Faces April 2005, Issue 39
Faces April 2005, Issue 39
Faces April 2005, Issue 39
Faces April 2005, Issue 39
Faces April 2005, Issue 39
Faces April 2005, Issue 39
Faces April 2005, Issue 39
Faces April 2005, Issue 39
MCYS in Full Force Behind Tsunami Relief Efforts
Providing Support to the Grieving in Phuket
Tapping on IT to Build a World Class Community and Social Service Sector
Reaching Out to Singaporean Students Overseas
The Singaporean Experience in Siem Reap
Archive

Published by
Communications
and International Relations
Division, Ministry
of Community
Development,
Youth and Sports
512 Thomson Road,
13th storey, MCYS
Building,
Singapore 298136

Issue editor:
Connie Lee
For enquiries,
please call: 6354 8170
Internet Homepage: www.mcys.gov.sg
Email: mcys_email@ mcys.gov.sg
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Affiliated websites:
aboutfamilylife.org.sg
childcarelink.gov.sg
familytown.gov.sg
rom.gov.sg
romm.gov.sg
LoveByte.org.sg
Observing a minute of silence. Source: National Heritage Board

Observing a minute of silence. Source: National Heritage Board

Mr Simon Sim, Assistant Director, Emergency Preparedness Unit, who was stationed at the SCC, shared, “The work was truly challenging - stressful at times and also tiring. Our sleep patterns were disrupted completely when our shift system changed from the initial 8-hours to 12-hours subsequently.”

“It was an adrenaline-pumping experience, as we had to be quick on our feet. But what really helped was the camaraderie between the staff, both within the Ministry as well as with staff of other agencies,” he added.

Memorial Service for Tsunami Victims
MCYS led an inter-agency committee, comprising the MFA, MICA, MOH, Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and People's Association (PA), to organise a Memorial Service for Tsunami victims. The Committee was chaired by our Permanent Secretary, Mr Niam Chiang Meng.

  

 


It was a race against time as the Committee had only a week to put together the Memorial Service, which was held on 9 Jan 2005 at the Singapore Expo. More than 7,000 people attended the service.
Religious leaders lead in the prayers. Source:National Heritage Board

Religious leaders lead in the prayers. Source: National Heritage Board
 


The Memorial Service was an occasion for everyone to come together as a nation to remember the victims of the Tsunami disaster both in Singapore and across the world, and to pray for the recovery of the injured and the safe return of those still missing or unaccounted for.

The Prime Minister of Singapore participated in the Service and addressed the gathering. Religious leaders from the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) representing nine religions offered prayers. The Memorial Service was broadcast ''live'' over television and radio.

PM Lee said: "We have responded as one people, with a massive, spontaneous outpouring of compassion and generosity, on a scale unlike any Singapore has ever witnessed.

"Young or old, rich or poor, alone or in groups, you gave of your time and resources. In just a few days, hundreds of volunteers came forward, millions of dollars were raised, and tonnes of food, clothing and other essentials were collected…This experience has drawn Singaporeans closer to one another as one nation. This is the Singapore spirit - a small nation with a big heart.

"As a mark of respect for the victims, the national flag was flown at half mast on that day. CARE officers were also deployed to accompany the next-of-kin who attended the memorial service. »continue next page

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