Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) announces Board of Governors and Steering Committee

1. The Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) has announced the establishment of its Board of Governors and Steering Committee and introduced the members at its inaugural symposium on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. This marks a significant milestone as Singapore prepares to launch its first dedicated Islamic higher education institution in 2028.

SCIS Board of Governors and Steering Committee members

2. The announcement was made by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs, Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, The Board of Governors will be chaired by former Cabinet Minister and Parliament Speaker, Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, while the Steering Committee, will be chaired by Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir. These governance bodies will provide strategic oversight and academic guidance as SCIS prepares to welcome its first cohort of students in 2028. The full membership of SCIS Board of Governors and Steering Committee members are listed in Annex A and Annex B.

3. Speaking at the symposium, Acting Minister Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim shared: “These bodies comprise representatives across the community, including senior Asatizah, established academics, curriculum developers, and industry experts who will contribute diverse expertise to shape the development of SCIS."

4. The symposium brought together 300 local and international scholars, educators, and community leaders to explore how Islamic higher education can prepare future religious leaders and professionals for complex, plural societies. Participants engaged in plenary discussions, interactive workshops, and simulated classroom experiences that showcased SCIS’s innovative curriculum.

Innovative educational approach

5. Under the guidance of its distinguished Advisory Panel, and newly established Board of Governors and Steering Committee, SCIS's innovative curriculum is centered on interdisciplinary learning experiences that will equip graduates to navigate the complex challenges faced by plural societies. The approach aims to cultivate resilient learners who will emerge as dynamic leaders and professionals, built on three foundational pillars:

   • Contextualisation: Addressing contemporary issues faced by modern Muslim communities in advanced economies and secular plural societies

   • Interdisciplinarity: Thoughtfully integrating Islamic intellectual traditions with perspectives from humanities and social sciences

   • Applied research: Case-based, problem-oriented learning that translates religio-ethical principles into socially meaningful action

Strategic partnerships and community engagement

6. SCIS's innovative educational approach will be enhanced and complemented by its strategic partnerships with local and international educational institutions. This includes the partnership with Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) which was inked last December. The collaborations will ensure that the SCIS will be a credible institution with academic rigour and maintain relevance to Singapore's diverse social context.

7. The college’s development continues to be shaped by extensive community consultation and support from stakeholders, including madrasah teachers and leaders, and the wider asatizah fraternity. This reinforces SCIS’s commitment to producing capable religious leaders who can also contribute and serve the wider community in Singapore's multicultural society. The SCIS also continues to welcome feedback from the community on the development of its programmes, so that it may better cater to the needs of the community.