President Tharman Shanmugaratnam,
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs,
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs,
Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim,
Families for Life Chairman,
Mr Keith Magnus,
and Mrs Magnus,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Introduction
1. Good afternoon. I am delighted to be here with all of you for the Golden Jubilee Wedding Celebrations. My appreciation to our Guest of Honour, Mr President, for gracing this special occasion.
2. Today, we honour our Golden Jubilee couples who have walked together in marriage for 50 years and longer. It fills my heart to see so many couples and families gathered here to share their joy.
3. Congratulations to all of you for reaching this milestone. Please join me in giving each and every couple here a big round of applause. (pause for applause)
CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY OF FIFTY YEARS
4. Fifty years of marriage is an extraordinary accomplishment. It represents a lifelong partnership that requires love, patience and loyalty. Our longest married couple here with us today, Mr Tay Kok Meng and Ms Chua Ah Leng, has celebrated 67 years of unity. Your devotion to one another through life’s joys and challenges is a testament to your unwavering commitment.
5. Marriage extends far beyond the vows exchanged on the wedding day. It is a deliberate decision made every day to support, forgive and cherish our loved ones. Take for example, Mr S Ratnam and Mdm Pushpavali, whose marriage has been guided by a simple rule – to never let disagreements last longer than an hour. This wisdom has carried them through their years of marriage and being the proud parents to two daughters, their blessings in life.
6. For Mr Amin Iskak and Mdm Azizah Ahmad, family time isn’t just precious – it is everything. Their marriage thrives on quiet devotion: supporting each other daily, showing up consistently, and finding joy in ordinary moments. Their story proves that love endures not through grand gestures, but through presence, patience, and devotion.
7. You have shown that when we stand by each other through the ups and downs of life, for both younger and future couples. May your marriages stand as living proof of enduring love, we can build strong marriages and strong families. Let this celebration serve as a beacon inspiring others to hold on to these timeless values, build partnerships that will weather life’s challenges and reach their own golden jubilees.
A COLLECTIVE EFFORT TO CHAMPION STRONG MARRIAGES
8. Strong marriages have always been the bedrock upon which families have flourished. With strong families, we have a more cohesive and resilient nation. While the realities of family life have evolved over the decades, the ingredients for a long-lasting marriage remain unchanged.
9. Couples do not walk this path alone. In Singapore, we believe that strengthening families is a whole-of-society effort. Today’s event is co-organised by the Families for Life (FFL) Council, which champions our national movement for families and together with its partners and volunteers, organises many programmes to build closer family relationships. I would like to thank the FFL Council, as well as all the family and friends, community partners, religious organisations, marriage mentors, Licensed Solemnisers, Kadi and Naib Kadi who have journeyed with couples and supported them. I am especially encouraged by the positive feedback from the marriage mentoring programmes, Journey with You and Bersamamu. Through these programmes, couples gain skills and confidence, and are equipped with practical tools to align expectations and resolve conflict.
10. Last year, MSF announced an increase in the rebates for marriage preparation programmes supported by FFL, including making them free for those who have lower income. Besides making programmes cheaper, we have broadened the range. Apart from traditional formal workshops, there are now also bite-sized talks and interactive activities, catering to the diverse preferences of our couples.
11. I am also heartened to see many partners supporting marriages in their own ways. For example, Sentosa Development Corporation has partnered with FFL to organise date nights. On Cheong Jewellery has also generously sponsored keepsakes over the last three years to help couples mark key milestones. These partnerships reflect a shared belief that supporting marriages is a collective effort.
UNVEILING OF ROM/M’S NEW BUILDING
12. As we celebrate marriages that have stood the test of time, we also look ahead to support the couples who are beginning their journey.
13. Today, I am pleased to share an important milestone for future couples: the redevelopment of the Registries of Civil and Muslim Marriages building at Canning Rise. In a moment’s time, you will have the first look at how the new building will look like.
14. Both Registries had their humble beginnings where they were originally sitting on separate plots of land. In 1983, they were relocated together to 7 Canning Rise. Since then, this building has continuously evolved to serve our couples better and holds deep significance for many Singaporeans.
15. When this redevelopment is completed by 2029, you will see a blend of heritage and modernity. Under the iconic pitched roof façade, couples can look forward to more options to personalise their solemnisation experience and create lasting memories.
16. At the new building, couples will experience a joyful and seamless service experience. Most of the administrative tasks can already be completed online on 'Our Marriage Journey' portal, saving the need to make a physical trip just to verify documents. We have also started offering Saturday solemnisation services at the interim site at the Esplanade Mall since middle of last year. This has been very well received by couples and their loved ones. The redeveloped building will have scenic venues for solemnisations, including a rooftop garden, as well as purpose-built spaces for marriage preparation programmes and relationship strengthening workshops.
17. Our vision is for the ROM and ROMM building to not just be a venue for registration of marriages. It is also the start of a lifetime of shared happiness, and where a strong foundation for marriage and family is created.
CLOSING
18. Once again, I would like to congratulate all our Golden Jubilee couples. You have shown us that lasting love is not just possible, but also worth striving for. May your journey ahead remain filled with love, peace and happiness.
19. Thank you.