FY 2007/8 paved an encouraging and progressive journey for Metta. Much as we struck the right notes with our robust achievements across the board, the year delivered its challenges whilst spelling uncertainties ahead.

Global and Local Outlooks
Signs of a weakening global economy and increasing inflation coalesced into a major backdrop, which further underscored the importance of financial prudence. The world was also aggrieved by the colossal carnage and damage afflicted by natural catastrophes in Myanmar and China.

Meanwhile, the global financial woes also highlight and aggravate the problems of the under privileged amongst us. On the whole, Singaporeans have responded nimbly and generously on the compassionate front, as relief, donations and measures to support the less fortunate pour in from all walks of life.

Our Results
Most gratifyingly, such selfless giving is not restricted to cross-border aid, as positive signals attesting to the saying: “Charity begins at home” still echo loud and clear in our own backyard. And it is this reason that Metta’s humanitarian legacy - firmly anchored by partners across the public, private and people sectors - continues to ignite
community passion and ownership. I am happy to say that Metta has achieved a modest surplus this year - our first in the last three years.

Supporting Partners
Our ability to treble our partners’ philanthropic might through our entrenched community presence, high quality of work and wide spectrum of services touching varied segments of the needy population, has burrowed ourselves into the hearts and minds of the people whom we serve and team up with; counting among them renowned corporations like the Singapore Totalisator Board, Singapore Pools (Private) Limited, Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd, Hewlett-Packard, StarHub, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Raffles Country Club and many others, whose esteemed support has been truly uplifting.

Contributing more actively than before, many of our partners go above and beyond financial aid to donate time, energy and ideas to add value to our strategic imperatives and expand our capacity, so we in turn, can better serve the community. Impressive and measurable, the results are narrated in the following pages through inspiring accounts of involvement.

Community Involvement
Faring equally well are our centres whose resilient bonds with their respective grassroots organisations and heartland neighbours have won them immense support and goodwill. For example, community events like the Metta Charity Walk cum Family Carnival and Medical Care Blood Donation Drive have cemented our collaborative bonds with the Changi Simei Community Club, whereas our training role in the Tampines Changkat ComCare Silver Connect Programme has equipped its befrienders with basic eldercare and communication skills that help them reach out to lonely elders.

Silver Services
Meanwhile, the challenges and opportunities associated with the silver generation of tomorrow - a population who will be better educated and possess higher expectations and demands - culminate into a trend we must not ignore. To effectively address their varying health, functional and social needs, we shall diversify and reinforce our present framework of services to extend more wellness and caregiving options.

Corporate Governance
Although uncertainty looms in the coming year, we have built a strong ballast with sound corporate governance, prudent financial management and long-term alliances with our partners, board members, beneficiaries and staff. New sub-committees including Investment, Human Resource and Appointments have been formed. In addition, this year’s financial report has adopted the Recommended Accounting Practice 6 (RAP 6) format for better clarity and accountability.

I am happy to report that the recent governance and financial audit by KPMG, on behalf of NCSS, went well. In December 2007, we completed the first ISO surveillance audit, following our ISO 9001:2000 certification in 2006. Reaffirming our quality management system were results indicative of our high compliance with internal control policies and procedures, as well as the successful implementation of performance monitoring processes.

From the Heart
A lot has been done, yet more lies ahead. There is still much more we can do together to advance our shared mission of supporting our communities. As I express my utmost gratitude to all of you, I sincerely invite you to continue the journey in celebrating the power of loving kindness and in finding new ways to inspire and be inspired by the spirit of giving, right here in Metta.

Venerable Shi Fa Zhao
President of Metta Welfare Association