.05.2016 Ledesma Miranda Lynn Counsellor, Punggol FSC 10.05.2016 Hafidz Bin Hamid Admin assistant, Cheng San FSC 30.05.2016 Norlela Binte Abdul Rahman Admin assistant, Cheng San FSC 01.06.2016 Chan Jianhong Social worker, Punggol FSC 01.06.2016 Chee Yong Sin, Jason Social worker, NEXUS FRC

01.06.2016 Lim Boon Kai, Marcus Social work associate, Ang Mo Kio FSC 06.06.2016 Liew Shi Hui Psychologist, PSU

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