If Hj Ridzwan Dzafir were to write his memoirs, he might call it 'Pondok Boy Made Good'. Hj Ridzwan who has had an illustrious career in public service grew up in a communal house or Pondok Bawean in Jalan Kelapa.
His father, a steamroller driver, worked part-time as a Quran-reading teacher and a circumciser to raise a family of eight children.
Enterprising Background
"My father came from a rather enterprising background. His father who hailed from Madura was a well-known circumciser and religious teacher who also made and sold jamu (Indonesian herbal medicine). After my father married, he left his father's home to stay in a pondok just a street away. He had this independent streak which I inherited."
His father worked hard to improve the family's standard of living, and saved enough to buy a bungalow in Geylang. He believed in the value of education and was determined that his children benefit from an English education.
The MUIS 30th
Anniversary Award (Individual)
is conferred to Hj Ridzwan Dzafir for his significant role in enhancing the image of Islam and the Malay/Muslim community in the past 30 years.
As the President of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) from 1986 to 1990, he helped to propel MUIS into a new era. Hj Ridzwan was instrumental in the restructuring of the organisation into a corporate entity with a clear mission and vision of leading Singaporean Muslims towards excellence in all fields. Under his visionary leadership, the Muslim community was more receptive of MUIS' position as the supreme religious authority in Singapore. He also rallied the support of a larger cross-section of the community, especially professionals, to help MUIS play its role to the fullest.
As the first Chief Executive Officer of MENDAKI, Hj Ridzwan similarly laid the foundation for the organisation's vibrancy today. He had served as the advisor to the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DPPMS) and was the President of the Singapore Malay Teachers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (SKSGMS).
The MUIS 30th Anniversary Award adds to several honours won by Haji Ridzwan, among others, the Public Administration Medal (Gold), the Public Service Star and the NTUC Meritorious Service Award.
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Brilliant Student
Hj Ridzwan did not disappoint him and excelled in his studies, earning a place in the University of Malaya under the Raffles College Scholarship.
As an undergraduate, he earned pocket money and served the community by teaching at the Anglo-Malay evening classes. Juggling work with his studies affected his grades. While he qualified to do a two-year Honours course, Hj Ridzwan opted to work instead because of his financial circumstances.
Dedicated Civil Servant
His administrative, diplomatic and leadership skills were recognised and he rose quickly up the ranks. Starting as a Junior Customs Officer in 1951, Hj Ridzwan was seconded as Singapore Trade and Cultural Representative in Jakarta in 1961 and later held positions such as Acting Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Director, Department of Trade. He has been the Director-General of the Trade and Development Board since 1983.
A Family Man
Hj Ridzwan is married and has four children (one of whom has passed away), five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. It is for their sake that he hopes to record his memoirs one day.
A family man who enjoys gardening, Hj Ridzwan often finds excuses for all four generations to gather at his home in East Coast on weekends.
Surprisingly, he discouraged his children from joining the civil service and instead encouraged them to venture into business.
"I would like them to be independent. In business, they can be their own person and make their own decisions."
