President S R Nathan today launched a coffee table book titled Harmony of Minds – Celebrating Interfaith in Singapore. The book, the brainchild of the Photographic Society of Singapore (PSS), contains pictures accompanied by 100 religious sayings – the first coffee table book of its kind. The sayings are from the 10 major faiths in Singapore but the book is intended to promote universal values. The National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony worked closely with the PSS on this project. Proceeds from the sale of this book will go towards President’s Challenge 2007. 3,000 copies of the book will be printed.

2          Harmony of Minds – Celebrating Interfaith in Singapore includes short write-ups and forewords by President S R Nathan, who is the Guest-of-Honour for the event, Mah Bow Tan, who is the advisor to this project and Mr David Tay, President of PSS. In his speech, Mr Mah believed that this book would touch the hearts of Singaporeans of all faiths, as we respect the teachings of our diverse religions. Mr Mah himself is one of the contributing photographers for the book. Other notable contributors include former MP Yatiman Yusof and PSS Honorary Chairman Kwek Leng Joo. Special editions of the book were autographed by President Nathan and presented to 10 sponsors, who had donated $10,000 each for them.

3          The launch was accompanied by a photo exhibition at the HDB Hub Mall, which showcased all pictures and text from the book. This exhibition will continue till 14 August, after which, it will travel to the five CDC districts. Its first stop is the North West District, at the Woodland Regional Library from 1 to 17 September.  Details of exhibitions at the other CDCs will be released later. The book will be sold in major bookshops after the launch, retailing at $50.

PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE 2007 STEERING COMMITTEE
c/o MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS

2 AUGUST 2007