New annual awards for civil activists

THE Singapore Advocacy Awards (SAA) were established on Monday by a group of activists in a bid to celebrate civil society's achievements.

"There is a need to raise public awareness of advocacy, public education about civil society and the importance in engaging in civic activities," said the ex-president of women's rights group Aware, Ms Constance Singam, who launched the awards at Select Books in Armenian Street.

The SAA is organised by The Working Committee 3 (TWC3), an informal group of civil activists including The Substation's artistic director Noor Effendy Ibrahim and Ethos Books founder Fong Hoe Fang.

Three awards will be given out every August. These are the Civil Society Advocate of the Year which goes to an individual, Civil Society Advocate Organisation of the Year and Most Promising New Civil Society Advocate of the Year. There will also be an honours list which recognises those who have contributed to civil society over the years.

Ms Singam said that while the Government has been keen to recognise the efforts of voluntary welfare organisations, it has been slower to recognise organisations that push the envelope.

When queried about the new awards, Acting Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin told The Straits Times that the Government will continue to work closely with civil society groups to assess policies.

"It does not mean we will see eye to eye on all matters, but it should mean that we would be able to discuss and find a common space to work on," he said. "In fact, it is not desirable for the Government to do everything, because there is a real need for active participation by all concerned."

Nominations, which can be made by anyone via singaporeadvocacyawards.org, are open till June 20. Winners will be picked by a judging panel headed by Cultural Medallion winner T. Sasitharan.

It will include academic Cherian George, Nominated MP Faizah Jamal, surgeon Wong Ting Hway, consultant Sharon Siddique, arts supporter Geoffrey Yu and Ms Singam, among others.

kashc@sph.com.sg

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