The Dawn of a Strategic Partnership in Singapore's Higher Education

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS), signed on December 2, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for Islamic higher education in Singapore. This collaboration aims to blend deep Islamic scholarship with practical social sciences training, creating a new generation of adaptable religious leaders known as asatizah. Asatizah are qualified Islamic religious teachers who guide Singapore's Muslim community of over 800,000 in a multiracial society. The ceremony at SUSS was graced by high-profile figures, including Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, SUSS Provost Professor Robbie Goh, and Mufti of Singapore Dr. Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, underscoring governmental and communal support.

SUSS, established in 2017 as Singapore's sixth autonomous university, specializes in applied, lifelong learning for adult learners through practice-based education. It caters to working professionals with flexible, industry-relevant programs. SCIS, overseen by the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS)—Singapore's Islamic Religious Council—represents a long-standing aspiration of the Muslim community for localized higher Islamic education that complements full-time madrasahs.

SCIS: Fulfilling a Community Vision for Local Islamic Scholarship

SCIS emerges from the recommendations of the 2020 Committee on the Future of Asatizah (COFA), which called for enhanced training to meet contemporary needs. Historically, many Singaporean asatizah pursued overseas studies at institutions like Al-Azhar University in Egypt or the International Islamic University Malaysia, facing challenges such as cultural adjustment, employability gaps, and the need for localization via the Postgraduate Certificate in Islam in Contemporary Societies (PCICS). SCIS addresses this by offering a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies tailored to Singapore's context, exempting graduates from PCICS and granting Tier 1 status under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS).

The college's dual-track approach in its first two years covers foundational Islamic knowledge—Quran, Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Aqidah (theology)—alongside social sciences basics. This ensures graduates are not only scholars but also equipped to navigate Singapore's diverse society, where Muslims form about 15% of the population.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Merging Faith and Social Practice

Under the SUSS-SCIS partnership, SCIS students access SUSS's curriculum, including modules in counselling, social work, psychology, and community development. SUSS contributes existing courses and co-develops specialized ones integrating Islamic ethics with practical applications. For instance, a module might explore family counselling through an Islamic lens, preparing students for roles in family service centres.

The program structure unfolds step-by-step:

• Years 1-2: Core foundations in Islamic studies and introductory social sciences.
• Year 3: Specialization choice—Islamic Studies for religious leadership or Social Sciences via SUSS for broader careers; graduate with respective degrees.
• Optional Years 4-5: Double degree pursuit, stackable to SUSS postgraduate programs.

Empowering Graduates with Diverse Career Pathways

Traditionally, Islamic studies graduates in Singapore faced limited prospects, often confined to mosques, madrasahs, or MUIS roles. The SUSS infusion broadens horizons to social services, where demand is high amid aging populations and mental health needs. Graduates can serve as asatizah in community organizations, applying interdisciplinary skills to socio-religious issues like family dynamics or youth guidance.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced employability with Tier 1 ARS status intact.
• Stackable credentials for continuous upskilling amid AI disruptions.
• Contributions to Singapore's social fabric, as noted by leaders.

For career seekers, opportunities in Singapore's higher education and social sectors abound. Explore higher ed jobs or Singapore academic positions to see related openings.

Joint Campus in Rochor: A Hub for Collaborative Learning

The partnership extends to infrastructure, with a shared Rochor campus development. Located at the former Rochor Centre site adjacent to SUSS's new facility (mid-2030s completion), SCIS's campus incorporates Islamic architectural elements like prayer spaces alongside modern labs and shared amenities. Currently, a tender for multi-disciplinary consultancy services is active, extended to January 13, 2026, after revisions for fairness.

Interim operations at MUIS's Bencoolen Street campus facilitate early integration. This proximity fosters cross-enrollment and cultural exchange, vital for SUSS's 30,000+ adult learners interacting with SCIS's inaugural 60 students in 2028.

Photo by Fotos on Unsplash

Aligning with National Priorities: COFA and Beyond

The initiative directly fulfills COFA Recommendation 1, expanding asatizah career paths while bolstering social services. In Singapore's context, where religious harmony is paramount under the Religious Harmony Act, such programs promote progressive leadership. PM Lawrence Wong highlighted in NDR 2025 the need for asatizah relevant amid global polarizations.

Mufti Dr. Nazirudin noted the potential for graduates to pursue certifications in psychology or social work post-graduation, adapting to societal shifts.Straits Times report

Stakeholder Perspectives: Voices from Leaders

Minister Faishal Ibrahim stated: “By expanding career pathways... SCIS graduates will be able to contribute meaningfully across diverse professional settings.” Masagos Zulkifli earlier envisioned a “powerful combination” of religious knowledge and social skills for multiracial Singapore.

These views reflect balanced optimism, addressing past challenges like overseas study employability gaps documented in ISEAS studies. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice.

Global Ties: Enriching the Islamic Track

Complementing SUSS, SCIS partners with Dar al-Ifta (Egypt) for fatwa studies, University of Jordan for Arabic immersion, and Al-Qarawiyyin (Morocco) for traditional scholarship. These enable advanced standing and exchanges, balancing local relevance with global depth.

• Dar al-Ifta: Professional Diploma credits.
• UJ: Cultural and language programs.
• Al-Qarawiyyin: Innovative research paradigms.

Addressing Challenges in Singapore's Islamic Higher Education

Singapore's Islamic education faces hurdles: madrasah graduates' lower secular academic performance, overseas training costs, and graduate underemployment outside religious roles. SCIS counters with subsidized fees, contextual curriculum, and hybrid skills. While exact asatizah shortages aren't quantified recently, rising community needs—youth programs, family counselling—drive demand. The SCIS Symposium 2026 gathered 350 scholars to discuss these.

Solutions include flexible pathways, aligning with Singapore's lifelong learning ethos.

Future Outlook: Enrollment, Expansion, and Impact

Applications open in 2027 for 2028 intake, potentially doubling to 120 students. By mid-2030s, the Rochor hub will symbolize integrated higher ed. Long-term, expect more interdisciplinary programs, influencing other faith-based education. Graduates will lead in mosques, Syariah Court, ROMM, and NGOs.

Check university jobs for emerging roles in Singapore's academic sector.

Photo by Fotos on Unsplash

Implications for Singapore's Higher Education Ecosystem

This SUSS-SCIS partnership exemplifies niche, collaborative models in Singapore's compact HE landscape, alongside NUS, NTU. It promotes inclusivity, preparing faith-committed professionals for secular workplaces. For aspiring educators, rate professors via Rate My Professor or seek higher ed jobs.

As Singapore advances RIE2030, such initiatives ensure equitable, culturally sensitive education.MUIS partnerships page