The new Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) will offer a full-time undergraduate degree program allowing students to major in either Islamic Studies or Social Sciences,” Prime Minister Lawrence Wong disclosed on Sunday (Nov 10).
“The SCIS will strengthen our capabilities to nurture and groom a pipeline of future asatizah. We want them to have the knowledge and skills to provide religious guidance for our Muslim communities, but to also have an understanding of religion that’s contextualized for living in a diverse, multicultural society like Singapore, and to guide our Muslims in responding confidently to issues of the modern world,” Mr. Wong stated at a forum marking the fifth anniversary of M³.
“The new Islamic college will partner local and international institutions to develop and deliver its degree programme,” he added.
Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli referred to the upcoming Islamic college as “a monumental and iconic educational institution” that will elevate educational opportunities for local madrasah students and position Singapore as a world-class hub for Islamic scholarship.
In other developments, Mr. Wong discussed revitalization works being carried out in cultural precincts such as Kampong Glam. “For one, the Malay Heritage Centre in the district has been closed for redevelopment,” he mentioned.
Mr. Wong also described plans to enhance the Tanjong Katong Complex to cater to the local Malay/Muslim community, stating that the complex will house the Mendaki headquarters and a MUIS office in the future.
Both the Singapore College of Islamic Studies and the cultural precinct rejuvenation efforts underscore the government’s commitment to nurturing educational opportunities and preserving cultural heritage in a diverse and inclusive society like Singapore.
