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PM Wong lauds M³'s 'very good progress' in uplifting & uniting Malay/Muslim community, encourages more to volunteer
He also announced more details on the new Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS), which will offer a full-time undergraduate degree programme with dual tracks.
Since its establishment five years ago, Mendaki, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and the People’s Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council (MESRA), collectively known as M³, has done much to uplift the Malay/Muslim community, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Speaking at the M³ forum on Nov. 10, PM Wong said the tie-in of the three institutions has "allowed them to better identify and deal with issues in the community, provide more integrated support and strengthen last-mile delivery".
MUIS has provided guidance and enabled Muslims in Singapore to practise their faith "progressively" and "harmoniously", Mendaki has improved education and employment outcomes, and MESRA has fostered a spirit of active citizenry by creating platforms for community participation, PM Wong said.
"Individually, each of the ‘3Ms’ has done very good work. But M³ brought them together and amplified their impact. The impact is not just additive but exponential, and that is reflected in your acronym. It is not ‘M three plus’, it is ‘M³’. We want it to have exponential impact," he added.
Impact of M³ programmes
Through platforms such as M³@Towns, the M³ agencies have been able to mobilise more volunteers, bring programmes and services close to residents, and offer more targeted assistance to individuals.
PM Wong pointed to M³ youth mentoring programmes as an example, which have matched over 1,600 mentors to 5,700 youths.
M³ has also nurtured a culture of contribution and service with more than 4,000 volunteers across the M³ agencies.
Refreshing of cultural precincts
In addition to supporting Malay/Muslims in realising their aspirations, the government is also working on projects to refresh several Malay cultural precincts.
Kampong Glam
The Malay Heritage Centre is currently closed for redevelopment.
The National Heritage Board has been working closely with stakeholders to reconceptualise and update it with new galleries, enhanced programmes and an offer improved visitor experience.
The Masjid Sultan mosque, which has just celebrated its 200th anniversary, is undertaking restoration works to preserve and reflect its stature and significance.
Geylang Serai
A "cultural belt" will be built at Geylang Serai, and redevelopment works centred around Wisma Geylang Serai, Joo Chiat Complex, and Geylang Serai Market.
A tender has also been launched for Tanjong Katong complex, the first air-conditioned shopping complex built by the Housing and Development Board.
The tender, launched in October, will close on Feb 25, 2025.
The building will reopen in 2029, and will be a "key node" for the Malay/Muslim community with the relocation of Mendaki's headquarters to the complex.
Singapore College of Islamic Studies
PM Wong also provided more details about the new Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) which will offer a full-time undergraduate degree programme with dual tracks.
Students can choose to major in either Islamic Studies or Social Sciences, which will give them a foundation of knowledge to qualify as asatizah, or religious teacher.
Alternatively, they can choose to utilise the practical skills to pursue careers in religious and adjacent sectors, such as social work, PM Wong added.
The SCIS will partner with the Singapore University of Social Sciences for the Social Sciences pathway and with the Dar al-Ifta in Egypt, the University of Jordan, and Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, for the Islamic Studies pathway.
"Leaders of these institutions, and other universities like Al-Azhar in Egypt, have given their support for the SCIS," PM Wong said.
"They will sit on its advisory panel, contributing valuable perspectives on contemporary issues impacting Muslim minorities," he added.
MUIS has put in place governance structures for the SCIS.
Head by Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, a steering committee to oversee the planning process and outline the future development of the upcoming Islamic college will also be formed.
"I am confident that the college will benefit from Mufti’s leadership," PM Wong said.
At the end of his speech, PM Wong lauded the progress made by M³ in uplifting and uniting the community and urged more Singaporeans to step forward to volunteer or contribute to the greater good.
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@mothershipsg PM Wong: "Our efforts in M³ reflect our wider plans for our next phase of nation building." #tiktoksg #sgnews ♬ original sound - Mothership
Top photo by Julia Yee
