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Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Speeches

Speech by Chief Executive of MUIS, Mr Kadir Maideen, at the Senior Befrienders Appointment Ceremony 2026

17 April 2026

Honouring 149 Senior Befrienders who guide volunteers, coordinate ground efforts, and connect Zakat giving to those who need it most.

Assalamualaikum wr wb

Dr Mohd Murat Md Aris, Deputy Mufti of Singapore
Mr. Zalman Putra, Senior Director, One Mosque Sector (OMS), MUIS
Mdm. Muzaiyanah Hamzah, Executive Director, PELITA

Ladies and gentlemen,

  1. Good evening, everyone.

  2. I am pleased to join you tonight at the Senior Befrienders Appointment Ceremony 2026. This Raya‑themed dinner brings together our current and new Senior Befrienders or in short, SBF.

  3. Tonight, we formally appoint our new Senior Befrienders. It is at an event like this that we also strengthen connections between new and existing volunteers and befrienders from the various districts. Most importantly, we recognise the important role you play in our Befrienders Programme.

  4. The SBF role is significant. We formalised it in 2023 with the development of the SBF Guidebook. Today, we have 149 SBF across 4 districts. You guide new volunteers. You support Social Development Officers (SDO)s with ground coordination. You ensure quality befriending services continue across all districts, and this is the work of PELITA to ensure consistency across all districts

  5. Your work as befrienders is also instrumental in ensuring the effective distribution of Zakat funds within our community. Many of the programmes and support services we provide to our beneficiaries are made possible through the generous Zakat contributions from fellow Muslims in Singapore. Through your direct engagement and relationship-building with beneficiaries, you help us identify genuine needs, ensure resources reach those who need them most, and provide the human connection that makes financial assistance truly meaningful. In this way, you serve as vital bridges between the community's charitable giving through Zakat and those who benefit from it, fulfilling Islam’s third pillar through compassionate service.

  6. Those appointed today have shown commitment and leadership. You are dedicated individuals ready for expanded responsibilities. You support fellow Befrienders and strengthen befriending services and volunteer coordination at mosques and district levels.

Recognising contributions

  1. Tonight is about appointments and appreciation. SBFs are the backbone of our programme. Each of you represents countless hours of compassionate service. Your dedication ensures beneficiaries stay supported, connected, and cared for.

  2. You guide new Befrienders. You coordinate ground efforts. You step forward during times of need. Each of you keeps our network strong and grounded in compassionate service.

  3. Last year, our Senior Befrienders (SBFs) supported over 10 engagements across the districts, playing a vital role in strengthening ground operations and volunteer support. Your contributions also extended to conducting On-Job Training (OJT) for new Befrienders, helping them build confidence and develop essential skills on the ground. In addition, many of you supported inter-mosque deployments across the four districts, and this synergy demonstrates flexibility and a strong spirit of service in responding to manpower needs beyond your own assigned areas.

  4. This ceremony acknowledges your efforts.  Your work truly matters and I think you should all give yourselves a round of applause for your hard work!

Supporting the next phase

  1. As we look ahead, your leadership and experience will further strengthen the Befrienders Programme. Your mentorship shapes the next generation of volunteers. Together, we will deepen our training programs. We will expand reach to underserved areas. We will ensure every new volunteer gets proper mentorship.

  2. We hope tonight’s gathering helps you build stronger bonds. Community work thrives when volunteers uplift, guide, and inspire one another.

Closing

  1. To all newly appointed and current SBFs — my heartfelt congratulations.

  2. Thank you for your service and commitment. Thank you for stepping forward for the community. MUIS and those whose hearts you have touched, deeply appreciate all that you do.

  3. May your journey as SBFs bring you continued growth, purpose, and blessings.

  4. Thank you. I wish everyone a meaningful evening ahead and I look forward to presenting the new SBFs with their appointment letters.

  5. Wassalamualaikum wr wb.

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