Jamiyah Singapore organized the Exemplary Mother Awards 2008 at Raffles Convention Centre recently. The Exemplary Mother competition was started in 1993 to recognize and honor the unparalleled services and sacrifices mothers make towards nurturing children, the future of society. Singapore's Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, the guest of honor, had strong words of support and encouragement for mothers. “Motherhood is one specific and unique gift that only women possess – the ability to nurture new life through its tender years,” he said. Hean called stable families as “the best environment for raising children.” “Strong families are the nurseries where children who are brought up well learn social discipline, know how to love and share with others, and are motivated to do well not only for themselves but also for (the) community,” he added. Abu Bakar Mohyeddin, President of Jamiyah Singapore, said during his speech, “Mothers are the fountainhead of unconditional love and affection. The sense of peace and security that we have experienced in the presence of our mothers is precious and genuine.” “They teach us the basics of peace and the sweetness of harmony. Occasions like this reaffirm our gratitude in this regard,” Mohyeddin added. __
