Faishal Ibrahim's Hari Raya speech: More support for Malay tertiary students, mosques upgrading & new economic resilience committee

Yayasan Mendaki's Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS) will be enhanced from academic year (AY) 2026/2027, and a new Committee for Economic Resilience, or Jawatankuasa Daya Ekonomi will be set up.

These are among the key announcements made in Faishal Ibrahim's first Hari Raya speech as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs at an event held at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay on Apr. 10.

Faishal said that the night's theme was “Together We Serve, a Community United”, adding that

"It is this spirit that grounds my vision for the Malay/Muslim community – for every member to be the best version of themselves, at every stage of their lives."

He added that to achieve this vision, the Muslim community must build a stronger community and prepare for the future economy, whilst simultaneously strengthening religious life.

Faishal also noted significant developments in the year, such as the return of overseas Singaporeans from the Middle East.

Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy

Faishal said geopolitical tensions and new technologies are rapidly transforming industries and jobs, and Singapore's position as an open and free economy will have an impact on jobs.

To better support Malay students and their families with the costs of tertiary education, the government will revise the TTFS grant administered by Mendaki.

The grant provides subsidies for eligible students pursuing their first full-time diploma and degree programmes at local government tertiary institutions.

This would equip Malay students with the knowledge to enter industries in growth sectors.

Revised TTFS

In his speech, Faishal explained that the revised TTFS structure, with effect from AY2026/2027, will include two main enhancements based on monthly household per capita income (PCI).

Firstly, income eligibility criteria will be raised across all tiers, said Faishal.

Subsidies are as follows: 100 per cent for PCI of S$1,700 and below; 75 per cent for S$1,701 to S$2,000; and 50 per cent for S$2,001 to S$2,200.

Secondly, a new 25 per cent subsidy tier will be introduced for students from Malay households with a PCI of S$2,201 to S$2,400.

Committee for Economic Resilience

Faishal also announced a new Committee for Economic Resilience led by Members of Parliament Wan Rizal and Saktiandi Supaat, comprising corporate leaders and industry experts in the Muslim community.

The committee aims to study the recommendations from the government's Economic Strategy Review, understand and apply them to the community.

Faishal noted community concerns about artificial intelligence (AI), competitive job landscapes and "our companies are keen to explore international opportunities, including in the region and the Middle East".

Faishal said: "This matters because we want our community to harness knowledge, develop capabilities, seize opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to succeed in a changing economy."

Mosques upgrading & Asatizah development

Faishal noted that plans for new mosques in Tampines North and Tengah were underway.

A new temporary prayer site near Al-Istighfar Mosque in Pasir Ris will also be built.

In addition, the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) Mosque Upgrading Programme is in progress.

Faishal said the Ar-Raudhah Mosque in Bukit Batok will be upgraded over the next two years, starting in the third quarter of 2026.

He added that MUIS is developing a new leadership development programme for Tier 1 Asatizah with Islamic Studies Degrees, which the council will announce later this year.

"I encourage our madrasah students and our asatizah to boldly pursue your aspirations, take advantage of these opportunities to broaden your horizons, and contribute to the community in more ways than one."

Other politicians in attendance at the event included Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Zaqy Mohamad, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health, Rahayu Mahzam, Members of Parliament Saktiandi Supaat, Wan Rizal, Mariam Jafaar, Hazlina Abdul Halim, Mariam Jafaar, and Fadli Fawzi. Workers' Party Vice-Chair Faisal Manap was also present. 

Actor Suhaimi Yusof was also in attendance.

For more information on scholarships, bursaries, study loans, and grants, visit Mendaki's website.

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Top photo from Mothership & Johannes Widodo/Google Maps