The society was honored to be invited to and I had the privilege of attending the Exemplary Interfaith Award presentation ceremony on 29 July 2023, organized by the Muslim non-profit organization, Jamiyah Singapore. It was an event that not only celebrated the harmonious coexistence of different faiths but also highlighted the significant contributions of individuals and organizations dedicated to fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation in Singapore.
One of the standout moments of the event was when Darren Mak, the moderator (an excellent one by the way) of the panel of speakers, while on the topic of growing irreligiousity in developed economies such as Singapore, gave a shoutout to the Humanist Society Singapore. (Darren Mak is a Chinese Muslim convert and runs great content at Plan B)
After the panel session, I had the pleasure of catching up with Faheema, the founder of Hash.peace, and fellow committee members. Hash.peace is a remarkable organization that works tirelessly to bridge the gap between different faith communities, fostering understanding, and promoting harmony.
The most anticipated part of the evening was, of course, the presentation of the Exemplary Interfaith Awards. The Guest of Honor was none other than the then Presidential candidate, and now President, Mr Tharman. It was a moment of pride and celebration as we learned about the exceptional individuals and organizations making a difference in the interfaith landscape of Singapore. Among the award winners were representatives from various faith communities, all of whom have worked tirelessly to promote interfaith understanding and cooperation. Their dedication to fostering dialogue, peace, and harmony in Singapore is truly commendable.
The event was a powerful reminder of the significance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation in our increasingly diverse society. It showcased the importance of recognizing and celebrating the efforts of those who work tirelessly to bridge gaps, build bridges, and foster understanding among different faiths and worldviews. These individuals and organizations serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for a harmonious, inclusive, and accepting society.
As a member of the Humanist Society Singapore, it was heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm and commitment of the attendees, award recipients, and organizers, all united in their dedication to interfaith harmony. We left the Sands Expo and Convention Centre with a renewed sense of purpose and a strengthened commitment to our mission of promoting humanism and secularism in Singapore.
In conclusion, the 2023 Exemplary Interfaith Award presentation ceremony organized by Jamiyah Singapore was a resounding success. It brought together people of different faiths and worldviews, highlighting the common ground we share and the positive impact we can make when we collaborate. As we move forward, we look forward to further strengthening our ties with the interfaith community, working hand in hand to build a more inclusive and harmonious Singapore.
