The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with two non-governmental organisations, Mercy Relief (MR) and Singapore Red Cross (SRC), on 8 May 2019 at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
Mr Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health, witnessed the MOI signing, which marked the renewal of SCDF’s existing partnership with MR and SRC.
With the signing of the MOI, it will allow SCDF and its partners to provide opportunities for the Civil Defence (CD) Lionhearters to be involved in humanitarian relief work overseas. It will also enable the SCDF to achieve its objective of providing opportunities for Singapore youths to contribute to post-disaster relief efforts both locally and internationally.
The MOI will allow experienced SCDF officers from the Operations Lionheart contingent to facilitate training of MR and SRC volunteers in emergency preparedness knowledge and lifesaving skills through its Community Emergency Preparedness Programme (CEPP). This will prepare both MR and SRC volunteers for deployment to overseas relief missions.
In addition, the MOI with SRC will also enable SCDF to conduct training on civil defence related module(s) for the Singapore Red Cross’ range of humanitarian courses.
The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with Mercy Relief (MR) and Singapore Red Cross
“We are very excited to formalise and deepen our partnership with SCDF. The signing of this MOI marks an important step towards a long-term strategic collaboration between the two organisations known for their regional disaster relief operations. It also gives us an opportunity to synergise our expertise to groom the next generation of humanitarians through Mercy Overseas Volunteer Expeditions (MOVE). We look forward to another successful chapter with SCDF.”
Mr Masahiro Ishizeki, Head, International Programmes, Mercy Relief Limited
"As we join hands to enhance community resilience, we will be engaging even more youth - Red Cross Youth and Civil Defence Lionhearters alike - in emergency preparedness, and empower them to helm humanitarian efforts in and beyond Singapore. With their zest for life, our youth are a powerful catalyst to break down barriers and bring about greater community involvement. This partnership has the potential of inspiring a generation of socially-conscious and resilient young persons. And that's synergistic with the vision of Singapore Red Cross to nurture humanitarians of tomorrow."
Mr Sahari Bin Ani, Senior Director, Red Cross Youth, Singapore Red Cross
“I am honoured to witness the signing ceremonies between SCDF and Mercy Relief (MR) as well as between SCDF and Singapore Red Cross (SRC). These non-governmental organisations have led the way in humanitarian work that creates a positive impact locally and abroad. Civil Defence (CD) Lionhearters are a part of SCDF’s youth volunteers who are trained in lifesaving skills and could serve the local community and beyond. By tapping on MR’s and SRC’s expertise and networks, CD Lionhearters will be able to gain more exposure and acquire new experiences that harness both their hard skills and soft skills. These youth volunteers are crucial to inspire and motivate their peers as well as the next generation towards volunteerism and community first response.”
Mr Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Health