MUIS strengthens regional Islamic cooperation in Acting Minister Faishal Ibrahim’s first engagement at MABIMS

1. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) participated in a series of high-level engagements under the Meeting of Religious Affairs Ministers of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (MABIMS) framework from 16 to 19 October 2025 in Malacca, Malaysia. The meetings focused on deepening regional collaboration on Islamic affairs and addressed contemporary challenges facing Muslim communities. It was also Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (MMA) and Senior Minister of State Ministry of Home Affairs, Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim’s first participation in MABIMS since his appointment as MMA in May 2025.

Strategic regional participation

2. MUIS played an active and strategic role throughout the engagements and participated meaningfully in all sessions, including the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), the Forum Perdana with the region’s key leaders, and the Ministerial Meeting. These engagements enabled discussions on shared priorities and the development of collaborative approaches to advance Islamic developments across the region.

Forum Perdana: Addressing contemporary challenges

3. The Forum Perdana on 16 October 2025 brought together leaders from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore to reflect on shared challenges and opportunities facing the ummah. Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim participated in the Forum and shared Singapore’s approach to strengthening religious life while supporting social and economic achievements in contemporary and diverse society.

4. The Forum underscores the role of religious leadership in helping communities navigate today’s challenges by promoting an understanding of Islam that is forward-looking, principled, and compassionate. It highlighted the importance of strong institutions, relevant education, and active community involvement to build resilient Muslim communities that support social harmony and contribute to national development and global progress. Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim shared: “The Nusantara region has the potential to become a renowned contemporary Islamic education hub that is able to integrate tradition and reforms due to its cultural diversity. Through this regional partnership and contemporary Islamic learning hub, we can develop intellectually capable and skilled asatizah who possess strong values, exemplary character, and virtuous conduct that we can take pride in."

Five-year strategic framework endorsed

5. At the MABIMS Ministerial Meeting on 19 October 2025, Ministers endorsed the Strategic 5‑Year Workplan (2026–2030). Through this plan, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore committed to advancing a shared agenda — empowering youth, strengthening education and religious life for the common good, promoting socio‑economic harmony, and fostering regional cohesion. Each priority area is led by a designated country coordinator, with clear key performance indicators (KPIs) established to guide implementation and measure impact.

Addressing global challenges through regional cooperation

6. During the Ministerial Meeting, Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim highlighted the need for stronger regional Islamic cooperation in responding to global challenges such as technological change, climate pressures, and geopolitical uncertainties. He emphasised that building resilient Islamic communities requires comprehensive approaches — anchored in strong yet adaptable institutions, quality religious education and effective support networks.

7. Leaders also explored strategic planning and innovative approaches for future collaboration. Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim noted that whilst MABIMS member countries may differ in cultural expression and methodologies, they remain united in their commitment to Islamic principles and shared aspirations. Reflecting on his inaugural participation as Singapore’s Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, he described the exchanges as insightful and a testament of MABIMS' leadership, vision and collective resolve.

A shared regional aspiration

8. Preceding the Ministerial Meeting, the 49th Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) on 15 October 2025 brought together senior religious officials from the four member countries to discuss regional Islamic affairs and cooperation. Mufti of Singapore, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, called on regional religious leaders and delegates to strengthen the values of balance and moderation that define Southeast Asian Islam, as a model of how Muslim communities can successfully navigate the modern world, thrive in multicultural societies, and drive sustainable progress and development.

Expanding cooperation in halal standards

9. MUIS also participated in other events, including the MABIMS Halal Summit 2025 and MABIMS Halal Technical Meeting on 17 October 2025. These platforms facilitated engagement with regional stakeholders to explore opportunities for strengthening halal standards and enhancing economic cooperation within the halal ecosystem.

Strengthening Singapore’s role in MABIMS

10. These engagements reflect MUIS’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships and driving strategic initiatives that support the collective development of Muslim communities across Southeast Asia. Singapore’s active participation marks an important milestone in Singapore's continued engagement with the MABIMS framework.