Singapore is set to open its first Islamic college, the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS), in 2028, with an initial intake of 60 students. Located at the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) campus on Bencoolen Street, SCIS will offer degrees in Islamic and social studies, marking a milestone for religious education in the multifaith city-state. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the institution’s partnerships with renowned universities to provide a comprehensive curriculum tailored to local needs.
Singapore’s journey toward establishing a dedicated Islamic higher education institution began in 2016, driven by the goal of creating a locally grounded program to train future religious leaders. The Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) is set to open in 2028, offering full-time bachelor’s degree programs in both Islamic and social studies. Designed to address the religious and social needs of Singapore’s multicultural society, SCIS will emphasize interdisciplinary studies and community engagement.
The first batch of 60 students will begin classes at MUIS’s Bencoolen Street campus in 2028. This five-story facility, opened in 2022, is equipped with lecture halls, seminar rooms, and a library, creating a dedicated learning environment. The college is expected to prioritize graduates from Singapore’s madrasah system, while also accepting international students who meet specific criteria.
SCIS students will engage in a diverse curriculum that includes Islamic studies, social sciences, psychology, and technology. Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, head of SCIS’s steering committee, explained that this interdisciplinary approach prepares students to address both traditional religious topics and contemporary societal issues. This will enable SCIS graduates to serve as recognized religious teachers (asatizah) with Level 1 certification in Singapore.
SCIS will collaborate with Singapore University of Social Sciences for its social sciences program and with respected Islamic institutions like Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, Morocco’s Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the University of Jordan for Islamic studies. These partnerships enrich SCIS’s curriculum by incorporating expertise from renowned Islamic and academic institutions, providing students with a global perspective tailored to Singapore’s context.
To prepare qualified educators, SCIS will train local asatizah before the college opens, equipping them to teach within the new curriculum framework. The college’s graduates will not need to undergo Singapore’s Postgraduate Certificate in Islam in Contemporary Societies, which is currently required for those studying abroad and seeking to serve as recognized religious teachers.
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Mufti Nazirudin noted that SCIS aims to integrate technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance both learning and teaching methods. This inclusion reflects Singapore’s commitment to preparing religious leaders who can navigate digital spaces and engage effectively with various community segments, using technology as a tool to enhance their outreach.
The establishment of SCIS highlights Singapore’s commitment to fostering religious education tailored to a multifaith society. The college’s comprehensive approach aims to nurture well-rounded leaders who can contribute to both religious and social spheres in Singapore.
Singapore’s first Islamic college, the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS), will open in 2028, welcoming 60 students for its inaugural intake. With international partnerships and an interdisciplinary curriculum, SCIS is designed to train future religious leaders with a focus on addressing the diverse needs of Singapore’s multifaith community.
Sources: Detik.com, Republika (2024)
Keywords: Singapore Islamic College, College Opening 2028, 60 Students Enrollment
