Singapore University of Social Sciences & Singapore College of Islamic Studies sign partnership to enhance Islamic higher education

1. The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a partnership that will jointly develop and implement modules for SCIS’s Islamic Studies undergraduate degree programme. The MoU will enhance interdisciplinary and applied learning to expand career opportunities for SCIS graduates.

2. The partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony on 2 December 2025, at SUSS. It was attended by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, SUSS Provost Professor Robbie Goh, and Mufti of Singapore, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, who heads the SCIS Steering Committee.

Enhanced opportunities & graduate outcomes for SCIS students

3. SUSS’ applied education model and its emphasis on community-centred learning complements SCIS's mission of nurturing Islamic scholarship. Under the MoU, SUSS will provide modules from its existing curriculum and collaborate with SCIS in developing new specialised modules that integrate SCIS's expertise in Islamic scholarship with SUSS’ practice-based curriculum. In this regard, SCIS's dual track approach seeks to provide students with a strong foundation of Islamic knowledge as well as a wide range of practical skills that can be applied in religious and adjacent social sectors. Through shared resources and expertise, SCIS students will benefit from SUSS’ broader curriculum offerings, which open pathways to careers in counselling, social services, and related sectors, while maintaining their qualification as Tier 1 asatizah under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS). This enriched educational experience will cultivate well-rounded graduates with enhanced adaptability and employability.

4. SCIS will serve as the programme organiser, conferring degrees and overseeing curriculum development and student liaison. SCIS graduates will also benefit from stackable pathways which allow them to undertake bachelor's and postgraduate degree programmes at SUSS, creating professional opportunities beyond traditional religious roles.

5. Professor Robbie Goh, Provost, SUSS, said “This partnership brings together the strengths of both institutions and underscores our shared commitment to developing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to society. At SUSS, our focus is on education grounded in real-world needs, and this collaboration with SCIS allows us to extend that mission. Together, we aim to offer students wider and more purposeful pathways that support their aspirations to serve the community meaningfully.”

Realising community aspirations

6. The SUSS-SCIS partnership represents a significant development in Islamic higher education in Singapore, demonstrating how interdisciplinary learning can prepare future-ready graduates who are rooted in Islamic tradition and prepared for contemporary challenges. It addresses the 2020 Committee on Future Asatizah (COFA) recommendations¹, by expanding career pathways for religious graduates and strengthening Singapore's social service sector.

7. By undertaking SUSS’ modules as part of SCIS degree programme, graduates will be able to contribute to the community and wider society, as religious scholars and professional practitioners across religious and secular institutions, such as mosques, family service centres, and community organisations.

SINGAPORE UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES & SINGAPORE COLLEGE OF ISLAMIC STUDIES

MAJLIS UGAMA ISLAM SINGAPURA

¹ Report from the Committee on Future Asatizah (COFA) [PDF, 22.2 MB]