[Hosting the former Economic Minister of Qatar]
My old friend, the former Economic Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohamed, is in Singapore on a private visit. I persuaded him to join me at a seminar to promote inter-faith peace and harmony at Jamiyah this morning. Haji Abu Bakar Maidin, the resident of Jamiyah, is a remarkable man. Over the years, by action more than by words, he has established close links with non-Muslim individuals and groups, many of whom have become regular supporters of Jamiyah's good work. Sheikh Mohamad spoke from his heart without a script, speaking as a Muslim to fellow Muslims.

In the late afternoon, I brought him on a short tour of SMU. Ephraim and Melvin got two student to play host, one was the President of the SMU Students' Association, Timothy and the other was Jonathan, a friend of Ephraim. Both Sheikh Mohamad and I commented with some envy that the students today are so fortunate to have all these facilities. We visited the radio station, Explor Centre, the gym and Edmund@SMU where the owner Edmund Ng, an alumnus, invited us to sample his chempedak/durian/apple crumbles, chocolate brownies and cheese cake. They were delicious. I was inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit and wished him good luck and continuing success.



We then walked over to McDonald House to take the NE Line to Hougang. Despite it being peak hour, the train was not too crowded. I wanted Sheikh Mohamad to see how Singaporeans live and brought him to the corner apartment of our illustrious water colour artist, Ong Kim Seng, near the Punggol Community Club. I have known Kim Seng since MITA days. He was happy to oblige when I asked him if he would open his home to our foreign guest. His wife, son and daughter were all there to greet us. Even prepared little delicacies which Kim Seng in his earthy way described as 'pretending to be ang mo'. It was always a pleasure to see his paintings of scenes from China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bali and Pulau Ubin. He also showed us one he did of the romantic coastal village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera. Coincidentally, Sheikh Mohamad's wife had always wanted to visit it. He took a shot of it with his handphone to show to his wife back home.

Curiously, we see and understand ourselves better when we show foreign visitors around.