2
Message from Chairman
2
020 has the entire world in
In AMP, we rolled out the Temporary
turmoil. The COVID-19
Assistance Package 2.0, which was first
pandemic is, beyond a doubt,
introduced in 2009 during an economic
the biggest and most perplexing
recession. The package, or TAP 2.0,
challenge we have ever faced in recent
offers assistance to families of workers
years, not just in Singapore, but across
who have been adversely affected by
the globe. It has affected almost every
the COVID-19 pandemic for a period of
aspect of our life from our work, to
one year until their household financial
social relationships, and even our
situation stabilises. For those who are
mental health. Almost the whole world
unable to achieve stability after a year,
was in some form of lockdown when the
they will be enrolled into our Adopt a
virus first started to peak – businesses
Family & Youth Scheme. We have set
were closed, a significant proportion of
aside $100,000 to serve the 400
the world’s workforce was asked to work
beneficiaries who are currently under
from home, movements were limited,
TAP 2.0 as well as others who may
and social visits became prohibited. It
discover that they now need help for
was a struggle for many. However, in the
the family as the economic impact of
dreariness of it, we also saw stories of
the pandemic becomes more apparent.
compassion, hope and giving. Amidst the pandemic, we also found Many in Singapore, as was the case for
the opportunity to expand our scope
the rest of the world, were affected by
of partnership with the Singapore
the pandemic economically – some lost
Malay Chamber of Commerce &
jobs while others received big pay cuts.
Industry (SMCCI) to enhance our Micro
The economy was spiraling and many
Business Programme. During the
began to feel the effects. Support
Circuit Breaker period, when the
packages were introduced by the
Housing & Development Board (HDB)
government, and Singaporeans too
announced that home-based
started to rally together to find ways to
businesses (HBBs) that didn’t meet
help others in need. Some started
certain criteria were not allowed to
sewing masks when it became difficult
operate, the ensuing uproar showed
to find masks in the shops, some
how much the Malay/Muslim
promoted home-based businesses on
community relied on their HBBs as a
social media, while others raised funds
source of income for their family. This
to help those in need.
also highlighted the need to enhance
