Speech at Pusat Ehsan Charity Sungkai Dinner by the Singapore High Commissioner HE Lim Hong Huai 7 June 2017

Good evening, and welcome to the fifth Singapore High Commission and Singapore Association Ramadan Sungkai.   As always, we are honoured to host this event for the staff and students of Pusat Ehsan.  Thank you for your continued support. 

Last year’s Ramadan Sungkai held special meaning as it was the first time it was held at Pusat Ehsan.  This year’s Sungkai holds special significance as well – it is the first time it is held at Pusat Ehsan’s new building.  I had the privilege of having a short tour of this building earlier today.  I was impressed, and am convinced that this new facility will greatly help Pusat Ehsan towards its noble vision of enabling our Special Needs Community live a meaningful life.  I am heartened to note that Akitek SAA, headquartered in Singapore, had a part to play in the design and construction of the new building. 

Over the years, Brunei and Singapore have mutually benefitted through collaborations across various fields in the civil service as well as private sector.  Our interactions have strengthened people-to-people ties and established a special and unique bond across all levels.  Last month, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Maliki Osman made a working visit to Brunei and met with several Bruneian leaders, including Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Her Royal Highness, Princess Hajah Masna.  Dr Maliki will be making another visit to Brunei later this month to join in the Hari Raya festivities with the Bruneian leaders and senior officials.  Some Bruneian officials will also be travelling to Singapore to attend the Hari Raya activities there.

We should continue the two-way exchange which is a feature of our “special relations” between the two countries.  I am always proud to talk about how well some of my Bruneian friends know Singapore including which stalls to go to to get the best Mee Rebus, Mee Siam or Chicken Rice!  The Singapore High Commission will continue to do its part to promote further exchanges and bilateral cooperation.   

Today, the Singapore Association will be making a generous contribution of three thousand dollars to Pusat Ehsan, and I thank the President Dr Partick Ang and his team for leading the Association and their positive contributions to the communities here.  I am also grateful to another Singaporean, Mr Lawrence Hon, for his contribution to the door gifts. 

          My staff and I are privileged to be able to join you this evening for the sacred act of the breaking of fast.  I would like to wish my Muslim friends here Ramadan Mubarak and Selamat Berbuka Puasa.

          Thank you.

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