Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com, recently engaged in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim, Nominated Member of Parliament, Singapore & Head of the Public Safety & Security Programme. The discussion delved into Dr. Rahim’s impactful work in public safety, her leadership in security initiatives, and her inspiring contributions as a policymaker.
Opening and Personal Journey
Dr Shabana Parvez: Can you share your journey from being a social worker to becoming an Associate Professor and Nominated Member of Parliament?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: The journey was not planned. It was more like accepting what was decreed onto me and ensuring that I took whatever path that was offered to me and walked the path with determination and hope. I was trained in law and when I moved to Singapore I was given this opportunity to work in a children home and that experience shaped my worldview and subsequently the desire to be in the social service sector. The children in care suffered because their parents were not socially responsible and some of them ended up in prison. This pushed me to upgrade myself with knowledge that would help break the cycle of crime and that subsequently led to my PhD in restorative justice, getting a job at the university and finally being nominated by the university to serve as a Nominate Member of Parliament.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What motivated you to specialize in areas like business ethics, restorative justice, and public safety?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: My past work experiences and my father who inspired me to work hard, be ethical in all my dealings. He was a business man, successful and yet humble and kind.
Dr Shabana Parvez: How do you balance your multiple roles as an academic, policymaker, and advocate while also managing your personal life?
I enjoy the different tasks and responsibilities and that makes it easier to juggle the various roles. I try to rest and spend time with my family. My husband especially is a big supporter and he motivates me to keep doing well.
Academic and Research Contributions
Dr Shabana Parvez: As the Head of the Public Safety and Security Programme at SUSS, what do you consider your most impactful work to date?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: Guiding students to embrace the concept of public safety and security. Teaching them critical core skills and ensuring that they become what I would call ‘future ready graduates’ with a heart to work with the general public in ensuring public safety.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your research covers diverse topics, including criminogenic behavior and restorative justice. What findings have been most transformative in shaping your perspective?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: My PhD research study provided me with a greater insight into the value of ethics in ensuring profitability in a business environment. My social services related research studies always make me wonder about the resilience of individuals, especially those from underprivileged background.
Dr Shabana Parvez: How do you see restorative justice influencing the broader criminal justice system in Singapore and globally?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: There is a greater movement towards supporting both perpetrators and victims. From that perspective restorative justice is getting popular. The underlying principle of
Community and Advocacy
Dr Shabana Parvez: As President II of PPIS, how do you address the unique challenges faced by Muslim women in Singapore?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: I believe women in general face similar issues globally. In the context of PPIS, we work towards delivering our services in a culturally appropriate client centric manner. As a social worker and an educator, I am able to provide insights on the trends and challenges with our community and suggest ways to further strengthen our programme delivery.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Can you elaborate on your role as an Advisory Member to the Singapore Youth Court and the impact of your guidance on youth rehabilitation?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: I provided my perspective on the recommendations to place an individual on probation or on child protection order. This was a role of a check and balance and to ensure that the recommendations are always in the best interest of the child.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What key lessons have you learned from your work with the Ministry of Family and Social Development that inform your current advocacy efforts?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: Too many lessons. I learnt about relationships and how people survive in terrible situations, how they can overcome adversity with hope and faith. Those in conflict with the law are not just probationers but people with stories, and their traumatic experiences taught many valuable lessons on how to live, to be kind and be open to accepting the course of life without trying to control the direction.
Leadership and Ethical Behaviour
Dr Shabana Parvez: As a leading expert in leadership and ethical behavior, what principles do you prioritize in your work and advocacy?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: I have four R that works towards developing relationships – respect, responsibility, reintegration and restitution. I believe that if I focus on relationships at work, the work will take care of itself. However, to do so, I must first display responsible behaviour, attitude and positive outcomes.
I have four R that works towards developing relationships – respect, responsibility, reintegration and restitution.
Dr Shabana Parvez: How do you think businesses and social services can better integrate ethical practices to create a more just society?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: Focus on outcomes and impact. If business wants to make profit, they should consider how to generate continuous profit by ensuring no harm done to their clients, through their products, services.
Policy and Future Goals
Dr Shabana Parvez: What are your priorities as a Nominated Member of Parliament in driving policy changes related to public safety and family protection?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: I have three focus areas – children, women and education. I have been discussing ways to support children in their development, to consider the impact of digitalisation on their wellbeing. For women, there is a need to focus on men and develop male allies. And for education, to promote lifelong learning.
“I have three focus areas – children, women and education.”
Dr Shabana Parvez: Given your extensive background, how do you envision the future of Singapore’s social services and justice systems?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: We are moving in the right direction. We have to keep our social fabric intact, focus on families and continuously support the development of relationships.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you are particularly excited about that align with your vision for public safety and justice?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: I am working on assessing the impact of my programme on the graduates and their services to the general public.
Personal Insights
Dr Shabana Parvez: How do your personal interests in trekking, cooking, and traveling influence your approach to leadership and problem-solving?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: There is always a solution to any problems, just have to keep working on it. Just like trekking, we need to keep walking to reach the summit.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What advice would you give to young professionals aiming to make a difference in social justice or public safety fields?
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: Keep your intention and your focus aligned in the right direction and never give up. Change takes time but be persistent and you will eventually see the outcome.
Closing
Dr Shabana Parvez: Finally, what is one message or lesson you would like to leave for our readers and listeners today? Life is good!
Dr. Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: And the mountain is there, unchanging and immovable. It’s up to you to rise to the challenge, to keep climbing, no matter how steep the path may be.
