Speech by Chief Executive of MUIS, Mr Kadir Maideen at Youth aLIVE Graduation (Session 2 – PM)

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

ILHAM Executive Director, Ustaz Muhammad Hafiz Bin Abdul Rashid,

ILHAM Management Committee Members and staff,

District Superintendent of Mosques and Mosque representatives,

Asatizah, Parents, and Guardians, and most importantly, our Graduands,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. A very warm welcome to the afternoon session. It is a privilege to join you at this year’s Youth aLIVE Graduation ceremony. It is the fourth consecutive year that I am attending this graduation event by ILHAM, and it emphasise the importance of teaching and learning our youths. Since opening post-COVID, ILHAM has been conducting graduation sessions like this from 2022 till today.  And I will share with you more about what I have learned as I spoke to them this morning and afternoon.

2. Today we are very proud, joyful and reflective as we celebrate the achievements of our young graduates, and to honour the dedication of their teachers, the support of their parents, and the unwavering commitment of our mosques that have been providing the spaces for their learning. Together, you have shaped this journey of faith and learning for our young Muslims.

3. This year’s theme, “Legacies of Light”, draws inspiration from Allah’s words in Surah An-Nur, verse 35: “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.” Just as Allah’s light guides His creation, so too does knowledge and faith guide our lives. So it reminds the students that the light you have received through your aLIVE journey is not only for yourself. It is a trust, an amanah, to be shared with others.

4. Each of you, dear graduates, carries this light forward, in your choices, and we hope that you come back and serve the community. You are the next generation of young Muslims who will illuminate the path for others with faith, compassion, and confidence.

5. Throughout the year, you have demonstrated that learning in aLIVE is more than memorising facts. It is about embodying and living your faith in meaningful ways. Your efforts in the aLIVE Service Learning initiative under the theme, “CARE-nival: Compass of Kindness”, showed us that Islamic values can be translated into meaningful action. You served an underserved community in need, including those with learning differences and their caregivers. You showed empathy, leadership, and teamwork. This is the spirit of rahmah and khidmah that we hope you will continue to carry in your life.

6. Let me share the remarkable journey of one of this year's graduates: Nur Amalina Binte Osman a Youth aLIVE 2 student from the aLIVE centre at Alkaff Kampung Melayu Mosque. Amalina has been part of the aLIVE family at this centre for 13 years; a remarkable journey of learning, service, and leadership. A diligent and enthusiastic learner, she is known for her discipline, warmth, and eagerness to contribute. She arrives early for classes, participates actively, and brings a positive spirit that uplifts her peers.

7. Beyond the classroom, Amalina has shown strong commitment to community service. Within the aLIVE programme, she has supported events such as the KIDS aLIVE 1 Sports Day and, more recently, engaged with individuals with special needs at the aLIVE Service Learning initiative. She also serves as an administrative assistant for the KIDS aLIVE 1 and 2 programmes, helping ensure that classes run smoothly each week.

8. Outside of aLIVE, Amalina has joined her classmates in humanitarian efforts, including participating in humanitarian aid initiatives, which are reflection of her compassion and sense of global responsibility. Amalina’s journey is a testament to dedication, humility, and the spirit of service. She exemplifies what it means to live by the values of ikhlas, ukhuwah, and khidmah. We are proud of her achievements and pray that she continues to shine brightly as she embarks on the next chapter of her journey. Well done, Amalina!

9. Amalina’s story is not only one story. There are many stories amongst each graduand’s cohort. This morning, I spoke about Luqman who is a student with high-functioning autism, and he studied very well and is amongst the top students in his class.

10. There was also Aiman who overcame challenges and was inspired by his parents to learn about Islam through the many years of his journey in aLIVE. So, everyone tells a story. And I hope these stories will continue to inspire others to come in and learn with us at ILHAM under the aLIVE programme. On top of that, post-aLIVE, there is also our ADIL programme for young adults. So, I hope all our young graduands will continue with learning post-aLIVE.

11. Behind every success story stands a community that believes in our youth. To our mosque partners, thank you. Your leadership and commitment have made the aLIVE programme a cornerstone of youth development in Singapore.

12. For our aLIVE graduands, during your time in your programme, you volunteer with the mosque. But once it is over, I hope you will continue to resonate with volunteering work and come back to the mosque and help us and the young leaders in the mosque.

13. This year, Al-Muttaqin Mosque stood out for its strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders. By working closely with the ILHAM team to engage parents, the mosque helped to create a nurturing ecosystem where learning thrives.

14. A particularly noteworthy initiative was their strategic partnership with ILHAM for the aLIVE Service Learning event. Al-Muttaqin Mosque secured funds to defray costs for the CARE-nival, benefiting over 300 clients and their caregivers from underserved communities. With almost 400 students involved, the initiative became a powerful platform to cultivate inclusivity, service, and sincerity. Such efforts exemplify how collaboration, when embraced as a shared value, can drive real and lasting impact.

15. We have also made known earlier that Assyakirin Mosque also deserves mention. The centre achieved outstanding results, with 97% of their students participating in the aLIVE Competency Quiz and almost all of them meeting competency standards.

16. Assyakirin also stood out for its strong student engagement. Approximately 3 in 4 students took part in the Take Home a New Experience, or THANX, initiatives. These accomplishments reflect a holistic approach to nurturing confident, capable, and community-minded learners.

17. These are powerful examples of faith, educators, family, and community working hand in hand.    

18. To all parents who are here today supporting the graduands, thank you for believing in of Islamic education through aLIVE. The journey of almost 14 years is long, and I am very grateful that you stood with ILHAM as you sent your children to the centres for their learning. At the same time, your encouragement, sacrifice, and support make all the difference. We have also been taking in your feedback to strengthen the aLIVE programme for future cohorts. And as part of improvement, we are looking into ways that we can improve our communication with parents.  

19. Today, I am pleased to announce the Little Lives app for parents.  It will further strengthen communication between parents, teachers and students and will ensure a smoother user experience and better protection of personal data.

20. Dear graduates, today’s celebration marks both an ending and a beginning. Graduation is not the end of learning. It is the start of a new chapter. Continue seeking knowledge. Continue growing in faith and character.

21. I also encourage you to explore and enrol in the ADIL programme as one pathway forward. Remember, learning never stops. Every step brings you closer to Allah.

22. In closing, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all parents, teachers, mosque leaders, and ILHAM staff who have tirelessly supported our students. Your love and guidance have made today possible.

23. Congratulations once again to all our graduates. May your light continue to shine. For your families, for your community, and for generations to come. With that, I thank you.
    
    Wabillahitaufiq wal hidayah,
    Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.