Role of Governance Committees of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies

*1409. Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim: To ask the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) what is the technical, professional and operational expertise contributed by non-Muslim members serving on the committee of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies; and (b) how do their roles support the College’s governance, institutional development and administrative effectiveness, while complementing the Islamic studies mission of the College.

*1410. Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim: To ask the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs what induction or onboarding plans have been developed for the committee of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies, if any, to (i) better understand the objectives of the College, (ii) appreciate the aspirations of the community and (iii) cater to the profile of the students.

Response:

1. Sir, the Board of Governors and the Steering Committee of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) play important roles in developing and guiding SCIS to nurture future generations of asatizah who are not only strong in Islamic knowledge and values, but also able to support the community in addressing contemporary challenges, including in areas such as marriage, family and employment. Therefore, we must ensure that our asatizah are equipped with a range of relevant skills and knowledge, such as the social sciences, in addition to knowledge in Islamic studies, to enable them to carry out their role effectively in our multiracial and multi-religious Singapore.

2. The shared commitment to the mission of SCIS and the diversity present in these committees are therefore valuable. The non-Muslim members make up less than half of the Board of Governors and Steering Committee, and are appointed for their diverse expertise and experience in working with the Muslim community. They include professionals and experts in areas such as leading Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs), the social sciences and professional development, which contribute to SCIS' interdisciplinary approach. Other members with legal, financial and governance expertise also support SCIS’ corporate development and long-term sustainability.

3. This wide range of expertise supports and complements the SCIS’ mission of providing high-quality Islamic studies, which remains guided by qualified Muslim scholars and religious experts. Matters of faith and religious scholarship continue to be led by the Mufti and are supported by renowned Islamic scholars in the SCIS Advisory Panel as well as through partnerships with foreign Islamic institutions.

4. All Board members undergo a structured induction programme, which includes briefings on the mission, vision and values, and objectives of the College. They also engage regularly with Muslim religious and community leaders as well as madrasah leaders and students to understand how the SCIS can best serve the community. For example, at the recent SCIS symposium on 27 January, Board members had the opportunity to interact with madrasah students to understand their hopes and aspirations.