Fellow Board Members,
Members of the Chamber,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalamu’alaikum and a very good afternoon to all.
It is a great honour and privilege to be entrusted with the role of President of SMCCI. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to all SMCCI members, our Board of Directors, our Secretariat team, our MMO partners, Enterprise Singapore, and most importantly, our past Presidents—especially my respected brothers, Pak Farid and Pak Bakar, who have been pillars of leadership and inspiration. I know these are big shoes to fill, but I believe, with sincerity, teamwork, and determination, I am ready to carry SMCCI forward into its next phase.
As we step into this new chapter, I am pleased to share that I will be focusing our work around three key pillars—C. M. S.
C stands for Community, which I see as comprising two key groups—our broader Malay/Muslim community and our fellow MMOs. We hope to deepen collaboration across the board and work hand-in-hand with as many MMOs as possible to serve our shared goals. Looking ahead, my goals are clear: we will work to upskill smaller businesses, enhance access to key resources, and create programmes that break the cycle of poverty through entrepreneurship. I am committed to strengthening mentorship efforts and building financial support systems that help our business community thrive.
M stands for Members, the heart of SMCCI. I recall a profound question once posed by a respected ustaz: “Do the members need us, or do we need the members?” My answer is simple—we need each other. We have built strong programmes, networking opportunities, and engagements with key stakeholders and ministers, but their impact relies on your presence and participation. I urge our members to come forward, be part of the journey, and let us know how we can support you. We are working closely with government agencies, partners, and more MMOs to support you. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here to help.
Lastly, S stands for our Secretariat. I believe strongly in growth and progression. Our Secretariat is not just our team—they are our family. My vision is to invest in their development, send them for training and upskilling, and support their career progression. When our team grows, SMCCI grows with them.
As I take on this responsibility, I would also like to extend a personal invitation to Pak Bakar and Pak Farid to remain close as advisors. Your wisdom and guidance will be invaluable as we continue building on your legacy.
I am humbled by the trust placed in me to lead SMCCI into its next chapter. Our strength lies in our unity and shared purpose. Together with the new Board, I am committed to deepening member engagement, expanding opportunities, and shaping a Chamber that is inclusive, innovative, and future-ready.
To all who have placed your trust in me—thank you, especially to my wife, my support pillar and my family. Insha’Allah, with your continued support and your doa, the entire SMCCI family will continue to grow and reach greater heights.
Let us step forward together with unity, strength, and renewed purpose like a family.
Wassalaamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.