SCIS Advisory Panel meeting

Distinguished members of the Advisory Panel,

Welcome and appreciation

1. Thank you for joining us this afternoon for our inaugural Advisory Panel meeting.

2. We are deeply honoured that you have graciously accepted our invitation to join the Advisory Panel and travelling here to Singapore for this important occasion. Today’s meeting marks an important milestone in the journey towards launching the Singapore College of Islamic Studies or known as SCIS. We meet at a time when many parts of the Muslim world face significant challenges. In such times, we are reminded of the enduring importance of living in accordance with Islamic principles - principles that emphasise peace, justice, and mercy.

3. Your rich expertise and experiences bring distinctive strengths that will enrich SCIS's development. We hope to learn from the centuries-old Islamic institutions and modern universities. First, to deepen insights into Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary religious thought. Second, to nurture understanding of both traditional Islamic sciences and modern academic approaches.

4. We are thankful for these partnerships, which will be instrumental in building the SCIS and equipping future asatizah to address contemporary issues.

Reflections on recent engagements

5. I hope the programme over the past few days has provided you a picture of Singapore’s Muslim community and diverse society. The story of our Muslim community in Singapore is one close to my heart. Making up about 15% of our population, we may be a minority, but we have nurtured something truly special: a way of life that shows how Muslims can flourish in modern, secular societies. Through our Singapore Muslim Identity and our aspiration to be a Community of Success – through our Character, Competency, and Citizenry - we've proven that being deeply committed to our faith and being active citizens are not mutually exclusive.

   • Yesterday, at the Fatwa Lab Symposium, you may have heard about Singapore’s collaborative efforts in addressing contemporary Islamic issues. Perspectives from various disciplines are taken into consideration to arrive at the most appropriate solutions. We hope to foster a similar interdisciplinary approach at SCIS.

   • During the dinner with President Tharman, we noted President’s support for the vision of SCIS in advancing Islamic Higher Education for Singapore’s Muslim community and in living harmoniously with other communities.

   • At ICCS this morning, you experienced firsthand Singapore's commitment towards fostering cohesive and resilient multicultural societies. The sharing of best practices and exchanging of ideas would enable us to explore innovative solutions for our shared future.

6. Our Singapore Muslims aim to build a Community of Success. We hope to nurture strong religious character, develop competence in respective fields and give back to others. At the same time, we want to continuously hold by our unique national ethos that harmoniously balances deep religious conviction with multicultural understanding. This has guided our forward-thinking pragmatism and an unwavering commitment to social cohesion. We hope to embed this distinctive approach in SCIS.

Significance of SCIS

7. The development of the SCIS is a longstanding aspiration of the Singapore Muslim community and a key milestone in our Islamic education landscape. It will offer a distinctive pathway that seamlessly integrates Islamic scholarship with contemporary disciplines, underpinned by robust pedagogical foundations.

8. The need for contextual, balanced, and progressive thought leadership is becoming increasingly important today. The rapid advancement of technology, evolving social norms, and global interconnectedness create increasingly complex problems that require fresh approaches to religious guidance and education. Our asatizah play a crucial role in this journey to provide guidance for the Muslim community in navigating these challenges.

9. Therefore, we need to develop our future asatizah or SCIS graduates as:

   • Religious scholars and professionals who are deeply anchored in Singapore's multi-racial, multi-religious context - understanding both the principles of their faith and the unique fabric of our society.

   • Thought leaders who can effectively articulate and guide the practice of Islam in modern, plural societies - bringing together sound religious scholarship with contemporary needs.

Role of the AP

10. As our Advisory Panel, your international perspectives and scholarly insights are invaluable in shaping SCIS’s research and academic programmes. Your role spans critical areas - from identifying emerging global trends affecting Muslim communities to research focus, educational standards, international collaborations. The insights enable SCIS to align with global best practices while remaining relevant to Singapore’s local context.

11. Many of you are already familiar with Singapore's unique context through your previous engagements with our institutions and community. This understanding, combined with your distinguished international perspectives and scholarly insights, will be invaluable as we shape SCIS's development. Together, we can build an institution that embodies both global best practices and our distinctive Singapore approach.

12. As chairperson, I am committed in supporting the Advisory Panel in its contributions to SCIS’ development.

Conclusion

13. As you've experienced through your engagements these past few days - from the Fatwa Lab to your dinner with President Tharman and the ICCS - SCIS embodies what we call the Singapore DNA: an approach that harmoniously combines religious scholarship with practical wisdom. The task before us is significant - to develop religious scholars who can navigate the complexities of our time while staying true to Islamic principles. But I am confident that with your guidance and support, SCIS will become a beacon of excellence, bridging traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary needs.

14. Looking ahead, our success will be measured not just by the institution we build, but by the impact our graduates will have on society - as religious scholars who understand both their faith and their context, as thought leaders who can guide our community through challenging times, and as bridge-builders who can foster understanding across communities.

15. I look forward to working alongside all of you, drawing upon your scholarly insights and institutional expertise as we shape SCIS into an exemplary institution. With your collective wisdom and dedication, I am confident that SCIS will excel in fulfilling its vital mission.

16. Thank you.