The AJC Award, conferred this year at the International Conference on Communities of Success (ICCOS) 2024, stands as a beacon for the next generation of leaders, showcasing how one individual’s commitment can catalyze positive change across an entire community. Mr. Suhaimi’s contributions offer valuable insights into how steadfast dedication to education, financial empowerment, and youth leadership can create a lasting impact in a community.
MUIS’s Highest Honor
The MUIS Awards 2024 and the Anugerah Jasa Cemerlang (AJC) stand as MUIS’s most prestigious accolades, recognizing the efforts of individuals who exemplify excellence, empathy, and service in their commitment to Singapore’s Muslim community. These awards not only acknowledge achievements but also spotlight those whose lives inspire others to pursue community betterment.
MUIS created the Anugerah Jasa Cemerlang Award to emphasize the importance of fostering leadership, building community resilience, and empowering individuals within society. This year’s award presentation at ICCOS 2024 was particularly poignant, as it underscored the conference’s theme: “Inspiring Future Leaders, Building Trust, Empowering Communities.” Mr. Suhaimi, whose work reflects these values, was honored as a shining example of how impactful leadership can inspire meaningful change.
ICCOS 2024
Held in Singapore, ICCOS 2024 is an international event that brings together leaders, thinkers, and change-makers from various sectors to share insights, foster collaboration, and inspire community-driven growth. The event provided a fitting backdrop for honoring Mr. Suhaimi’s contributions, as his life’s work is a testament to ICCOS’s mission to build a stronger, more cohesive society. His efforts align closely with the conference’s goals of leadership development, trust-building, and community empowerment, making him an ideal recipient of the Anugerah Jasa Cemerlang.
Building a Legacy at LBKM
A cornerstone of Mr. Suhaimi’s contributions is his transformative role at the Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud (LBKM), also known as the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Memorial Scholarship Fund Board. Established as a key pillar in the Malay/Muslim community, LBKM supports students in both secular and religious education. Under Mr. Suhaimi’s leadership, the organization expanded its reach, impacting countless individuals across Singapore.
During his decade-long tenure as President, Mr. Suhaimi implemented policy changes that addressed the community’s evolving educational needs. One landmark initiative was the introduction of a policy allowing multiple bursaries per household, enabling more students within a single family to access financial aid. This change was based on his belief that education is a fundamental social equalizer and a means to lift families out of financial limitations. As he explained, “It is vital to encourage and support students in achieving their educational aspirations, as education serves as a bridge to greater opportunities.”
Today, LBKM has disbursed over S$31 million in bursaries, scholarships, and grants, supporting more than 35,700 students from primary to postgraduate levels. Mr. Suhaimi’s legacy within LBKM is empowering, providing young individuals with the tools they need to shape brighter futures and contribute to society. This remarkable achievement aligns closely with the values celebrated by the MUIS Awards 2024.
Trust within LBKM
In addition to expanding financial aid, Mr. Suhaimi’s leadership at LBKM fostered a culture of transparency, accountability, and trust within the organization. Recognizing the importance of community trust in nonprofit organizations, he introduced the Charity Accounting System (CAS) at LBKM, a measure that ensured transparent financial practices and operational integrity. The introduction of CAS has helped elevate LBKM as a trusted Institution of Public Character (IPC), building public confidence in the organization’s mission and activities.
Under Mr. Suhaimi’s guidance, LBKM also achieved the Singapore Quality Class certification, a testament to its operational excellence. These accolades strengthened LBKM’s reputation and solidified Mr. Suhaimi’s commitment to setting a high standard for nonprofit organizations in Singapore. This focus on transparency and trust-building resonates deeply with the MUIS Awards’ values, as it underscores the role of ethical leadership in fostering community development.
Leadership Mentorship
Another of Mr. Suhaimi’s lasting contributions at LBKM is his commitment to nurturing future leaders. He acknowledges the late Syed Ali Redha Alsagoff, LBKM’s first President, and Wan Hussin Zoohri, LBKM’s second President, as his inspirations for fostering leadership succession. Inspired by their vision, Mr. Suhaimi introduced mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives within LBKM, preparing young members to take on more significant roles.
After stepping down as President in 2022, he facilitated a seamless leadership transition to Dr. Syed Harun Alhabsyi, who, at 37, is emblematic of LBKM’s commitment to empowering young leaders. Today, over half of LBKM’s board members are under 40, a testament to Mr. Suhaimi’s legacy of fostering youthful leadership and succession planning. By investing in the next generation, he ensures LBKM’s continued impact on Singapore’s Muslim community.
Volunteerism in Muslim Organizations
Mr. Suhaimi’s dedication to community service extends beyond LBKM. He has been actively involved in other key Malay/Muslim Organizations (MMOs), including Yayasan Mendaki, the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), and the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI). Each organization has benefitted from his expertise, passion, and leadership, particularly in addressing critical challenges related to education and youth empowerment.
One of his earliest involvements in community service dates back to his teenage years when he observed the educational struggles faced by youth in his kampung (village). This experience fueled his commitment to uplifting the community through educational support and leadership training. In 1977, he established a youth committee focused on these areas, laying the foundation for his lifelong dedication to community progress. Today, his commitment to volunteerism remains unwavering, as he continues to advocate for community well-being across various organizations.
Financial Empowerment
Beyond his contributions to social services, Mr. Suhaimi has significantly impacted Singapore’s financial sector, advocating for financial literacy and empowerment within the Muslim community. Since 2013, he has served as Vice-Chairman of the Muslim Financial Planning Association, where he promotes financial literacy initiatives tailored to the unique needs of Singapore’s Muslim population. His efforts underscore the importance of financial empowerment as a tool for achieving economic resilience and security.
In addition to his role at the Muslim Financial Planning Association, Mr. Suhaimi serves as Audit Committee Chairman at SG Enable, a government agency that supports persons with disabilities. Through his leadership, SG Enable has made strides in creating inclusive opportunities, providing access to employment, and fostering community integration for individuals with disabilities. His work aligns with the broader goals of the MUIS Awards 2024, emphasizing inclusivity and equitable access to resources within society.
Recognitions in Singapore
In the business sphere, Mr. Suhaimi’s influence has been recognized through numerous accolades, further establishing him as a leader in Singapore’s entrepreneurial landscape. As a key figure in the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI), he received the Business Community Leadership Entrepreneur Award, recognizing his commitment to developing the Malay/Muslim business community.
Additionally, he received the SME Partner Award in 2001 and Berita Harian’s Business Achiever Award (Anugerah Jauhari Perniagaan) in 2017 for his significant contributions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and his leadership in promoting economic development within the community. These honors reflect his vision for fostering economic inclusivity, particularly among minority communities in Singapore.
Leading with Empathy
Throughout his career, Mr. Suhaimi has led with empathy, integrity, and a clear vision for social betterment. His leadership style emphasizes listening to the community’s needs, fostering a culture of trust, and encouraging collaboration across different sectors. He believes that understanding and responding to the needs of the community is foundational to effective leadership, a philosophy he has upheld across all his roles.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Suhaimi offers advice to young aspiring leaders: “Stay connected to your vision, prioritize collaboration, and listen to those you serve. Even small acts can lead to significant change. With dedication and compassion, you can inspire others and create a lasting impact.” This guidance, rooted in years of experience, serves as a powerful message to the next generation of leaders, highlighting the role of empathy and community-driven leadership.
MUIS Awards 2024
As Singapore’s Muslim community celebrates the achievements of its leaders at the MUIS Awards 2024, Mr. Suhaimi’s story serves as a source of inspiration for those aspiring to make a difference. The Anugerah Jasa Cemerlang symbolizes a call to action, inviting young leaders to use their talents in service of a greater purpose.
By recognizing Mr. Suhaimi Salleh, MUIS not only honors his contributions but also sets a benchmark for transformative leadership within the community. His work is a reminder that community-driven progress requires dedication, vision, and a commitment to social equity. Through his legacy, Mr. Suhaimi has shown that true leadership transcends personal gain, aiming instead to create ripples of positive change that extend across generations.
Compassionate Leadership
The MUIS Awards 2024 celebration of Mr. Suhaimi Salleh’s accomplishments reflects the value of community-focused leadership. His enduring impact on education, financial empowerment, youth development, and inclusivity exemplifies the positive difference that compassionate and ethical leadership can bring. Through the Anugerah Jasa Cemerlang, his legacy becomes a beacon for all who aspire to contribute to the welfare of Singapore’s Muslim community.
As future leaders look to carry the torch, Mr. Suhaimi’s journey is a powerful example of how steadfast commitment, empathy, and a spirit of service can build resilient and cohesive communities. The MUIS Awards 2024 reminds us that transformative leadership not only builds communities but inspires those within them to dream, contribute, and make lasting changes. Mr. Suhaimi Salleh’s legacy stands as a testament to the impact one individual can make, inspiring the next generation to follow in his footsteps with the same dedication and compassion.
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