SINDA Annual Report 2009
President’s message
Making a difference to the Indian community through education
Dear Friends, 2009 has been another year of change and progress for SINDA. In March 2009, Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs handed over the mantle as President of SINDA’s Executive Committee to me. Mr Shanmugam was appointed President, SINDA in March 2002. Under his able stewardship, partnerships with community organisations were enhanced, our volunteer arm was strengthened and programmes were improved. He also successfully steered SINDA through the 2003 financial
downturn and ensured it remained responsive to the needs of those adversely affected by the crisis. On behalf of all of us, I would like to acknowledge Mr Shanmugam for the leadership that he provided SINDA during his tenure as President. I am also very happy to report that Mr Shanmugam will continue to contribute to SINDA in his capacity as a Life Trustee. Leadership renewal also took place in the office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr S Manogaran, who was seconded from the Ministry of Education (MOE) to SINDA in February
2007, returned to MOE in Dec 2009 after a stint of almost three years. Under Mr Manogaran’s term, SINDA has strengthened its systems and procedures in its pursuit of organisational excellence. He recruited key staff to strengthen the senior management and articulated SINDA’s three strategic thrusts – Maximising Educational Opportunities for All, Nurturing More Enlightened Families and Strengthening Partnerships, Community Engagement and Outreach. He also initiated a strategic review of SINDA which sought to “Rethink,