Funding Support and Capability Building Initiatives for Muslim Student Societies in IHLs
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the funding and capability building support provided by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) for Muslim student societies in Institutes of Higher Learning. Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik inquired about the availability of funding and MUIS’s role in supporting leadership, outreach, and welfare initiatives for these student bodies. Minister of State Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim clarified that grants such as the Youth Programmes Grant support religious learning, alongside annual Mufti dialogues and mosque-led leadership training. He also highlighted collaborations with MENDAKI and the People's Association through the Malay/Muslim Youth Taskforce to equip students with future-ready skills and career opportunities. These multi-agency efforts allow MUIS to better address the welfare of students while fostering cultural identity and participation in national initiatives.
Transcript
22 Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) whether MUIS provides direct or indirect funding support to Muslim student societies in Institutes of Higher Learning; and (b) whether MUIS supports such societies in the development of their (i) leadership capabilities, (ii) student outreach and (iii) welfare initiatives.
Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Grants from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) are available to Muslim student societies in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to conduct youth development programmes. For instance, the Youth Programmes Grant can be used to conduct Islamic learning and community religious programmes. This is part of MUIS' broader efforts to support youth development.
MUIS also works with Government agencies and community organisations to engage Muslim students and youths in various settings. For example, MUIS organises an annual dialogue with Mufti for IHL students, and provides support to mosques to hold regular talks as well as leadership development programmes for Muslim youths. MUIS, alongside MENDAKI and the People's Association, has also been supporting the Malay/Muslim Youth Taskforce, which focuses on identifying career development opportunities, equipping youths with essential skills for the future, fostering greater cultural and social identity and encouraging participation in national initiatives.
These engagements allow MUIS to better understand the needs and concerns of our youths and support their development and welfare.