AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) will welcome its first cohort of 60 students in 2028 at the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) learning campus near Bencoolen Mosque.
This new institution aims to combine traditional Islamic education with contemporary subjects, including psychology and technology, to prepare graduates for diverse roles within the community, Channel News Asia reported on Tuesday.
Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, head of the SCIS steering committee, explained that this interdisciplinary approach will enable students to address societal issues from both Islamic and social science perspectives.
“The asatizah (religious teachers) of the future must be very familiar with an interdisciplinary perspective … able to engage and understand society beyond the religious realm,” he said. Graduates will be certified as Tier 1 asatizah, qualifying them to teach and provide religious guidance within Singapore.
Students will begin with a foundational year in Islamic studies, followed by the option to specialize in either Islamic studies or social sciences. Unlike graduates of overseas Islamic institutions, SCIS students will be trained within the Singaporean context.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking on Sunday, highlighted the college’s role in developing future asatizah who can provide religious guidance within a diverse, modern society. He noted the importance of preparing educators who can help the Muslim community navigate contemporary challenges with confidence.
SCIS has collaborated with established global institutions since 2016 to shape its curriculum and will bring in international scholars for select modules. These partnerships will contribute expertise in areas such as social sciences, contemporary Islamic issues, and religious rulings (fatwas), according to the report.
Admission to SCIS will require foundational knowledge in Arabic and Islamic studies, with priority given to students from the madrasah system. Overseas students meeting specific criteria may also apply.
The curriculum will incorporate technology-based tools to equip graduates with skills in digital engagement, enhancing their employability and enabling them to serve the community effectively.
“By training students in technologies like AI and social media, we ensure they have the competencies needed to reach and engage different segments of society,” Dr. Nazirudin added.
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