New tie-up to broaden career opportunities for Singapore College of Islamic Studies graduates
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Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim speaking at the signing of the memorandum of understanding at SUSS.
PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN
Follow topic:
- SUSS and SCIS will partner to broaden Islamic Studies degrees with social sciences modules, enhancing career prospects for graduates.
- SCIS, announced at the 2024 National Day Rally, will start in 2028 and aims to equip graduates for modern challenges.
- Graduates can contribute to both religious and social sectors, supporting families and enriching Singapore's social fabric, says Faishal Ibrahim.
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SINGAPORE – A new tie-up between two colleges aims to provide future Islamic studies students in Singapore with broader modules in their undergraduate programme and more career opportunities after graduation.
The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and the upcoming Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS)
SCIS students will gain access to social sciences programmes through the move, opening doors to a wider range of careers in counselling, social work and related fields, while still maintaining their qualification as asatizah, or religious teachers, after graduation.
The new college, formally announced in 2024, is slated to welcome its first intake of students in 2028.
It will operate at a temporary location at the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) campus in Bencoolen Street until the new Rochor campus is completed. The Rochor site is next to the SUSS campus, which is also currently under development.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in his 2025 National Day Rally speech that each institution will have its own buildings that reflect its unique identity, but students from both schools will also share facilities.
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said at the signing of the memorandum of understanding at SUSS that the partnership is a significant step not only for the college’s students but also for the wider Muslim community and Singapore.
SCIS graduates will be equipped to address contemporary challenges and contribute to both religious and social sectors. They will be adaptable and competent, he added.
“By expanding career pathways and strengthening Singapore’s social service sector, SCIS graduates will be able to contribute meaningfully across diverse professional settings, enriching Singapore’s social fabric,” he said.
He added that graduates can apply their skills to uplift those in need and contribute to broader society as active and valued citizens.
The partnership shows how Islamic higher education can remain rooted in traditions and principles while staying relevant and adaptive to Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious context, he said.
Speaking to the media at the event, Mufti of Singapore, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, said that by giving Islamic studies students the opportunity to study other areas like social work or psychology, they could go on to pursue further certification in these fields after graduation.
As religious teachers, they would also be equipped to provide additional support and guidance to Muslim families in their social development, he added.
Professor Robbie Goh, provost of SUSS, said the university is looking into creating a pathway for SCIS graduates to take on bachelor’s and postgraduate degree programmes at SUSS, to open up better professional opportunities beyond traditional roles.
“As societal needs change and as AI (artificial intelligence) brings new disruptions and requires new skills, the continuing education pathway will allow the asatizah to develop these competencies,” he said.
