Alice Cheong

Even before the AWARE saga which captured the attention of many is closed (yes, there is still an EOGM on this Sat 2nd May with registration starting at 12pm and meeting from 2pm to 5pm, and the venue has been changed to EXPO Hall 2 #01-01 Suntec Exhibition Hall 402), the H1N1 flu has hit Mexico, and is warned by WHO (World Health Organization) as unstoppable. We will soon become very familar with the word “H1N1″.

Currently, through we are in the early stage of an outbreak, containment is already too late. This virus has been lab confirmed in 6 countries (Canada 2 cases, Israel 2 cases, New Zealand 11 cases, Spain 2 cases, UK 2 cases, USA 64 cases)* within the last 4 days, in addition to Mexico (26 confirmed cases)*.

However, if these news sound scary, please tamper your fear by reading this guardian.co.uk article on “A vaccine needed for bad statistics”. Things are not that bad, yet.

* Statistics as on 28 Apr 2009.

Hi Readers,

I was contacted by a person from the pro old guards group. The following letter is requested to be published.

“Hi all, www.we-are-aware.sg is a site set up by the old guards of AWARE.

There seems to be lot of support in cyberspace, but we don’t know how many of those voices will be attending the EGM.

It would be great if all of you who are intending to come to the EGM and supporting the old guards could register on www.we-are-aware.sg, so that we can keep you informed of what to expect at the EGM, dos and don’ts/ etc. It will also help us plan and organise the logistics for the day, and to make sure that the event goes as smoothly as can be expected under these circumstances.

From our viewpoint, what is really at stake is the space for a diversity of views in our cosmopolitan, pluralistic, multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society. The continuance of an all-inclusive and secular AWARE depends on YOUR VOTE.

We hope that you will make the time to attend the EGM and vote for the old Guards.”

From my own personal viewpoint, the choice is yours.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan commented on the AWARE saga. He offered 3 advices – to not just AWARE, but all Singaporeans. Quoting ST article,

“ONE: religion should be kept above the fray of petty politics.
TWO: do not let one issue hijack the agenda and polarise Singapore.
THREE: A rainbow coalition is vital for any group here to make meaningful change.”

Maybe, ST might want to make a clarification statement soon on the third point? There is new meaning to “rainbow coalition”.

Interestingly, parallel to the timing of the AWARE saga, a group in USA is gathering a “rainbow coalition” of activist. They had produced a 60-second video which is anti-gay. Visit the group (National Organization for Marriage) site to view the video. (No, I am not going you the link, as watching the video MIGHT be influencing. And comments providing the link to only the video will be removed.)

At the same time, another group (Human Rights Campaign) exposes the first group’s Ad as fake. “Right-wing group does not have truth on its side, so it hires actors to spew lies; Audition reel uncovered online.” Click here to view the rebuttal and watch the recorded argument between the 2 groups.

I guess, they shows us a parallel and more advance scenario of what can happen with the current AWARE saga.

Will a “FAITH” based society emerged or will an “inclusive” society emerged? I see no end to this mess. The status quo has been upset and the society is fragmented. The ends now justify the means. We move forward, but to where?

Quotes from Channelnewsasia:

New Exco

“According to the new exco, all the online chatter about the issue is taking focus away from the real work they want to do. They said it is extremely distracting and they just want to concentrate on achieving their objectives.”

Old Guard members

“But the Old Guard members in AWARE said what has happened with the group is a threat to Singapore’s pluralistic society.

A statement just released on Friday said the Old Guard members are glad that the “truth is finally out” – that the new AWARE exco members had a “planned takeover… guided by a feminist mentor”.

It added that “this cannot be the way forward for Singapore”, which “cannot have people acting like moral vigilante running around and taking over established organisations”.

The Old Guard, in a statement read by member Margaret Thomas on Friday evening, also challenged Dr Thio Su Mien, who has said she is the “feminist mentor” to the new exco, to form her own organisation to offer her points of view.

They also said the challenge should have been “done properly” by writing in to AWARE or by inviting the organisation to discuss the programmes.”

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Lim Hwee Hua

“Separately, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Lim Hwee Hua is of the view that the AWARE saga is not a national dispute and should not upset the balance and tenor of Singapore’s open, tolerant and secular society.

In an email response to Channel NewsAsia, Mrs Lim said the dispute in AWARE is an internal matter, something which the members themselves would have to address.

She stressed that AWARE members should not allow these disagreements to become a vehicle for contentious, divisive views to be pushed aggressively.

Mrs Lim, who is also Second Minister for Finance and Transport, said this would polarise society and have a very adverse effect on Singapore’s social fabric.”

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean

“Also asked about his take on the issue is Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean who stressed the need for all interest groups in Singapore to put their points of view across in a tolerant way and not force their views on others.

Mr Teo did not touch on the specifics, but said that Singaporeans need to learn to live with others who have different views.”

The questions have been answered.

1. The key leader lawyer Thio Su Mien has revealed herself.
2. The internal liaising person which contacted Josie Lau is Claire Nazir. (Is Josie Lau’s statement an “arrow”?)
3. The reason behind the take-over is due to signs of pro-homosexual.
4. (Updated 25 Apr 2009: Old guard members counter allegations of a pro-gay stance)
5. (Updated 29 Apr 2009: MOE reply on AWARE’s Sexuality Education Program in School)
   

Point 1: Quoting Straits Times,

“SENIOR lawyer Thio Su Mien on Thursday revealed the key role she played in bringing about the change of leadership at the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware).

Appearing at a press conference called at short notice by some of the association’s new leaders, she said she was alarmed to discover that Aware had lost sight of its original purpose and become pro-lesbian and pro-homosexual.”

…

“Disturbed by what she saw as signs that it was promoting lesbianism and homosexuality, she began urging women she knew to challenge Aware’s attempts to redefine marriage and families.”

Point 2: Quoting the press conference by Thio Su Mien,

Josie Lau explains how Dr Thio helped get her involved:

“Let me share with you my story. I’ve been married to the family for 20 yrs. We meet occasionally once or twice a year, during Christmas and Chinese New Year. And she has been nagging me for the last 15, 20 years, asking “are you doing something in the public, contributing back to the community?”

…

“And when the opportunity came and she (Dr Thio) asked would you like to serve or join Aware, she said I’ll put you in touch with somebody. It was Claire Nazir who called me and she was looking for somebody to assist her in the area of marketing and that’s my area of expertise. And as it turned out, honestly, I did not join Aware thinking that there will definitely be a new exco. I just know that I’m joining aware & if I stand for election and got elected, this is the area where I think I can contribute.”

Point 3: In the press conference, lawyer Thio SM’s comments are as follows:

(1) ON AWARE’S SEXUALITY PROGRAMME

‘I started thinking, ‘Hey, parents, you better know what’s happening,’ she said. ‘I talked to parents. I said: You better do something about this, otherwise your daughter will come back and say, ‘Mum, I want to marry my girlfriend. Or your son will say: ‘Dad, I want to marry my boyfriend.”

These parents were flabbergasted, she said, adding that such sexuality education was taking place in the United States and Europe and was not new.

‘What is happening in society is that we are redefining marriage, we are redefining families,’ she said.

‘So I’m a concerned citizen and if people are so ignorant, I think I want to teach them.’

(2) AN ENTIRE GENERATION OF LESBIANS?

‘And this is something which should concern parents in Singapore. Are we going to have an entire generation of lesbians?’

Insisting that she was not anti-homosexual, she said: ‘I have nothing against lesbians or homosexuals personally. On a personal front, I’ve ministered, I’ve counselled them.

‘They are in pain. And very often from families where you have abusive fathers, they do things with their daughters and the daughters revolt, rebel against society.

‘We understand this is what it’s all about.’

(3) REFOCUSING ON ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF AWARE

‘I find to my dismay that Aware seems to be only very interested in lesbianism and the advancement of homosexuality, which is a man’s issue,’ she said. ‘Can we re-focus on the excellent objectives of Aware? Go back to its original purpose for it being an NGO?’ she asked.

Point 4: Quoting ST article “Old guard members counter allegations of a pro-gay stance”

AWARE’S old guard yesterday rejected the new leaders’ accusation that the association had become pro-lesbian and pro-homosexual. This was their response to the allegations made on Thursday.

PROMOTED A LESBIAN MOVIE

Aware sponsored the screening of the lesbian-themed movie, Spider Lilies, at its charity gala two years ago.

Former Aware president Constance Singam, 72: ‘Over the years some of the movies we have screened include Singapore Dreaming, Mrs Henderson Presents, The Soong Sisters, Summer Snow and Paradise Road.

We exercise our judgment. Earlier this year an Israeli Film, Seed Of Summer, was offered to us but we turned it down because the subject matter was sensitive and controversial – it dealt with military service and lesbianism.

Spider Lilies was about the relationship between a tattoo artist and a Web camera woman. One of my exco members – a mother of three boys – told me the two protagonists’ sexuality was secondary. It was a film about love, companionship and longing.’

HAD A MEN’S WORKSHOP

Aware invited Mr Bert Bjarland, a Finnish gender activist, to hold a workshop.

Male associate member Tan Wah Kiat, 37: ‘Bert Bjarland had spent 20 years working with men’s groups in Finland and wanted this issue tackled in Aware. His workshop helped men to recognise that there are many different masculinities.

We do not want to live in a box where men are supposed to be all macho, rough and aggressive; and women, soft, meek and domesticated.

I used to be a jock, and that is one of my biggest regrets. Joining Aware, I learnt the value of being soft and sensitive. I’ve been happily married for seven years. It really helps to build family and personal relationships.’

WANTS TO LET MEN VOTE

Former Aware president Dana Lam, 57: ‘We have been discussing this in Aware for years. We are a bit divided over this.

We women have been saying that decisions – public, personal, family – cannot be made by only men; that they have to be made jointly with men. If we walk the talk, then we have to give men the right to vote.

On the other hand, some of us feel we are not that ready to admit a male voice in the organisation. We are still debating this, and debate is healthy.’

MOTHER’S DAY 2006

Aware held an event featuring lesbian-friendly mothers and lesbian daughters talking about themselves.

Aware member Corinna Lim: ‘We had mothers with lesbian daughters coming together to share their pain and issues in a very supportive environment.

It was done in a loving way. How could they say it was bad when they didn’t even attend the forum? To me, that was love. The bond between a mother and child is precious, no matter what the circumstances.’

INVITED GAY ACTIVIST ALEX AU

Former Aware president Tan Joo Hymn, 38: ‘This forum, Playing It Safe: Keeping HIV At Bay, was organised because statistics showed that cases of women contracting Aids had shot up in Singapore.

Mr Au was one of four people at the forum; the others were a doctor, a representative from Action For Aids and then Aware president Braema Mathi.’

REACHING OUT TO TRANSVESTITES

Former Aware president Constance Singam, 72. ‘I’ve never talked about reaching out to transvestites in any newsletter.

Last year, I gave a talk to a lesbian audience and they asked me very tough questions and demanded to know why Aware was not fighting for their rights. I told them we were inclusive, but we could not lobby exclusively for lesbians.

The fact is, Aware represents all women. I told them we are also fighting for them when we fight for issues like equality, the right to personal choices and sexuality.’

WONG KIM HOH

Point 5: Quoting from MOE website,

“6 The schools that engaged AWARE found that the content and messages of the sessions conducted were appropriate for their students and adhered to guidelines to respect the values of different religious groups. The schools did not receive any negative feedback from students who attended the workshops and talks or their parents.

7 In particular, MOE has also not received any complaint from parents or Dr Thio Su Mien, who was reported to have made specific claims about sexuality education in our schools. MOE has contacted Dr Thio Su Mien to seek clarifications and facts to substantiate her claims.”

Through it is not my say to “play god” and predict, the fingers can’t help, but typed a collection of jumble thoughts.

It’s the End Of Game, Mate
Worshippers will dutifully respond,
In droves they come, as if for a session.

4000 members to marshal in call,
That’s not counting the sisters elsewhere.

By stats, the probability is known.
A landslide is the answer to be shown.

(Update 25 Apr 2009: Additional resource from Wayang Party – COOS Pastor Shawn Tay rallying troops to support new exco at EGM in the name of “Singapore”)

The Straits Times Deputy Editor has written an extremely good piece of article on the entire saga. The article has been reposted below. I have numbered and bold to assist reading.

Too many questions left unanswered
Straits Times April 23, 2009 Thursday
Alan John, Deputy Editor

(1) IT IS almost a month since the leadership of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) changed in what can only be described as an extraordinary power grab.

But here’s the thing. We are still none the wiser about who the new women in charge are, aside from basic information about their jobs, educational qualifications (for almost all), marital status (for some) and religious background.

(2) In the week since she became president, Ms Josie Lau has issued one written statement and chosen to meet the media only once – on a half-hour television programme with honorary treasurer Maureen Ong beside her.

Yet, she is still nowhere near providing a clear picture of her new team, and what they hope to do with Aware now that they are in charge of it.

(3) For a long time, not many people have been overly interested in who leads this well-established women’s group, or what happens at its annual general meetings. But whenever there was a new president, she would be approached for media interviews to find out about her and her plans.

Aware’s presidents have been smart, articulate women who have had no trouble fielding questions about themselves, their feminist beliefs, attitudes to men and the authorities, and their priorities.

Some in Aware have been more aggressive and confrontational than others in pushing for what they believe needs to be done, and have been known to rub people the wrong way.

(4) But is this a group that deserves respect for what it has achieved over more than two decades? Yes, because it takes exceptional dedication and stamina to build a voluntary association, given the ebb and flow of members’ active support.

It also takes guts to seek change in uncomfortable areas that may rattle the authorities, irritate men and even turn off some women. It says much for Aware that it has produced three Nominated Members of Parliament.

(5) This year, as before, the Aware annual general meeting (AGM) passed unnoticed on March 28. It took a good two weeks before word spread that something quite unusual had occurred.

The meeting drew almost four times the expected number of people. The majority were new members. And several unknown faces swamped the new executive committee, wiping out long-time members who had been ready to serve.

Did that call for public attention and scrutiny? You bet it did, not least because the same might well happen elsewhere. (6) And given the twists and turns since, this unfolding saga remains riveting.

(6A) How often have you heard of a newly elected president quitting after just 11 days? Mrs Claire Nazar did that.

(6B) How often have you heard of a newly appointed president being ticked off openly by her employer for defying her bosses’ advice to not run for office? DBS Bank did that, immediately after Ms Josie Lau became president last week.

(6C) How often have you seen two past presidents of an organisation come out to complain that a new team had shown them scant respect, and did not value the views of past leaders?

Mrs Constance Singam and Mrs Nazar did that. Mrs Nazar described Aware’s new team as ’stormtroopers’ who brushed her aside as they replaced sub-committee chiefs and disregarded input from those who had been there longer.

(6D) How often have you heard of a secular society, that prided itself on having a multiracial, multi-religious leadership, electing a new leadership utterly lacking in diversity? It happened at Aware and, in the absence of better information from the new people, a Google search turned up links to strong anti-homosexual views expressed by some of them.

(6E) And how often have you heard of members following up on their AGM by calling for an extraordinary general meeting, possibly to throw out the newly elected team? This also happened at Aware.

(7) What is most disappointing is that Aware’s new leaders have refrained from explaining who they are and why they are there.

(7A) Ms Lau has said she does not understand why older Aware members appear to be so angry with her and her new team, even though they played by the rules and were elected legitimately.

Rather than acknowledge the questions sorely in need of answers, some of her supporters have hastened instead to label Aware’s old guard as sore losers. They pretend that nothing unusual happened at the AGM.

(7B) There would have been a lot less interest in Aware’s elections if, at the outset, the challengers had been upfront about why they were there and what they felt was wrong with the organisation that needed fixing. Had they done that, many would have agreed that Aware’s old guard should quit griping.

(7C) Ms Lau may be a week-old president, but she surely understands the need to address misperceptions, communicate and persuade, having made a career in marketing everything from Singapore to credit cards in her jobs at the tourism board and DBS Bank.

(7D) Yet she has chosen silence, as (8) several questions remain unanswered. Among them:

(8A) Why did she join Aware in January, how long has she been interested in women’s issues, (8B) what does she want to achieve as president?

(8C) Whose idea was it for the newcomers to turn up at the AGM in such large numbers and contest the exco positions?

(8D) Is it true that several of Aware’s new leaders attend the same church, and will their religious beliefs guide their actions at Aware?

(8E) What is her husband’s role in this saga? Dr Alan Chin is an affiliate member of Aware and made his presence felt at its AGM, according to some present.

[Summary of point 8]
(8A,8D,8E) Why this great reluctance to open up about who they are, (8B) and what they most wish to change at Aware?

(8C) Why grab Aware? If the new members had clear ideas about what needed to be done in terms of women’s issues, why not start a new group? There’s no limit on the number of women’s groups Singapore can have.

Ms Lau might yet prove to be the best thing to happen to Aware. But her silence does nothing to stop questions being asked about her team’s mission at Aware.

Article obtained from Straits Times on 23 April 2009

Quoting the resource on Anglican Church of Our Saviour at Margaret Drive (or by navigation, visit their website, click on “Resources” on the left, click on “Seminars and Camp Notes”, scroll down to section “COOS Deeper Life Camp 2006 – We Are Family!”, and select the notes for God’s Order For The Family):

Under “Take first the family”

“The husband is the head, and as such has to act as God’s vice-regent, to govern not according to his, but according to the divine will.”

“The wife is in subjection to her husband, even as the Church is subject to Christ,…”

“Divine order is an order of authority and responsibility that is spelled out in the Bible
1. Head of every man is Christ
2. Head of every woman is the man

3. … “

Under “God’s Order for Wives”

“Regardless of what we think, God has declared to us that His will for a young woman is to do four things:

1. marry
2. bear children
3. guide the house
4. not be a reproach to her husband”

…

“A wife’s primary responsibility is to give of herself her time, and her energy to her husband, children, and home.”

Perhaps, we now have a good idea of what may be implemented by the new AWARE team, who attend Anglican Church of Our Saviour, which subscribed to the above values.

Let’s repeat after me…. “a young woman is to do four things: (1) marry (2) bear children (3) guide the house (4) not be a reproach to her husband”

* Update 19 Apr 2009: According to CNA, the EOGM to call for a vote of no-confidence in the new exco is on 2nd May. Members who are female and above 18 years old can cast a vote on that day. Hmm… I wonder which side will win, and what will be the number of new members who join this month.

* Update 23 Apr 2009: Some of my kind readers (Thank you!) have kindly provided the source of the notes, which are available in comments 28, 29 and 32.

Certain readers felt strongly about describing the role of man/husband, and felt that this omission construct a different understanding of the notes. As such, those who are interested to read the role of man/husband is encouraged to refer to the COOS’s notes.

There is a lot of press coverage from Straits Times today. The most interest of all, is that

“it appears that some of the newcomers in its leadership are familiar faces at the Anglican Church of Our Saviour at Margaret Drive.”

Based on the Strait TImes article, that means, the following are all attending Anglican Church of Our Saviour.

1. Josie Lau (President) and husband Alan Chin
2. Charlotte Wong (Vice-president)
3. Irene Yee (Committee member)
4. Jenica Chua (Honorary secretary)
5. Maureen Ong (Honorary treasurer)
6. Sally Ang (Assistant honorary secretary)

That is 6 posts out of the 11 posts (1 less from original line-up of 12, as committee member Josie Lau is now the President), where all the 5 decision posts – President, Vice-president, Honorary secretary, Honorary treasurer and Assistant honorary secretary are taken by the same clique.

Some attend the same church
Straits Times, April 18, 2009 Saturday

EVEN as the Aware saga continues to unfold, it appears that some of the newcomers in its leadership are familiar faces at the Anglican Church Of Our Saviour at Margaret Drive.

Aside from new Aware president Josie Lau and her husband Alan Chin, the others are believed to be Ms Charlotte Wong, Ms Irene Yee, Ms Jenica Chua, Ms Maureen Ong and Ms Sally Ang.

So far, the new Aware leaders have refused to answer questions about whether they knew each other before sweeping the elections three weeks ago.

According to a long-time friend, Dr Chin is related to former law dean Dr Thio Su Mien and her daughter, Nominated Member of Parliament Professor Thio Li-Ann.

When contacted, the NMP declined to answer any questions. Dr Chin did not respond to questions e-mailed to him.

But checks yesterday showed that Dr Thio Su Mien and her husband, Mr Thio Gim Hock, the chief executive officer of property investor Overseas Union Enterprise, attend the church and also hold regular faith-healing sessions at their home.

Senior pastor Derek Hong was not answering any questions about his church members or Aware yesterday.

Asked if any of the new Aware exco members attended his church, he replied: ‘No comment.’

Housed in a renovated former cinema near Commonwealth, the church has a congregation of about 4,000.

It takes a strong stand against homosexuality and states so on its website.

‘Homosexual practice is contrary to God’s Word. So we stand against that and the active and aggressive promotion of such behaviour,’ it states.

It believes homosexuals can change, and has a programme to counsel and help those who want to give up ‘homosexual thoughts, tendencies and practices’.

TAN DAWN WEI

Article obtained from Straits Times on 18 Apr 2009

A statement has been issued by the New AWARE Team. No reasons has been provided for the sudden take-over. There is no concrete measurable plans. The press release only contains high level description such as:

1. wishes to remember and honours the work of past Aware members (How? What actions are they going to take? By their sudden take-over of AWARE committee?)
2. intends to build on the solid foundations laid by the founders of Aware (Intends. Intention? Is this what the new group is after?)
3. continue to promote the participation of women (How?)
   
4. goals remains to bring about full equality of the sexes (How? Any conflict with point 8?)
   
5. build on existing advocacy, research (eg. attitude and policies towards singles) and education to empower women (How?)
   
6. seek to promote the role of women in politics and public life (How?)
7. seek to empower women to be leaders in our society (How?)
8. seek to collaborate and align Aware with other women’s organisations (Can one align Aware with other women’s organisations while goals remains?)
9. aims to empower women who have been retrenched and equip them with new skills (The only 1 statement that is supported with a plan to work with training agencies. Wait. The existing AWARE had already been conducting similar courses. So, what’s new? The packaging, and getting external training agencies to do the work? With the only planned work done by external party, what is this new committee going to work on? Releasing press release?)

Wishes. Seek. Hide and Seek? No comments. Aims. Aim to sub-out the only defined work?

In short, nothing is promised, except to sub-out the only defined work. Nice one. I do not mind being in such a committee. No need to work, got nice title, and can leverage on the title to do anything I wish to. Contact me if anyone wishes me to run for such a nice committee.

Back to the topic. This new group has the ability to plan for 3 months to take over AWARE, are “hail from diverse professional backgrounds, drawn from the business, banking, finance, legal, education, management, human resource and social service sectors”, but is (1) unable to comment, (2) unable to release a press release till more than 2 weeks after the AGM, and (3) do not have any concrete measurable plan to carry AWARE forward. Ability? Or Inability? I have high expectation after such a coordinated take-over.

Straits Times 16 Apr 2009

THIS is the statement issued by the new team at Aware shortly after midnight. It included an updated list of the executive committee, but did not provide any details about the women in charge:

‘Aware, Singapore’s leading women’s advocacy organisation, is delighted to announce that its new president is Ms Josie Lau. She is joined by a dynamic, fresh and committed group of women forming the executive committee, who hail from diverse professional backgrounds drawn from the business, banking, finance, legal, education, management, human resource and social service sectors.

2009 marks the jubilee of our nation (50 years of self-government). In this period, the cause of women has made many great strides in many respects. The new team at Aware wishes to remember and honour the work of past Aware members for their vision and endeavours to advance the cause of women in all areas of society through advocacy and community work.

The new team intends to build on the solid foundations laid by the founders of Aware and will continue to promote the participation of women, on equal terms with men, in the political, social, economic and cultural life of our society. The goal remains to bring about full equality of the sexes and to end all forms of discrimination against women.

Aware will build on existing advocacy, research (eg. attitude and policies towards singles) and education to empower women to deal with various forms of discrimination, raise their awareness of rights and responsibilities, and promote their welfare in tandem with the standards in the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw). In 1995, Singapore became a party to Cedaw which contains benchmarks against which to measure the elimination of discrimination against women on a national basis.

Singapore has made much progress in areas like education and health but can do better in other respects. In particular, the new team will seek to promote the role of women in politics and public life as Article 7 of Cedaw affirms. We endorse the Cedaw committee recommendation that women’s participation in public life should reach a minimum of 30 per cent to 35 per cent, sharing the conviction that this will revitalise political and public life.

The new team will, as a paramount objective, seek to empower women to be leaders in our society, in politics, business, the professions and in all areas of endeavour which will benefit our nation.

President Josie Lau says: ‘In these challenging times, the new team will actively seek to collaborate and align Aware with other women’s organisations with outreach to girls and women who are affected by the current economic downturn.

‘The new team aims to empower women who have been retrenched and equip them with new skills. In this context, we will work with training agencies and launch a series of programmes of practical assistance, such as grooming, budgeting, finance and debt management, career planning and management of change. We will continue to provide emotional, psychological or legal support for women.’

We call on all women of Singapore to rise to the challenge of taking on leadership roles in our nation. We invite volunteers to help make Aware a positive agent of change for the beneficial transformation of our society, where all people, regardless of race, religion or sex, are valued and have a place under the sun.’