Buka Puasa with The Community 2026

The local spirit of togetherness was on full display on 5 March 2026 as residents of diverse faith gathered for the ‘Buka Puasa with The Community’ at Kampung Siglap Mosque. The gathering served as a meaningful start to the month of Ramadan, bringing together neighbours of all backgrounds to share a meal and celebrate social harmony.

The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Minister Edwin Tong and MP Hazlina Abdul Halim, who joined residents in breaking fast. Beyond the communal meal, the evening highlighted the importance of social mobility and resilience through the presentation of the $1000 Achievement Bursary.

Two outstanding recipients were recognised for their tenacity in striving through financial challenges to excel in their studies and enter university. Among them was Muhammad Haziq Zikry, a second-year Nursing student at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Haziq shared a moving account of his journey, admitting that a university degree did not feel achievable at first. Due to financial constraints, he had initially planned to find a job immediately after his diploma to support his family. However, his path changed through the support of the Yayasan MENDAKI Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS), which provides a 100% tuition fee subsidy. Haziq also expressed his deep gratitude for the Muis financial assistance. By providing additional support for daily expenses, the assistance significantly lessened the financial burden on his family. Combined with his tuition subsidy, this holistic support allowed him to focus fully on his demanding Nursing studies at NUS without the constant worry of overhead costs.

"The assistance gave me the confidence to pursue my dream," Haziq reflected. He also credited his success to the unwavering encouragement from his mother, who constantly reminded him that education is an investment. "She told me to build a strong foundation now for a better future," he added.

Another recipient, Nur Nadhrah Binte DZulkifli, is a second-year undergraduate at LASALLE College of the Arts, majoring in Design Communication. Since completing her secondary school education, she has taken on part-time work to help ease her family’s financial burden. Juggling her studies with weekend work has not been easy, and she shared that it can be exhausting trying to stay focused in school while carrying these responsibilities.

Despite the challenges, Nadhrah remains deeply grateful for the financial assistance she receives from Muis and Yayasan Mendaki, which has made a meaningful difference in her journey. Her resilience and determination continue to drive her forward.

She hopes to encourage others who may be facing similar financial difficulties not to let their circumstances define or limit them. In her words, there is always support available — and with perseverance, it is possible to keep moving closer to one’s dreams.