20 August 2024: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced plans to establish the Singapore College of Islamic Studies, a new institution aimed at nurturing future Islamic leaders in the multi-ethnic city-state. This initiative, first proposed in 2016, is the “newest project” for the Malay/Muslim community and has been in development for eight years, reports The Strait Times.
Speaking in Malay at his first National Day Rally on Sunday, Wong emphasised his commitment to supporting the Malay/Muslim community’s efforts to modernise while preserving its unique traditions. The report says that the goal is to train religious scholars and teachers, known as asatizah, to provide relevant guidance in Singapore’s diverse context.
“We have dealt with such issues head-on with courage,” Wong said, praising the community’s resilience and unity, known as “gotong-royong,” a Malay term for mutual assistance. He pledged to ensure that the Muslim community benefits from Singapore’s progress and plays a full role in shaping the country’s future.
Wong, who became Singapore’s prime minister on 15 May, reaffirmed his commitment to building on the work of his predecessors, focusing on educational attainment, countering radicalisation and uplifting vulnerable segments of society.
According to the Times, MPs have shown strong support for the initiative, viewing it as a significant step in enhancing the development of young religious and community leaders both nationally and internationally.
