Media releases

MUIS Awards 2026 honours 10 individuals for their contributions to community and Singapore

6 November 2026

Recipients recognised for their contributions to strengthening community institutions, uplifting lives and inspiring the next generation to serve

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) honoured ten individuals at the MUIS Awards 2026 for their outstanding contributions to the Singapore Muslim community and wider society. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam presented the awards at a ceremony held at The Villa, Istana on Friday, 6 November 2026, where he was Guest-of-Honour.
Since 1990, the MUIS Awards have recognised individuals whose dedication has strengthened community institutions, expanded opportunities for those in need and brought people together. This year, one recipient received the Anugerah Jasa Cemerlang, six received the Anugerah Jasa Bakti and three received the Anugerah Belia Harapan.
In his address, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, paid tribute to the recipients’ dedication and commitment to serving the community. He highlighted how their contributions have made a meaningful difference to people's lives, strengthened community institutions and inspired others to serve.

Anugerah Jasa Cemerlang: A lifetime of service

The highest accolade, Anugerah Jasa Cemerlang, was conferred on Mr Hamzah Abdul Mutalib in recognition of his 49 years of voluntary service to the community. He was instrumental in establishing Casa Raudha, Singapore’s first Muslim-run crisis shelter for victims of domestic violence.
His journey with Casa Raudha began after he learned of the hardship faced by a woman experiencing domestic violence and her children. Recognising the need for a safe place for families in such circumstances, he worked with fellow community members to establish the shelter. Casa Raudha has since grown to provide shelter, counselling, family support and community education. His contributions demonstrate how an act of compassion can grow into lasting support for families in need. Mr Hamzah also served as Registrar for Conversion to Islam at Darul Arqam and supported converts through volunteer mentorship, alongside humanitarian initiatives overseas.

Anugerah Jasa Bakti: Strengthening institutions and opportunities

Six individuals received the Anugerah Jasa Bakti for their sustained contributions to the community. Their work spans education, family support, community leadership and other areas of service.
Among them, Mr Shaik Mohammad Iqbal Shaik Hussain played a key role as a member of Madrasah Al-Arabiah Al-Islamiah’s Board of Governors in guiding its transition into the Joint Madrasah System. His contributions helped strengthen the institution and support its continued role in providing Islamic education for future generations. Through his involvement with Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud (LBKM) and Tabung Amal Aidilfitri Trust Fund (TAA), he has also helped students from less-privileged backgrounds access educational support.
Mdm Jummaida Rusdon has contributed to early childhood education and support for lower-income families and single mothers through her work with Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura (PPIS), Oaks Plus Limited and Busy Bees Asia. As CEO of Busy Bees Asia, she launched the Knowledge Access initiative, which improved access to early childhood education and integrated support for vulnerable children, including those with special needs, while supporting parents in building greater financial stability. She has continued this commitment through her roles as a Board Member of PPIS and Adviser to Oaks Plus Limited.

Anugerah Belia Harapan: New approaches to serving others

Three young recipients received the Anugerah Belia Harapan, recognising their contributions and potential to inspire continued service among the next generation. Introduced in 2023, the award recognises promising young community leaders who are making a difference through their ideas and initiatives.
Miss Nuryanee Anisah Binte Mohamed Noor co-founded Commenhers LLP, a social enterprise combining textile upcycling with livelihood opportunities for underserved communities. Her initiative has upcycled more than 12,000 kg of textile waste and created income opportunities for more than 110 beneficiaries. Working with community partners, she has established community sewing spaces where seniors and homemakers can earn an income through upcycling skills.
Ustaz Muhammad Khidir Bin Haji Mohamed Ibrahim has dedicated his service to building bridges across communities and caring for those often overlooked. As Programme Lead of Santunan Emas, he integrates spiritual care with active ageing support for seniors and caregivers, engaging more than 2,400 participants weekly through physical and online programmes since October 2024. Beyond this, he has also championed inclusive religious education for deaf Muslims and brought mosques, churches and grassroots organisations together to provide food assistance to families in need through the Blessings in Harmony initiative, demonstrating how service can strengthen trust across communities.

Inspiring the next generation to contribute

The recipients’ journeys show that service can take many forms, from strengthening institutions and supporting vulnerable families to building bridges across faiths and creating new livelihood opportunities. Acting Minister Zaqy emphasised that nurturing the next generation requires not only encouraging young people to serve, but also giving them the trust, guidance and opportunities to contribute in their own ways.
He also highlighted how the recipients' contributions reflect the commitment of Singapore Muslims to the well-being of the wider society, while remaining grounded in their faith and identity. He expressed hope that their example would inspire more people to carry forward the spirit of service.

Supporting the wider community

As part of the ceremony, the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), a foundation established by MUIS, also presented a cheque of $200,000 to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in support of the President’s Challenge. The funds were raised through a collaboration between RLAF and the President’s Challenge and will support organisations providing services and assistance to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
The full list of MUIS Awards 2026 recipients is in Annex A.