Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced details of the upcoming Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) on Nov 10 at a forum to commemorate the fifth anniversary of M3, a tie-up of three key Malay/Muslim organisations serving the community.
The Prime Minister first mentioned this briefly at the National Day Rally this year.
The college will strengthen Singapore’s capabilities to nurture and groom a pipeline of future asatizah, PM Wong said.
In addition to providing an understanding of religion that is contextualised for living in a diverse multi-cultural society like Singapore, the college will also guide Muslims in Singapore to respond confidently to issues of the modern world.
This will help to further strengthen trust between our Malay/Muslims and other communities, and enable us to overcome challenges together, as one united people, he said.
The SCIS will not just support the development of religious character. It will also develop and nurture graduates who can meet the needs of the community effectively.
To this end, the SCIS will offer a full-time undergraduate degree programme with dual tracks. Students can choose to major in either Islamic Studies or Social Sciences.
This will give students a foundation of knowledge to qualify them as asatizah as well as practical skills to pursue careers in religious and adjacent sectors, like social work.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), with support from the Government, has put in place the governance structures for the SCIS.
Mufti of Singapore, Dr Nazirudin will head the Steering Committee.
