SAM charity efforts extend to Minbya
Nov 16, 2018
The project site from front view – from left – vegetable garden, temporary straw hut for boys’ lodging and kitchen/canteen, girls’ dormitory structure, firewood storage. Photo – Supplied
The Singapore Association of Myanmar (SAM) organises social, sporting, charitable and business-related activities for its members, as well as promotes ties between Singapore and Myanmar.
For the past 23 years, SAM has held an annual golf event to raise funds for charitable causes. This goes towards supportingbeneficiaries including orphanages, home for the aged, training school for woman and the physically challenged and initiatives such as the floodrelief effort in Karen State this year. The 24th edition of the Fundraiser marks the start of a landmark project: establishing the RakhaArr Mann (“The Strength”) Education Centre.
This will enable 100 students every year from surrounding villages to have accommodation, meals and provisions such as beds, cupboards and study desks for free while pursuing their high school education.
On top of these, enrichment classes like computer studies, English language studies, leadership training courses and community development activities will be facilitated.
Trained teachers from a local non-governmental organization Thazin Community Peace and Development Institute (TCDI) will provide after school tutoring.
The funds raised by SAM will go towards building a 2-storied girls’ dormitory, a 2-storied boys’ dormitory, a canteen and kitchen area and a training centre. The project construction will commence early 2019.
Ensuring sustainability
Crucial to the project’s success is having the support of the local community.
A village tract contribution scheme will be employed, where 70 surrounding villages provide a monthly sum of money for the operations and upkeep.
It is hoped that given the care, support and opportunities, the children will grow into future leaders, and return to contribute to their community and region.
In October 2018, a team led by SAM, which included Singapore infrastructure consulting firm Surbana Jurong, met stakeholders in Minbya.
Together with Surbana Jurong, the project partners include Dr Saw Mra Aung Foundation (DSMAF), which is a local non-profit organisation founded in January 2015 and has been supporting the social welfare and all-round developmental projects in Myanmar. DSMAF is providing the oversight of the on-the-ground administrators and project overview.
Meanwhile, Thazin Community Peace and Development Institute (TCDI), a local non-profit organisation specialising in community development education in Rakhine, will be the operators of the RakhaArr Mann Education Centre.
SurbanaJurong has over 100 projects in its Myanmar portfolio and is providing project management consultancy services for the RakhaArr Mann Education Centre.
Project Sponsors
So far, many generous organisations have stepped forward to support the cause through the 24th SAM Fundraiser and Charity Golf & Dinner 2018.
The Presenting Sponsor is Sembcorp Industries, an integrated energy player providing solutions across the energy and utilities value chain, with a focus on the gas and power, renewables and the environment and merchant and retail sectors. It is also a world leader in offshore and marine engineering as well as an established brand name in urban development. Sembcorp is also supporting Myanmar ‘s growth with the 225-megawatt Sembcorp Myingyan power plant.
A stalwart sponsor is Myanmar Golden Rock, which has supported every edition of the event for 23 years. This company provides diverse products and services in step with Myanmar’s development, including office automation, security and surveillance, water and hygiene technologies.
A few companies have been involved in the construction of familiar landmarks. Aver Asia, providing equipment and expertise for Yangon International Airport Terminal 1 & 2 upgrades. WohHup, building Traders Hotel, Sedona Hotel Mandalay, and the Inya Wing of Sedona Hotel Yangon. Hexacon building the Singapore Embassy in Yangon, which won BCA’s Construction Excellence Award.In addition to undertaking the project management of the RakhaArr Mann Education Centre, Surbana Jurong is also a sponsor.
Organisations such as Asia World Foundation are encouraging sustainable development through education, health, disaster relief and community development. JJ Pun is providing technologies and innovative solutions for many industries including agriculture and healthcare.
Also onboard are companies in real estate and construction – HoaBinh, CNQC, ShweTaung and Yoma Land.
Creating the spaces within are companies such as Falcon, premier interior fit out specialist and high-end contract furniture manufacturer, and Design Hub which provides architectural finishing solutions.
Also on the list is Krislite, which since the 1990s has been delivering sustainable lighting solutions, including lighting for infrastructure in Yangon and stadiums in Naypyitaw, among others.
Sin Heng leasing out heavy machinery such as cranes, aerial lifts and other construction equipment. Powenproviding Integrated M& E Engineering Services. SC Auto manufacturer of buses and MSP Molecular Science Products range of oils and lubricants.Crystal Clearwhich provides water treatment and environment protection.Fullerton Myanmar providingmicrofinance.
Business services in law and banking – Wong Partnership, OCBC, UAB and UOB.
Diverse brands for lifestyle, ranging from BMW, to Lotte Hotel, 100-Plus, K-Resort, Myanmar Beer and Premium Distribution.
To date, this project has raised USD178,000. SAM will continue with its fundraising efforts to ensure the success of the RakhaArr Man (“The Strength”) Education Centre.
For sponsorship enquiries, please contact admin@sam.com.mm
THE MYANMAR TIMES 16 NOV 2018
Link: SAM charity efforts extend to Minbya
