Dana

 
Will you be making changes to your constitution to prevent a repeat of a backdoor takeover?

YES. We are looking into tightening processes to ensure whoever is standing for election will have at least done some groundwork and has some knowledge of what is to be AWARE.

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore’s societal values. What do you say about that? And what are you doing about such perceptions?

Our programmes and policies are guided by the principles of gender equality for all. In the past 24 years we have successfully lobbied for the removal of the quota on women entering medical school, for equal medical benefits in the civil service, for protection against spousal violence and the rights of children born to Singapore women with foreign spouses.

We have contributed research papers on the experiences in our schools, on population issues and, on aging in Singapore among others. Ultimately, we are for a gender equal society where women have equal opportunity, choices and responsibilities with men.

If this is against Singapore values, what can I say? But, I would like to think we live in a more compassionate and reasoned society than our detractors appear to imply. I don’t think of it as being conservative or liberal. You can be conservative and still be compassionate and reasoned. You can be liberal and still be reasoned and compassionate, can’t you?

 
How did last Saturday’s “touch-base” with new members go? How many actually turned up? What events did you guys have?

We had over 20 people. Among them was an 18 year old college student who has volunteered her time during this June break. She said she was moved by the discovery that she didn’t have to fight for what are her rights today because they had been fought for her. We also heard AWARE has gone up in ‘cool’ factor among younger women! That is good to know. I think the best thing from May 2 is how it gave women and men a very real experience of what it is like to be counted.

 
Will you use this new mandate to try to build more tolerance and openness in other areas of Singapore life – not just gender equality but also racial and religious equality.

Our constitution is women specific. Although, I would say tolerance -non discrimination – is implicit in the core values of Trust, Respect and Choices for all women.

Related:

• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh
• June 13, 2009 -- IS Interview: Joanna D’cruz

Margie

 
How long have you been with Aware?

Right from the start. Was a speaker at the Women’s Choices, Women’s Lives forum in 1984 that led to the formation of Aware, and then a member of the pro-tem committee.

What is your role within the organization as an exco member?

Ordinary exco member.

 
Individually, what are you tasked to do in the next 12 months or so?

Communications.

 
What have you learnt from the recent Aware controversy?

Several lessons:

• Singaporeans are not as apathetic as they have sometimes been made out to be, judging from the turnout at the EGM
• Many Singaporeans see the vital importance of maintaining our secular society, and are ready to step forward and defend it
• There are, however, some who are so caught up in their religiously defined perspective that they will act in very questionable ways
• NGOs like Aware have to be alert to the possibility that people who disagree with their aims and activities will attempt to hijack their organisations
• If the hijack fails, these people may continue to snipe at the NGO and keep repeating baseless accusations about the NGO’s aims and activities

 
In your individual opinion, what misconceptions about Aware continue to remain after this saga?

That Aware now has a pro-gay agenda and has attempted to promote homosexuality.

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore ’s societal values. What do you say about that? And as an individual, what are you doing about such perceptions?

If there is indeed such a ‘groundswell’ it is one that has been engineered by someone who, driven by her faith-based perspective, has decided that Aware needs to be fixed. She has completely misread Aware’s activities and continues to mislead the public on this.

It is sobering to see how mis-truths can spread and cloud public perception, and it is worrying to find that there are Singaporeans who will make judgments on the strength of these mis-truths.

 
What are some the biggest challenges faced by Singapore women today?

Lack of support for the multi-layered roles they play in society, compounded by the perception in many quarters that men should be the head of the household.

 
Has the recent controversy set the organization back? If so, how should the organization build itself up from here on in?

Yes and no. We now have 10 times as many members, and many more people in Singapore are now aware of AWARE. Unfortunately some of these people see Aware in the wrong light.

Contrary to what Dr Thio Su Mien continues to maintain, Aware does not have and has never had a pro-gay agenda. Aware has never promoted homosexuality. Aware has only ever promoted gender equality.

We just have to keep countering the mis-truths and misconceptions while continuing with our work. We have to stay connected to the many new members who signed up because they either believed in Aware’s cause or wanted to help maintain secularism in Singapore and the space for a diversity of views.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh
• June 13, 2009 -- IS Interview: Joanna D’cruz

Farid

 
Why have you joined Aware now? Was it solely because of the saga?

AWARE had always inspired me. However, due to work, family and other civil society commitments which I am involved in, I felt AWARE was in good hands and supported its efforts from the outside.

I joined AWARE because I felt my support was needed in a time of `crisis’. While I may/may not agree with some of the `content’ issues being debated, I stood firmly on the side of drawing the line between having `inclusivity’ in civil society. I stood for a clear separation between religious institutions and secular one. I stood for transparency in the election process. I stood for meritocracy…the old guard had (and still do) contributed much to the cause of women in our society…Dr Thio and the new team hadn’t. They should, as members, aired their views, lobbied for reform, volunteered and earned their right to be leaders instead of what they did.

There were serious precedents developing during the saga that would have had reverberations throughout society as we know it. Inter-religious and inter-ethnic/cultural harmony was being risked…I could not have just stood aside and watched.

 
What do you hope from the organization going forward?

I hope that AWARE remains inclusive, dynamic and robust – a shining example to the men and women of our society and, the rest of the world. I hope AWARE can bring the faith communities into the dialogue process too. There is much we can learn from each other.

 
As a new member, how do intend to help?

During the EGM, I volunteered as a First-Aider, just in case some assistance in this area was needed – regardless whether members came from either `side’. I responded to a case of breathlessness – due to an asthmatic condition.

I have also volunteered to assist in the design, planning, organization and facilitation of the “New Members” Forum in June.

 
As a man, what do you think you can bring to the organization?

I feel the issues being addressed by AWARE, although it concerns the development, and welfare of women in our society, can only be effectively addressed if BOTH men and women, boys and girls are included in the processes and platforms. The perceptions, issues, challenges and opportunities that face women and the `other side of the coin’ for men… and as such, the perspectives, experiences, voices and efforts of both men and women are needed.

As a man… as a husband to my wife… as a son to a mother… as a Father to 3 daughters…I can bring those perspectives, not only to the organization but to the circles of influence that I have in society.

 
As a concerned citizen, what in your opinion is the biggest challenge facing Singaporean women today?

“Singaporean women” are not monolithic in nature…different challenges face different ethnic/cultural, socio-economic, age groups….a large part of the issues facing the aged in our society are `women’s issues’ as they find themselves widowed. Women in Different cultural/ethnic and faith communities face different issues, challenges, opportunities as they attempt to grow side by side with their male counterparts – balance tradition, their personal needs and the needs of their families and communites.

The issues facing women include increasing the awareness of men – of their (men’s issues)…without men taking ownership of these issues, it can’t be `foisted’ upon them by women…the individual and society cannot grow optimally. Men need to explore and re-examine their values, their prejudices, their biases, stereotypes (of men and women) and establish new values… new awareness….

 
How would you help with gender equality in Singapore going forward?

As above. I would work on myself….I would work on the circles of influences I have….I must be congruent and walk my talk.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh
• June 13, 2009 -- IS Interview: Joanna D’cruz

Callan works in IT Networking

 
Why have you joined Aware now? Was it solely because of the saga?

No. I have always been supportive of AWARE and their activities before this, but chose to step up and contribute when the story of the takeover broke. AWARE’s track record over the 24 years of their existence speaks for itself, and I feel that I can contribute my efforts into helping the organization move forward.

 
What do you hope from the organization going forward?

Besides continuing their enthusiastic work for the women of Singapore as well as raising awareness and research for issues affecting women, I also hope to see continued support from the members, especially those who have joined recently, as well as a concerted effort from AWARE to harness the energies of these members. Perhaps also a relook at what feminism means in the current context, as times and mindsets have changed.

 
As a new member, how do you intend to help?

In whatever way I can; my experience is in the IT networking field, and if they can make use of that experience I will be more than willing to pitch in.

 
As a man, what do you think you can bring to the organization?

I can bring a different perspective to feminist and women issues, both inside and out of the organization. The involvement of men in AWARE cannot be understated, as it means that feminist issues are not just affecting women alone.

 
As a concerned citizen, what in your opinion is the biggest challenge facing Singaporean women today?

In my opinion, it is one that is challenging to both women and men alike: how to balance a successful career with a family. There is still a fair bit of pressure for women to place a priority on family over her career, and sometimes many would feel that they have to choose one or the other when it should not be the case.

And even though it is not the biggest challenge in my opinion, I think the obsession with body shape issues is a close second. The fashion industry is not helping obviously, with the standards of beauty promulgated as an unhealthy shade of “slim”. It is not healthy physically or mentally to portray beauty in such a way.

 
How would you help with gender equality in Singapore going forward?

One of the best ways I can help with is promoting awareness of the issues amongst my friends and contacts, and by encouraging open-minded debate and discussion on them. Both men and women must be involved if true gender equality is to be achieved, and without a good understanding of the issues involved no one can make any informed decisions at all.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

Hafizah

 
What are the main issues faced by Malay-Muslim women in Singapore today?

Given the current economic climate, I believe one of the main concerns would be economic stability. While not a major over-riding concern, there is still, I believe the issue of domestic violence.

 
As the sole Malay-Muslim member on the exco how will you address the above issues?

As a member of Exco I contribute to discussions and decision making. I also lend my skills and advice on website management and design. I think one of the most important things is to help publicise the programmes that AWARE has to offer – for example the Helpline services. It is important that women in distress, regardless race or religion have access to services they need.

 
As a committee member on the new exco what do you expect Aware to build towards in the next 12 months?

AWARE has done great work in the past 24 years and she will continue to do great work in the many years to come. At the present moment, our challenge really is to keep our members engaged and to be able to respond to their immediate needs and concerns. For me personally, I would like to see AWARE and her members continue with the great energy and enthusiasm that had brought so many of us together.

 
Personally, what have you learnt from the recent Aware saga and how will you be putting those lessons to use in the next 12 months?

For me personally, it was a wake up call of sorts. While I have been supportive of AWARE and have been familiar with AWARE since the late 80s, I haven’t really felt the need to join as a member. With the events that took place pre-EGM, I felt the need to do something about it and started getting involved. Moving forward, it is important that AWARE remains an inclusive organisation that embraces diversity. We must be sensitive to the needs of the women that we are looking to represent.

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore’s societal values. What do you say about that? And what will you and the new exco be doing about such perceptions?

AWARE promotes gender equality, non-discrimination and non-violence against women. How are these against Singapore’s societal values? Having said that, as an advocacy group and agent for change we understand the nature of our work can put us “out of step” with the rest of society. While we remain sensitive to divergent views the nature of our organisation is that we push the boundaries ever so often.

Related:

• June 25, 2009 -- Video: Hafizah Reflects
• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

Pamela is a Freelance writer-translator
and a new member of AWARE

 
Why have you joined Aware now? Was it solely because of the saga?

In all honesty, I joined Aware because I found the methods employed by the New Guard to take over Aware disturbingly insidious. I also wanted first-hand knowledge of what both sides had to say at the EGM.

 
What do you hope from the organization going forwards?

I want to see it stay true to its stance of inclusiveness, helping and giving a voice to all women regardless of race, religion and sexual orientation.

 
As a new member, how do you intend to help?

I would be happy to contribute in the areas of translation, writing, public relations planning and event photography; however an amateur I am.

 
As a concerned citizen, what in your opinion is the biggest challenge facing Singaporean women today?

Unrealistic societal expectations: Many Singaporean women are expected to fill the shoes of a good housewife and career woman equally well while a man’s success is judged solely by his career achievements.

 
How would you help with gender equality in Singapore going forward?

Speak up against gender inequality in my immediate vicinity – around my home, workplace, and social circles; without fear or prejudice.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 13, 2009 -- IS Interview: Joanna D’cruz

Joanna a new member of the AWARE EXCO

 
How long have you been with Aware?

Since July 2008. I was coordinating AWARE’s public education programes

 
What have you learnt from the recent Aware controversy?

I have learnt there is a lot of misconception about certain issues and people are very willing to extrapolate and jump to conclusions instead of finding out the facts first. I have also learnt there are people in Singapore who are passionate, articulated and who believe in speaking out and standing up for issues that are important to them. This is something I admire.

 
What is your role within the organization as an exco member?

As a member of the Executive Committee I contribute to decision making by bringing my views to the table. I also help out with the various duties.

 
Individually, what are you tasked to do in the next 12 months or so?

In the past weeks, I have been tasked with picking up the threads for the Top Girls project along with Martha. This project was initiated by the 2008 Exco (led by Constance Singam) It had suffered a little from the recent upheaval. We have another fund-raising project, a flag-day, coming up in August. It would be good if you cld publicise this when it come. I’m interested in public education so I’m likely to continue working in this area in the months ahead. However, we are discussing and defining the direction for the year and our duties could be further defined.

 
In your individual opinion, what misconceptions about Aware continue to remain after this saga?

I think the biggest misconception is the idea that AWARE has a lesbian agenda and that we are somehow narrowly focused on it. This is SO not true!

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore’s societal values. What do you say about that? And as an individual, what are you doing about such perceptions?

Since its inception in 1985, AWARE has always believed in a society where trust, respect and choice are the fundamental core values. Which I believe is in line with Singapore’s societal values. Singapore is a multi-cultural, multi-religion, multi-race country and in such a unique environment, it is imperative that everyone should have the right to equal opportunities.

 
What are some the biggest challenges faced by Singapore women today?

Well, women in different circumstances face different problems. In general, I think the equation of self-worth with the size and shape of her body and the fairness of her complexion perpetuated in the media is a insidious problem.

 
Has the recent controversy set the organization back? If so, how should the organization build itself up from heron in?

AWARE now has 3000 members, it’s highest number in 24 years. Sure there were some dramas that came along with it but life wouldn’t be exciting if there weren’t any. I don’t believe that the controversy was a set back, in fact I think it has helped this organization. And with this we will continue to grow and learn and make it better.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

Joo Hymn is the Honorary Treasurer of Aware

What are the more immediate tasks you face as honorary treasurer for the new exco?
Review of the financial SOPs, to make sure that all processes for good governance are in place, and procedures are all clearly spelt out.

What are the main financial concerns faced by the organization in the short run?
To raise enough money for this year and the next.

As treasurer what are your short-term, mid-term and long-term goals for the organization?
By year end: To ensure that there is a comprehensive set of policies and guidelines in place for financial management that is clearly communicated to all staff and volunteers; and to hound the fundraising sub-comm to ensure there is sufficient money for next year.

How does Aware prioritize which of its program needs the most funding?
The Helpline and Direct services have recurring expenses, for which funds need to be raised every year. Some of our projects carry over from previous years. For other projects, the sub-committee responsible submits an estimated budget, and Exco approves the budget and raises the funds needed before the sub-committee can incur expenses.

Which program is the costliest to run?
Helpline and direct services.

The ousted exco spent over $90,000 in a month. How has this set the organization back and will there be any cutbacks because of this reckless spending?
We are still reviewing this expenditure, but it does look as if the increased membership subscription has not covered this amount (unlike what one of the ousted Exco’s supporters said at the EGM). We would like to raise more money to continue with our programmes, rather than cutting back.

Personally, what have you learnt from the recent Aware saga and how will you be putting those lessons to use in the next 12 months?
To ensure that there are sufficient checks and balances in place for large expenditures.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

Nicole

 
How long have you been with Aware?

For the longest. Remember paying for my lifetime membership with one of my paychecks as a first year lawyer.

 
What have you learnt from the recent Aware controversy?

I had not been an active member for some time. But I decided to come out of the woodwork when there was a sudden change in leadership. Aware is the only credible feminist voice. My voice, my sisters’ voice is worth fighting for.

 
What is your role within the organization as an exco member?
Individually, what are you tasked to do in the next 12 months or so?

I bring my professional skills to the table. In particular, with the increase in membership, I look forward to working with the Legal Sub-committee on the governance structure of AWARE.

To be part of the “rainbow coalition”; to share my thoughts and views so that the collective voice would be one that embraces a diversity of viewpoints.

 
In your individual opinion, what misconceptions about Aware continue to remain after this saga?

That we have a hidden homosexual agenda.

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore’s societal values. What do you say about that? And as an individual, what are you doing about such perceptions?
Is there a groundswell of opinion? I am not too sure about that. Could it be a vocal minority?

Secondly, considering that we are a global city with a multi-racial and multi-religious tapestry, could there indeed be “Singapore’s societal values”. I am also uncomfortable with the phrase because it sounds so much like “Asian values”. What are these values, specifically?

If we are talking about informed choice; respect and dignity for all, I believe these values are universal and my fellow Singaporeans subscribe to these values too.

There may be some issues or concerns that we may be “out of step” with the majority. We are after all an advocacy / civil society group. For example, for AWARE, sex without consent is rape, even within a married couple.

 
What are some the biggest challenges faced by Singapore women today?

To have it all and to do it all. There are so many roles that we play – mother, wife, daughter, career woman, chauffer; hostess; party organizer; teacher, cook … the list goes on. Something’s got to give.

Equal opportunity. It is not just same work for same pay. But rather, is a woman given the same opportunity to do the same work. Are there sufficient female role models? Do employers value diversity and promote and train women as they do men.

 
Has the recent controversy set the organization back? If so, how should the organization build itself up from heron in?

Yes, it has. We have been inaccurately labeled and thus marginalized. Singaporeans are pragmatic, at the end of the day, if we doggedly continue to deliver on our myriad of programs, public opinion will eventually be swayed.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

Martha

 
How long have you been with Aware?
8 years as an active volunteer and member.

 
What have you learnt from the recent Aware controversy?

I have learnt many things from the Aware controversy:
• Not to take for granted what Aware is and stands for
• The importance of always having grace, dignity and wits about in any situation
• To stand up for what is important to me and what I believe in
• What a group of passionate women can achieve in a short amount of time and it begins from believing in myself and my abilities
• To accept that having done your best to be at peace with oneself

 
What is your role within the organization as an exco member?
As Committee member, I attend Exco meetings and contribute towards the discussions and decision making for the betterment of Aware and advancement of women in Singapore.

 
Individually, what are you tasked to do in the next 12 months or so?
I have most recently helped with the Top Girls fundraiser which ended at DBS Arts Centre on 30 May. I am representing the New Media, Public Relations as well as Direct Services subcomm on Exco. I will take on additional responsibilities as needed.

 
In your individual opinion, what misconceptions about Aware continue to remain after this saga?
Some of the misconceptions would include that Aware has an agenda to promote homosexuality; is and had been irrelevant to the women of Singapore and society at large; and that we had wavered from our original mission. These are all untrue.

 
There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore’s societal values. What do you say about that? And as an individual, what are you doing about such perceptions?
I would invite them to join Aware, participate in our programmes, and run alongside us. If they took time to understand the work we have been doing and the approaches we have undertaken, they might then reevaluate if our policies are really out of step with Singapore’s societal values and in the meantime do a great deal of good work. As an individual, I would correct such perceptions where possible.

 
What are some the biggest challenges faced by Singapore women today?
There is no one single type of Singapore woman. The women of Singapore have multi-dimensional concerns and challenges in life which might include the areas of self, family, work, and society. There are populations of Singapore women which have the bigger challenges: single mothers, divorced women, and foreign wives. All of whom Aware had done and will continue to do work in.

 
Has the recent controversy set the organization back? If so, how should the organization build itself up from heron in?
The controversy has galvanized Aware. We have 3000 members, many of whom are keen to contribute actively. We will involve them in their areas of interests, and groom those with potential. We will immediately go about rebuilding relations with our long-time donors, funders and supporters. The work will continue and those who know us, know that the work speaks for itself.

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

I-Jin is the Vice President of Aware.

I-Jin (right) hugs Ching Wi at the end of the EGM

As vice-president, how do you see your new role going forward?

If Dana is the leader of the band, I’m her understudy! Actually, the reality is that we have a very democratic leadership and I don’t see myself as being #2 or being anything other than an equal member of a team of amazing women. Everyone in the exco has the attributes of a good “leader” in her own right and we actively discuss things to arrive at a reasoned consensus – amidst a lot of support and laughter. This is what I love about the old and “real” Aware. We have an ex President and ex Vice-president in our exco and I am learning from them and all members all the time. I’ve not held such a lofty position in Aware before and I hope to grow into the role with as much strength, grace and wisdom as I can muster.

How different will your new role be compared to your previous designation of assistant honorary treasurer?

I’m not signing cheques!

Will the organization be stronger because of the controversy or weaker? Why?

Stronger for our internal review process, new policies in place, focus on work to be done and the benefits that have come with a passionate and energetic new membership. However, in some ways we are weakened in the eyes of the average person by the harmful misrepresentations of a perceived “agenda” by people who appear to have their own – people who find feminism and advancements in sexual politics a threat to the belief structures that they cling to.

What are some the biggest challenges faced by Singapore women today?

How to live a balanced life without having to exploit another sector of women (foreign maids). How to help your kids juggle the pressures of school without taking them on yourself. How to avoid the consumerist trap and feel you have to keep up with the material aspirations of other Singaporeans. Having a positive body-image – everyone is so obsessed with their weight and appearance.

Will Aware make good on the offer of the ousted exco to serve on committees and help the organization?

It’s on a voluntary basis and certainly they can come forward to volunteer in areas of interest. If objectives are in alignment then there is no reason not to but if they are not aligned, I am not sure how they can contribute positively.

What are some of the lessons you’ve learned from the saga? How will it shape your policymaking decisions from hereon in?

I’ve really come to appreciate what we had in Aware when for one month I had to experience a total change in culture and values and level of respect for staff and volunteers. Though I have found a great deal of validation, support and appreciation for Aware’s work amongst some groups, I have also learnt that there is still lack of tolerance and a great deal of misunderstanding about what we do amongst others. Not long ago we wondered whether Singaporeans felt that Aware was irrelevant but it clearly isn’t. We are inspired to engage the public in more debate, discussion and involvement in our research. I have been absolutely inspired by the people who have come forward and now we can actively work on leadership renewal. Among the lessons learnt include much needed amendments to our processes, tapping on the talent and passion of our new members and ensuring that those who join share the same overarching values.

There is also a sizeable groundswell of opinion that some of your policies are out of step of with Singapore’s societal values. What do you say about that? And what are you doing about such perceptions?

Aware adopts the values of trust, respect and choice which we feel are values which are dearly held by our multi-faceted and multi-racial society. However, as an advocacy group, we would necessarily be “out of sync” in that our role is to raise issues and surface “gaps” which the majority do not notice or might neglect…

Related:

• June 18, 2009 -- IS Interview: Dana Lam
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Margaret Thomas
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Farid Hamid
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Hafizah Osman
• June 14, 2009 -- IS Interview: Pamela Poh

Related:

• April 28, 2009 -- Video: One Cause for All Women
• July 7, 2009 -- Video: New AWARE Training Institute Programmes
• July 6, 2009 -- AWARE Presscon: The $90k Question
• July 2, 2009 -- Video: Yvonne Reflects
• June 25, 2009 -- Video: Hafizah Reflects