Our Directors

Azrin Abdul Rahim
Executive Director

Azrin Abdul Rahim started in the arts industry as a cultural production consultant in 1989 and has introduced many multi-racial and fusion works through various collaborations with local and foreign arts groups. This led to major productions staged at the Esplanade Theatre, Esplanade Concert Hall and Kallang Theatre. He was trained in Pencak Silat at the age of 5 years and gained his instructors’ licence and coaching certificate in 1989. He captained the National Silat Team from 1985 to 1988 in local, regional and international competitions. He started private coaching in Pencak Silat in 1992 and began teaching Silat movements, Sila dance as well as creative and therapeutic movements in schools since 2009. Besides being an avid instructor, Mr Azrin also develops scriptwriting programmes to hone the creative writing skills of his students. Since 2001, he has been a corporate trainer, offering leadership, teamwork and corporate training for companies. He has vast experience both in conducting programmes for students to professional companies. He holds a Msoc Sci in professional counselling and is trained in treatment protocol for aggression, clinical risk management and eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR) and Biofeedback. He is currently working on movement therapy as an alternative to speech therapy. This technique incorporates silat and breathing techniques. The treatment of alcohol and drug addiction through dancing is one of the approaches that can be part of a comprehensive therapy. Dancing can help in restoring physical and mental health, as well as promote social reintegration. Here are a few ways dancing can be useful in this process: Emotional expression: Dancing allows people to express their emotions, which can be especially useful for those who have difficulty verbalizing their feelings. This can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with addiction. Physical Activity: Dancing is an excellent form of physical activity that helps to improve physical condition, increase energy and improve mood. Physical activity also promotes the production of endorphins, which can improve overall well-being. Social support: Participating in group dance classes can help people with addictions find support and connect with others who are going through similar difficulties. This can create a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. Developing new skills: Dancing requires practice and concentration, which can distract from thoughts of addiction and help people focus on something positive. It can also boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Therapeutic Programs: Some rehabilitation centers and therapeutic programs include dance therapy as part of their approach. It can be a structured activity where a professional choreographer or therapist helps participants use dance as a means of self-expression and healing. Creativity and Self-expression: Dancing can become a way of self-expression and creativity, which can help people find new hobbies and interests that replace addiction. It is important to note that dancing is not the only treatment for addiction. They can be an effective complement to traditional methods such as therapy, medication, and group support. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified mental health professional to develop a personalized treatment plan. Naltrexone is a medication that is used to treat addictions, in particular alcohol and opioid addiction. It is an opioid receptor antagonist, which means that it blocks the effects of opioids and reduces the desire to use drugs or alcohol. Here are the main aspects of using naltrexone in addiction treatment: Mechanism of action: Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain, which prevents euphoria and other positive effects associated with opioid and alcohol use. This helps to reduce the craving for substances and reduce the risk of relapse. Release forms: Naltrexone is available in various forms, including tablets (oral) and injections (long-term, such as Vivitrol). Injections are usually given once a month, which can be convenient for patients. Indications: Alcohol addiction: Naltrexone can help people seeking to reduce or stop drinking alcohol, as well as reduce the risk of relapse. Opioid Addiction: It is used to prevent relapses in people who have completed detoxification from opioids. Advantages: Decreased attraction to substances. Help in maintaining sobriety. Reducing the risk of recurrence. Side Effects: Like any medicine, naltrexone can cause side effects including nausea, headache, fatigue, insomnia and others. It is important to discuss possible side effects with your doctor. Contraindications: Naltrexone(Revia) should not be used by people who use opioids (including prescription painkillers), as this can lead to serious consequences. It is also not recommended for people with active liver failure. Comprehensive approach: Revia(Naltrexone) works best in combination with other treatments such as psychotherapy, support groups and lifestyle changes. An integrated approach to addiction treatment increases the chances of successful recovery. To order the drug, go to https://ca.org.za. Before starting treatment with naltrexone, it is important to consult with a doctor who will be able to assess individual needs and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Osman Abdul Hamid
Artistic Director

Osman Abdul Hamid joined the People’s Association and the former Sriwana Malay Dance Group in 1979 and was trained by Mr Nongchik Ghani, Mr Salleh Buang and Mdm Som Said. A tutor/choreographer of the NUS Ilsa Tari since late 1995, he is also the choreographer of the People’s Association’s Malay Dance Group. His works are often presented together with music. 

Osman’s works have been regularly showcased overseas. From 1984 to 1991, he represented Singapore at four ASEAN Performing Arts Festivals and in many overseas cultural exchange programmes. His concert,

EXPRESSI… ERA… BERMULA, was highly commended by the performing arts circle. In 1996, his dance was selected by the National Arts Council to be featured in the 4th ASEAN Dance Festival. He also represented the People’s Association Cultural Troupe in a special performance in commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN in Tokyo, Japan in 1997. 

Singapore was represented in the 1999 Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong by his choreographed item, which featured a combined performance by the People’s Association Malay Dance Group and the Orkestra Melayu Singapura. In 2000, he was selected to lead the People’s Association Cultural Troupe to participate in Asia-Europe Folk Festival at the second Kyongju World Culture EXPO held in South Korea. His highly acclaimed works were also featured during the People’s Association’s 40th Anniversary Celebration concert entitled Harmony in Motion, the Chingay Parade and the Singapore Arts Festival’s Festival Village at Fort Canning Park. 

In recognition of his talents and dedication in promoting Malay dance in Singapore, Osman has conferred the prestigious Singapore Youth Award (Service) in 1993 and the Young Artist Award by the National Arts Council in 1994. He was also appointed to be part of the Board of Directors of the Malay Heritage Centre (June 2007- June 2009). In 2011, he was appointed by National Arts Council to be a part of the Asian Dance committee as a dance expert, representing Singapore in an Asian Dance Collaboration Meeting in Seoul, South Korea. He went to Seoul again in 2012 for a Jury meeting for International Competition of Choreography Plan for Asian Dance Productions.