Mr Azman bin Kassim has a “secret talent” that comes in very useful in a school environment that is largely Chinese. He can play the kompang, a Malay drum, knows how to participate in the dikir barat, a Malay group performance, and can make ketupat, a traditional rice dumpling. Sharing these talents with his largely Chinese students allows him to open for them doors to an essential part of Singapore's multi-racial culture. Those activities are supplemented through assembly talks on the basics of Islamic culture, such as the Islamic calendar, and guest lectures by MUIS officials on subjects such as halal food. The response has been heartening, he says. Like young people anywhere, his Singaporean students take an interest in tangible activities and interactive sessions more than they respond to abstract lectures. In this way, the CEP message of bonding and trust gets spread naturally. Helping to create an atmosphere of real understanding gives him great satisfaction as a teacher.

The same attempt to create understanding is apparent in his work as IRCC chairman. “Attending courses, seminars and talks in the CEED Programme helped me understand more seriously how to engage the community effectively and diplomatically to promote racial harmony as part of our culture in Singapore”, he says. Personally, his involvement in the programme helped him build networks of trust with various community leaders, all of whom shared his stake and interest in creating a culture of peace, harmony and happiness regardless of race and religion, he adds, recalling the message of the Singapore Pledge.

Mr Azman's work at Masjid Al-Huda is part of that broader attempt to unite Singaporeans. He is particularly proud that the mosque and Farrer/Holland Neighbourhood Committee organized joint Lantern Festival and Hari Raya celebrations in October 2010. The sight of a Lantern Festival gathering held on mosque premises impressed on those who attended the event the spirit of openness and friendship that is an integral part of Islam.