Orthopaedic surgeon and family man Hamid Rahmatullah bin Abd Razak, 33, considers himself a fortunate person who has much to give back. The proud father of two children received the Singapore Youth Award last year for making an impact and difference with his multiple volunteering efforts. A founding member of youth organisation Indian Muslim Professionals, otherwise known as IM.PROF, Hamid hopes to address the needs and aspirations of Indian Muslims in Singapore.
Photo: Dr Hamid Rahmatullah
Dr Hamid taking questions from the floor during one of IM.PROF's panel discussions
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You’re a founding member of IM.PROF. What is it and what purpose does it serve?
What were some challenges you faced while setting up IM.PROF and how did you overcome them?
H: It took much thought before a few of us made the collective decision to formalise IM.PROF as a registered society. What brought us together was a desire to foster a common identity and to improve the position of Indian Muslims, especially the youth in Singapore. We believe in meritocracy and feel that it is our social responsibility to motivate others to succeed.
H: We started off as an informal gathering of a few like-minded individuals. Some of us realised that to move forward and to be taken seriously, we had to become a formal organisation. This would enable us to align our goals and foster meaningful partnerships to meet them. Convincing ourselves that we could do this was the first hurdle! Of course, we encountered all the administrative and logistical challenges that a new entity would face. Now, we need to keep believing in our mission. If we hold on to this, no challenge will be insurmountable.
IM.PROF aspires to be relevant to all youth. In particular, we want to address the needs of younger Indian Muslims and give them a boost in their career, education and entrepreneuerial aspirations. We do this through events and activities that encourage youth to network and gain insight from practicing professionals from all walks of life. IM.PROF aims to reach out and empower all youth regardless of their ethnicity, gender or religion. We will work with the Indian Muslim community as a start. Was there a particular inspiration or point in your life that led you to found IM.PROF? H: There was no particular point, but a combination of factors that ignited an interest in volunteering and giving back. I grew up in a closely-knit family, with two younger sisters and a large extended family living in the same Queenstown neighbourhood. My parents understood the value of education as they grew up in circumstances where it was not a priority. They had to give up their aspirations to start earning a living early on to support their families. When I was little, much time and energy were spent on my siblings and I, to ensure that we were well-prepared for lessons and key examinations. As a child, I also saw how people around me might struggle to make ends meet. With this, I’m well aware that youth need a push if they find themselves in similar circumstances. This is where I think IM.PROF can lend a hand. Many of my ideals and values in life were shaped by my late grandfather, Mr Haja Maideen s/o Syed. He was a very well-liked man in the small Indian Muslim community and often went out of his way to help those in need. I remember many of our conversations, where he would emphasise the importance of compassion, kindness, and to be frugal. These are values that I have stuck with till today.
You are an enthusiastic volunteer in many areas. Could you tell us what you do? H: I first began volunteering at the grassroots and I realised that I enjoyed connecting with people. I derived great satisfaction by lending them a listening ear, and even more so when I could help them. While I was training to be a doctor, I learnt much from my community work and expanded the scope of my work by collaborating with mosques, non-governmental organisations and the medical fraternity. I also volunteer with HealthServe, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing healing and hope to migrant workers. I believe there is still much work to be done in the area of migrant worker health. Along my journey, I have taken on mentees whom I guide in their education and career. It is always heartwarming to see them do well. What would you say to fellow youth who are keen to be volunteers but find it hard to make it a regular practice? H: All of us can play a part in community and nation building and shape the world that our children will live in. Even if you are not keen on volunteering, be firm in what you believe in and support those who are prepared to toil to further meaningful causes. But it’s definitely difficult to do everything! How do you find time to give back to the community while holding down a tight work schedule as a doctor with family life to boot? H: It has never been easy to juggle. Now I know that it is crucial not to neglect myself. I make a concerted effort to look after my mind and body, for without