PUBLISHED ONBYHelmy Sa'atCompassion must translate into action, with individuals stepping forward to help those in need and strengthen the wider community, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad said on Friday (Nov 6).
Speaking at the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) Awards 2026 ceremony at The Villa, Istana, Zaqy paid tribute to 10 individuals whose contributions have helped uplift lives, strengthened community institutions and brought people together.
The MUIS Awards have recognised individuals for their contributions to the Singapore Muslim community since 1990.
"They do not seek recognition. They see a need, step forward and get on helping others," he said, describing the spirit of service embodied by the recipients.
Among those honoured was Hamzah Abdul Mutalib, who received the Anugerah Jasa Cemerlang, the highest accolade, for 49 years of voluntary service.
Hamzah was instrumental in establishing Casa Raudha, Singapore's first Muslim-run crisis shelter for victims of domestic violence, after learning in 2006 of a woman and her children who needed a safe place to turn.
Working with fellow community members, he helped establish the shelter, which has since expanded to provide refuge, counselling, family support and community education.
Six individuals received the Anugerah Jasa Bakti for their contributions to areas including education, healthcare, family support and community development.
Among them was Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, an academic and community leader who has devoted 30 years to youth development, education and interfaith engagement, reaching more than 15,000 young people and their families.
The 46-year-old said his commitment to community service was guided by humility, sincerity and his faith, which provided a spiritual anchor for his efforts to make a meaningful social impact.
"Being a good Muslim and a good citizen are not mutually exclusive. Rather, these identities reinforce each other and go hand in hand in multicultural Singapore," he said.
Through his involvement in interfaith bridge-building with organisations including the Inter-Religious Organisation and Kampong Glam Harmony Circle, Dr Mustafa said Singapore's experience of multiculturalism and religious diversity could offer lessons for other societies.
He also recalled spending two decades working with Institute of Technical Education students through the Malay Youth Literary Association (4PM), describing the experience as particularly memorable in changing perceptions of ITE from 'It's The End' to 'It's Towards Excellence'.
Three younger leaders also received the Anugerah Belia Harapan, while Zaqy called on the community to give younger Singaporeans greater opportunities to shape its future, saying they should be given "not just a seat at the table, but the opportunity to shape what comes next".
Separately, the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), established by MUIS, presented a cheque of $200,000 to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in support of the President's Challenge.
The funds, raised through a collaboration between RLAF and the President's Challenge, will support organisations assisting persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
President Tharman, who attended as Guest-of-Honour, also presented the awards at the ceremony organised by MUIS.
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