Aydarus Ahmad Alhabshi
Founder & Chief Mentor, Revamp.sg
Aydarus was born into a family known for their service (khidmah) to the community. He received his early Islamic education under the guidance of his parents: Almarhum Habib Ahmad Bin Muhammad Alhabshi (Caretaker of Maqam Habib Nuh Alhabshi and Imam at Masjid Hj Mohd Salleh @ Geylang) and Almarhumah Ustazah Badriyah Binti Ali Al-Saggaf (Principal of Madrasah Masjid Darul Aman, Principal of Madrasah Masjid An-Nur, Director of Darul Furqan, Member of Majlis Tertinggi PERGAS, Member of the Management Committee of Masjid Kassim, and Member of the Religious Rehabilitation Group - RRG).
Aydarus attended both government academic schools and the full-time Madrasah during his primary school years at Madrasah Al-Khairiah Al-Islamiah on Still Road, under the guidance of the late Ustaz Hussein Makhdom. During his secondary school years, he continued his Islamic Studies at PERGAS which was then based at Playfair School. During this period, he was privileged to learn from esteemed educators such as Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Bin Hassan and Ustaz Tengku Mohamad Fouzy Tengku Mahid Jumat.
Aydarus’s passion for community service was ignited when his mother enlisted him to serve at PERGAS, during a time when it was led by its President, the late Ustaz Syed Abdillah Al-Jufri. He was mentored by the manager at the time, the late Ustaz Zhulkeflee bin Hj Ismail, who became a strong and guiding mentor in his life. Aydarus’s commitment to serving the community deepened further when he became the Manager at Darul Furqan, a weekend religious guidance school founded by his mother, Ustazah Sharifah Badriyah. For nine years (1998–2007), Aydarus managed the school, which provided education to students ranging from 5 to 18 years old.
After the sudden and unexpected passing of his mother in 2007, Aydarus traveled to Dar Al-Mustafa in Tarim, Hadhramaut, Yemen, to continue his studies. The following year, his father also passed away suddenly in Singapore. In 2011, he experienced another profound loss when his wife, Sharifah Aishah Bte Omar Alkaff, passed away at the age of 34 and was laid to rest in Tarim. Aydarus later remarried Noorjahan and was blessed with a daughter, whom he named Aishah in honor of his late wife. He also has a foster son, Muhammad Zaid.
During this reflective period, Aydarus was instructed by his teacher to return to Singapore in 2012. Recognizing 'friendship' as a key agent of change, he decided to use a café as a platform for building connections. With the support of friends and well-wishers, he opened Sarang Café on Bussorah Street, providing a welcoming space to meet new people and engage with youths. It was in this shophouse that Revamp came to life, taking residence on the upper floor. Aydarus began his efforts by holding a small sharing session with a group of new friends, guiding youths in learning the basics of Islam, reciting the Quran, and performing the prayers (solat). Since then, Revamp has continued to host sessions aimed at reconnecting people with Islamic traditions and fostering meaningful relationships.
Passionate about youth development, Aydarus became a trusted 'Abang' to many, offering guidance, support, and friendship.
Since 2013, he has been delivering motivational talks during Revamp's signature session, The Remind Gig, where supper and the Revamp-tea are served, all free of charge. Aydarus has also been invited to conduct workshops and sharing sessions in Brunei, Kuala Lumpur, and at local events hosted by Darul Arqam, the National University of Singapore Muslim Society, Nanyang Technological University (TCT), the Muslim Youth Forum, and more.
In 2014, Aydarus established Relite Events Management, providing alternative Islamic-themed ceremonies and events. In 2017, he was approached to manage the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, where he served until 2021. During this time, he balanced his responsibilities, managing the mosque during the weekdays, running Revamp activities in the evenings, and overseeing Relite’s events on weekends.
In 2022, Aydarus decided to dedicate himself full-time to his role as an “Abang.” In 2023, Aydarus shifted his focus to the children of the youth he had reached out to during the café years, as well as those whose weddings he had managed—many of whom now had children aged 5 to 7. Inspired by his own journey and a desire to positively impact the next generation, he launched Bend the Bamboo, an enrichment program focused on children's moral development. The program emphasizes character-building, nurturing young minds and hearts in a wholesome, supportive environment.
Revamp has since grown into a strengthening community, hosting monthly events that bring people together for spiritual and personal enrichment. The Recharge Mawlid takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 8:30pm to 11:00pm, where children recite the Mawlid, sing Qasidah, play percussion, and share stories about the life and virtues of Prophet Muhammad - may peace and blessings be upon him. The Night of Remembrance is held on the last Thursday of the month from 7:00pm to 10:00pm, offering a time for reflection and spiritual growth, with the recitation of Yasin and Kahfi. The Remind Gig, taking place on the last Saturday of the month from 8:30pm to 11:00pm, is designed for youths and the young at heart. It offers life hacks, reminders, and musical performances by the in-house band, welcoming those who may not yet be ready for the other gatherings.
All of these events are open to the public, free of charge, and include supper along with the signature Revamp Tea, served on the house!
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