Singapore University of Social Sciences and Singapore College of Islamic Studies Sign Partnership to Enhance Islamic Higher Education
Date: 2 Dec 2025
Strategic collaboration enhances interdisciplinary learning and expands career opportunities for SCIS graduates
SINGAPORE, 2 December 2025 – The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a partnership that will jointly develop and implement modules for SCIS’s Islamic Studies undergraduate degree programme. The MoU will enhance interdisciplinary and applied learning to expand career opportunities for SCIS graduates.
The partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony on 2 December 2025, at SUSS. It was attended by 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, who heads the SCIS Steering Committee.
From left: Ms Ang Bee Lian, Member, SUSS Board of Trustees; Professor Robbie Goh, Provost, SUSS; Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, Mufti of Singapore; and Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs
Enhanced Opportunities & Graduate Outcomes for SCIS Students
SUSS’ applied education model and its emphasis on community-centred learning complements SCIS's mission of nurturing Islamic scholarship. Under the MoU, SUSS will provide modules from its existing curriculum and collaborate with SCIS in developing new specialised modules that integrate SCIS's expertise in Islamic scholarship with SUSS’ practice-based curriculum. In this regard, SCIS' dual track approach seeks to provide students with a strong foundation of Islamic knowledge as well as a wide range of practical skills that can be applied in religious and adjacent social sectors. Through shared resources and expertise, SCIS students will benefit from SUSS’ broader curriculum offerings, which open pathways to careers in counselling, social services, and related sectors, while maintaining their qualification as Tier 1 asatizah under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS). This enriched educational experience will cultivate well-rounded graduates with enhanced adaptability and employability.
SCIS will serve as the programme organiser, conferring degrees and overseeing curriculum development and student liaison. SCIS graduates will also benefit from stackable pathways which allow them to undertake bachelor's and postgraduate degree programmes at SUSS, creating professional opportunities beyond traditional religious roles.
Professor Robbie Goh, Provost, SUSS, said “This partnership brings together the strengths of both institutions and underscores our shared commitment to developing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to society. At SUSS, our focus is on education grounded in real-world needs, and this collaboration with SCIS allows us to extend that mission. Together, we aim to offer students wider and more purposeful pathways that support their aspirations to serve the community meaningfully.”
Realising Community Aspirations
The SUSS-SCIS partnership represents a significant development in Islamic higher education in Singapore, demonstrating how interdisciplinary learning can prepare future-ready graduates who are rooted in Islamic tradition and prepared for contemporary challenges. It addresses the 2020 Committee on Future Asatizah (COFA) recommendations1, by expanding career pathways for religious graduates and strengthening Singapore's social service sector.
By undertaking SUSS’ modules as part of SCIS degree programme, graduates will be able to contribute to the community and wider society, as religious scholars and professional practitioners across religious and secular institutions, such as mosques, family service centres, and community organisations.
For media queries, please contact:
Ms Siti Aisyah Ramli Manager, Strategic Communications, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) | Ms Nur Aziemah Binte Aziz Public Relations Manager, Communications & Marketing, Singapore University of Social Sciences |
About Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
At SUSS, we have a singular vision to be a university that inspires learning for life and impacts lives, regardless of age, background or life path. Our university is a vibrant tapestry of ages and experiences. From recent JC and polytechnic graduates to seasoned professionals, parents seeking new horizons and individuals redefining their careers in their golden years—our diverse community comes together for one common goal: to empower themselves with an education that impacts lives and society.
We offer more than 110 undergraduate and graduate programmes, available in full- and part-time study modes which are flexible, modular and interdisciplinary, catering to both fresh school leavers and adult learners. SUSS also offers a broad range of continuing education and training modular courses for the professional skills upgrading of Singapore's workforce.
Our programmes and courses are offered by our six schools:
- S R Nathan School of Human Development
- School of Business
- School of Humanities & Behavioural Sciences
- School of Law
- School of Science & Technology
- School of Social Work & Social Development
Since becoming an Autonomous University in 2017, over 25,000 graduates have experienced our unique brand of education. More than 19,000 students are currently pursuing their full- and part-time studies with us.
The Institute for Adult Learning (IAL), as part of SUSS, leads in the field of research on adult and workplace learning and training of adult educators to build capabilities of the training and adult education sector in Singapore and beyond.
For more information about SUSS, please visit www.suss.edu.sg.
About Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS)
The establishment of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) is a fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the Muslim community, to have our own institution of higher learning that complements the pathway of Islamic learning provided by the full-time madrasahs.
About Undergraduate Degree in Islamic Studies
The SCIS undergraduate degree programme in Islamic Studies is a 4-year applied programme that aims to nurture future-ready Asatizah who will serve as thought leaders for Singapore’s Muslim community. SCIS graduates will possess comprehensive skills and understanding inspired by the content and context of the Islamic intellectual heritage and embody values to provide relevant and contextualised religious leadership. The SCIS will partner local and international institutions to develop and deliver its undergraduate degree programme. In addition to the partnership with SUSS for the social sciences pathway, SCIS will also partner with Dar al-Ifta, the University of Jordan, and Al-Qarawiyyin University for the Islamic Studies pathway. The college is set to receive its inaugural cohort in 2028, with applications to open in 2027.