Aydarus Ahmad Alhabshi
Founder & Chief Mentor, Revamp.sg
Aydarus was born into a family known for its longstanding 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 Haji Mohd Salleh @ Geylang, and Almarhumah Ustazah Badriyah Binti Ali Al-Saggaf, who served in numerous educational and community leadership roles, including as Principal of Madrasah Masjid Darul Aman and 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 schools and 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, then based at Playfair School, where he had the privilege of learning from esteemed educators such as Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Bin Hassan and Ustaz Tengku Mohamad Fouzy Tengku Mahid Jumat.
His passion for community service was first ignited when his mother enlisted him to serve at PERGAS during the leadership of its then President, the late Ustaz Syed Abdillah Al-Jufri. He was mentored there by the late Ustaz Zhulkeflee bin Hj Ismail, who became a strong and guiding influence in his life. This commitment to service deepened further when Aydarus went on to manage Darul Furqan, a weekend religious guidance school founded by his mother, Ustazah Sharifah Badriyah. For nine years, from 1998 to 2007, he oversaw the school’s operations, serving children and youths between the ages of 5 and 18.
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. In time, Aydarus married Noorjahan and was blessed with a daughter, whom he named Aishah in loving remembrance of his late wife. He also has a foster son, Muhammad Zaid.
During this reflective period, Aydarus was instructed by Habib Umar Bin Hafiz, Founder and Dean of Dar Al-Mustafa, to return to Singapore in 2012. Recognizing friendship as a powerful agent of change, he chose to use a café as a platform for connection, conversation, and meaningful engagement. With the support of friends and well-wishers, he opened Sarang Café on Bussorah Street, creating a warm and welcoming space where new relationships could be formed and youths could feel at ease. It was within this very shophouse that Revamp was born, taking shape on the upper floor. Rather than beginning with formal classes, Aydarus first gathered small circles of youths and new friends for sincere conversations, reflection, and companionship, nurturing a safe and non-judgmental environment where they could gradually reconnect with faith. As trust was built and hearts became more open, he would then gently invite them to learn the foundations of Islam, reconnect with prayer, and take meaningful steps in their religious journey. Since then, Revamp has continued to grow as a space rooted in friendship, inner growth, and a gentle return to Islamic tradition.
Known affectionately to many simply as “Abang,” Aydarus has spent the past decade building trust with youths through presence, guidance, and genuine companionship. Since 2013, he has been speaking regularly in Revamp’s youth-centred gatherings and signature sessions, offering heartfelt reminders, relatable reflections, and practical guidance drawn from lived experience. Over the years, he 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 others.
In 2014, Aydarus established Relite Events Management, offering alternative Islamic-themed ceremonies and meaningful event experiences, including facilitating over 70 weddings. In 2017, he was invited to manage Masjid Hajjah Fatimah, where he served until 2021. During this period, he balanced the responsibilities of managing the mosque on weekdays, leading Revamp activities in the evenings, and overseeing Relite’s events on weekends.
In 2022, Aydarus made the decision to dedicate himself full-time to his role as an “Abang.” In 2023, his focus extended to the children of the youths he had once reached during the café years, as well as the children of couples whose weddings he had helped facilitate, many of whom had now become young parents. Inspired by his own journey and a desire to positively shape the next generation, he launched Bend the Bamboo, an enrichment programme centred on children’s moral development, character formation, and the nurturing of young hearts and minds.
Today, Revamp continues to thrive as a vibrant and growing community, offering regular gatherings that bring people together for spiritual reflection, personal growth, and meaningful connection. Among its signature programmes is Recharge Mawlid, a monthly gathering where children lead the recitation of Mawlid, present qasīdah, play percussion, and share stories on the life and virtues of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ. The Night of Remembrance provides a space for reflection and spiritual grounding through the recitation of Sūrah Yā Sīn, Sūrah Al-Kahf, and collective supplication. Revamp also hosts The REmind Gig, a gathering designed especially for youths and the young at heart, blending relatable life reflections, heartfelt reminders, and live performances by the in-house band. It serves as a warm and accessible entry point for those who may not yet feel ready for more traditional religious spaces, offering a gentle way to reconnect through friendship, conversation, and meaningful shared experiences.
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!
