Dear Friends of the MND Family,

It has been 2 years since the formalisation of our MND Family Volunteer and Alumni Network, though many of our volunteers and partners have worked alongside us for much longer than that. I have had the chance to meet many of you and I am always inspired by your passion and dedication. You spend time and effort supporting various areas of our work. You share views and perspectives from your communities. And you contribute ideas that help us achieve better outcomes as a society.

For example, Dr Jaipal of the SPCA, together with many other animal welfare groups, is working with us on various initiatives to advance animal welfare in Singapore. Mdm Jumiah from Tampines is a retiree who enriches her heartland community by leading qigong lessons for other elderly in her neighbourhood. Both are featured in this issue. In their own ways, Dr Jaipal and Mdm Jumiah, are making a real difference in their communities and for Singapore.

I am heartened that our youth are actively seeking ways to get involved and contribute. Students from Singapore Polytechnic collaborated with URA on a social media campaign to promote a car-lite society. Republic Polytechnic students are collaborating with BCA and industry professionals to help schools become more energy-efficient. And young animators from ITE College Central, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and Temasek Polytechnic created animated videos to promote inclusivity through Universal Design. 

I am also encouraged to see greater collaboration across the public, private and people sectors. Whether as youth, retirees, academics, industry professionals, or members of NGOs, there are many opportunities for us to collaborate and achieve our shared goals. I look forward to continue working together with you on meaningful projects and partnerships to help make Singapore a better home for all.

Yours sincerely,


Desmond Lee
Minister for Social and Family Development
and Second Minister for National Development
Chairman of the MND Family Volunteer and Alumni Network