Use of Generative AI by Muslims in Singapore

*1540. Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik: To ask the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) what is the MUIS’s assessment of the extent and nature of generative AI use among Muslims in Singapore to obtain religious information and instruction; and (b) whether MUIS (i) intends to develop a proprietary generative AI platform for religious information and (ii) intends to fund or support the development of such platforms by external technology providers.

Response:

1. Generative AI (GenAI) offers benefits and convenience to users, such as ease of access. However, there are risks when it is relied upon as the primary source of religious guidance. In particular, complex Islamic religious matters may require additional contextual understanding and scholarly interpretation. For these issues, our qualified asatizah remain essential to deliver sound religious guidance to help our Muslim community navigate contemporary, real-life challenges. The MuslimSG platform also continues to be a trusted resource for the community to seek religious guidance.

2. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) therefore adopts GenAI judiciously, after putting in place the appropriate safeguards. For instance, IftaSG, an initiative under MUIS’ “Fatwa Lab”, utilises prompt engineering and curated datasets to tailor a Large Language Model that enhances the accuracy, depth and speed of Fatwa research that is suited for Singapore. At the same time, our asatizah continue to maintain oversight on final religious rulings. MUIS will review its learnings and glean learning points and insights from the initiative.

3. As the use of GenAI grows, equipping the Muslim community to use AI tools wisely and confidently remains a priority. In recent years, MUIS has stepped up capability and capacity building in AI and digital literacy across mosques and madrasahs, which include training programmes for staff and volunteers. Mosques have organised programmes that support initiatives, such as "Langkah Digital” by MENDAKI, to enhance AI and digital literacy standards, and enable the community to be discerning in the use of GenAI. To enhance learning, madrasahs are also exploring the use of AI to supplement efforts to teach Arabic, aid student assessment and learning support, and streamline lesson planning processes.