In partnership with Khalid Mosque and One Mosque Sector, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), successfully hosted the President’s Challenge Charity Biryani 2025 (SG60 Edition) on Sunday, 28th September 2025.

This meaningful community event brought back the long-standing tradition of “biryani diplomacy,” first pioneered by Masjid Khalid, to raise funds and rally support for the President’s Challenge 2025.

A Legacy of Giving and Unity

The President’s Challenge supports 60 programmes across 52 organisations, providing sustained support to uplift the aspirations and abilities of individuals facing greater challenges, while nurturing potential in areas such as arts and sports. Since the inception of the RLA Mosque Committee in 2005 (now known as RLAF), the President’s Challenge Charity Biryani, has been an annual signature initiative. This year’s event aims to raise $150,000 for organisations under the President’s Challenge and Mawar Community Services (MCS), with a focus on supporting Persons with Disabilities, families of the incarcerated, and youth-at-risk. This charity biryani will be part of the overall President’s
Challenge 2025 fundraising collection which includes the mosques collections and online donations.

The event honoured the legacy of the late Hj Allaudin Mohamed, a respected community and grassroots leader who established Masjid Khalid’s “biryani diplomacy” as an annual tradition. After being suspended in 2020 due to Covid-19, RLAF revived the initiative this year to rally the community and continue the spirit of gotong royong.

Up to twelve (12) pots of biryani were prepared at MCS, a beneficiary with historical connections to Masjid Khalid. At least 2,800 biryani packs were expected to be sold for the Charity Biryani, with all coupons already taken up by the community.

Guest-of-Honour and Event Highlights

President of Singapore, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, served as Guest-of- Honour and participated in the ceremonial preparation by adding the “final touches” of spreading spices and stirring the biryani before serving. The President was joined by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, along with MUIS Senior Management, grassroots representatives, sponsors, and beneficiaries.

The programme included a luncheon where donors were seated with the President, his spouse, the Acting Minister, and other distinguished guests. The event concluded with a flag-off ceremony and the distribution of 1000 biryani packs to low-income households and homes across Singapore as part of the total biryani packs sold.

Supporting Beneficiaries Across Singapore

The funds raised will support President’s Challenge beneficiaries, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), vulnerable families, and social service organisations. District mosques also contributed by sponsoring additional biryani pots for direct distribution to low-income households.

“This event is more than just about fundraising,” said Mr Adnan A. Hamid, CEO of RLAF. “It is about honouring a legacy of togetherness, rallying our community in compassion, and extending blessings to all, regardless of background. The Charity Biryani embodies the spirit of gotong royong and unity in giving.”

The successful return of the President’s Challenge Charity Biryani 2025 re-established an important community tradition whilst contributing meaningfully to Singapore’s charitable landscape.