by Red Dot United
Red Dot United (RDU) is organising a seminar in conjunction with the 2022 Malay Language Month. The seminar titled ‘Hanya Apabila Orang Melayu Berjaya Barulah Bahasa Kami Hidup’, hopes to highlight the inseparable link between mastery of the Malay Language to the success of the Malay people.
There are still a lot of insecurities and inequalities embedded in our society against Malay Singaporeans, and these often hits them where it hurts most – their pockets. This unfair discrimination is unknowingly perpetuated by stereotypical prejudices, aided partly by certain Government policies.
While the learning of language is integral, not only to keep the Malay culture, customs and traditions, but also to pass down very important values which are unique to the Malay people, it must also be asked in a utilitarian society like Singapore, why should anyone learn a language of people who are perceived to be ‘weak’?
RDU recognises that these are hard questions and any stereotypical prejudices cannot be undone overnight, or with the stroke of a pen. We need to build a culture of meaningful dialogues and have honest discussions. This seminar is one small step in that direction.
SPEAKERS
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DAMANHURI ABAS |
Daman considers himself a social activist and is passionate about society, life and living. His views are shaped by early activism since youth in various community engagements and extensive travels in the region. Daman believes in change, in making good of things and in social equity. He believes that transformation begins with the self and family and with that, the catalyst to spark change will follow. Daman joined politics in 2015 and participated in GE 2015 & 2020 as a candidate for the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) for Marsiling Yew Tee GRC. |
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SURYAKENCHANA OMAR |
Surya established the Javanese heritage ecosystem in Singapore by co-founding the Javanese Singaporeans FB Group and by being involved in the Javanese Diaspora Network events. He is now working towards consolidating and growing the Javanese heritage ecosystem further for Javanese communities outside Java, Indonesia. Surya will be talking on the topic of ‘Wretched in Our Own Society”. |
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DR SYED ALWI AHMAD |
Alwi presents a prominent online voice on Malay/Muslim issues. His views on topics such as ‘Certain positions in Spore armed forced not for Malays’ to ‘Why Singapore is cautious with its Malays’, have spurred much needed dialogues and debates in the online sphere. Alwi is an independent researcher whose focus is on Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity. His thesis on black-holes and quantum fields has been published in various conference proceedings. |
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LIYANA DHAMIRAH |
Liyana is an entrepreneur and the author of the bestselling book, ‘Homeless: The Untold Story of a Mother’s Struggle in Crazy Rich Singapore’. She is also the Treasurer of Red Dot United. Liyana will be presenting RDU’s views and position on the topic at the seminar. |
MODERATOR: MOES MULYADI – Moes is a prominent member of RDU’s Youth Wing and of the Party’s Communications Team.
One of the speakers for the seminar, Damanhuri Abas, said: “I will touch on 3 issues that I believe are among the keys for the community’s leap forward. Not in order of priority are 1. Economic Empowerment, 2. Socio-Cultural Anchors, 3. Leaders & Leadership.”
He encouraged participants to join them in-person to have an open and fruitful sharing of ideas with the panel of speakers for our collective betterment.
The seminar will be held this Saturday, 24 September, from 2 – 5pm, at 10 Ubi Crescent, Lobby E, #07-96, Singapore 408564 (Map: https://bit.ly/3b1sTdU).
For those taking public transport, details on how you may get to the venue is here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZScF9GkQm0cV6ek8ZgFn4Zgu9Nsn7m84MOp9j4zAML8/
