PSSA 2009 - Individual Category Award Winner

Ms Fatimah Azimullah

The Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura (PPIS) seeks to empower Malay/Muslim women with leadership skills, knowledge and support to make a positive impact on society.  After more than 30 years at the Association, Ms Fatimah Azimullah is still very active and continues to contribute to the only Malay/Muslim women’s organisation in Singapore.  She joined PPIS in 1971 as its Honorary Secretary, and became the Association’s President from 1975 to 1977, and again from 1986 to 2008.  Ms Fatimah is now serving on the Association’s board as its immediate past president. 

Under her stewardship, PPIS grew steadily from a single centre in 1982 to a total of 11 centres in 2008, dealing with issues concerning families, women and children.  The Association currently serves about 20,000 beneficiaries annually.

In 1988, PPIS became and remains the first Malay/Muslim organisation to start a specialised centre to address the needs of single parents, with the launch of the As Salaam Family Support Centre, which provides services such as counselling and financial assistance.  The Centre provides services such as counselling and financial assistance for about 6,000 single-parent families and children annually.  Two student care centres were also subsequently set up, as Ms Fatimah saw the need for alternative childcare arrangements when parents are at work. 

Ms Fatimah also took the lead in many of the Association’s activities and worked alongside the staff.  Back in the 1960’s, Ms Fatimah would roll up her sleeves and join the volunteers to buy groceries, cook and prepare meals for the orphans and the needy.  She also mobilised her family during PPIS Flag Days.  Besides that, Ms Fatimah would make her way around Geylang Serai market to cajole members of the public to donate. 

Her involvement in the community goes beyond PPIS.  As Chairman of the PPIS School Management Committee, Ms Fatimah led PPIS in providing consultancy services to mosques that required help in setting up pre-schools.  She also sat on the board of various committees such as the Com-Care Supervisory Committee and the Mendaki Board of Directors.  In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Ms Fatimah was conferred the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (The Public Service Medal).

Other PSSA 2009 winners: