The Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) does not intend to compete with thousand-year-old institutions such as Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, he said on Nov 13, noting that it is instead aimed at teaching religious knowledge through the perspective of Singapore's multiracial, multi-religious society.
The college, which will open in 2028, will also provide aspiring asatizah, or religious teachers, with a more affordable alternative to pursuing their religious studies overseas, said Mr Masagos, who is also Minister for Social and Family Development.
Singapore's full-time madrasah system currently teaches students only up to the pre-university level, with an average of about 120 madrasah graduates pursuing further Islamic studies overseas each year.
Those who go to foreign institutions have to undergo a mandatory one-year postgraduate course upon returning, to apply what they have learnt overseas to the Singapore context.
Describing the college as a "long-standing aspiration of the Muslim community" here, Mr Masagos said SCIS can contribute to developing a body of knowledge that can help provide religious guidance to Muslims living as a minority in secular societies.
This is something religious scholars from other institutions have said is essential, he added, speaking to reporters at Parliament House.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin November 14, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin November 14, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
South Korea's defence ministry denies preferential treatment for BTS' V
South Korea's Ministry of National Defence has refuted claims that V, a member of K-pop boy band BTS, received preferential treatment while serving in the military.
K-actor Jung Woo-sung admits to fathering model Moon Ga-bi's child
South Korean actor Jung Woo-sung, 51, admitted on Nov 24 that he is the father of South Korean model Moon Ga-bi's child.
Chuck Woolery was the first host of Wheel Of Fortune
Chuck Woolery (right), the affable host of Love Connection, Wheel Of Fortune and other television game shows in the United States, who later criticized liberal values and the US Democratic Party as the co-host of a popular right-wing podcast, died on Nov 23 at his home in Texas. He was 83.
Sole Singaporean contestant Yang Yan eliminated
Idol survival reality show Starlight Boys
Spotlight on two female-directed movies in India
Laapataa Ladies and All We Imagine As Light might have a shot at winning Academy Awards, a rare prospect for the country
For diamond shoppers, yet another choice to make – natural or man-made?
With Thanksgiving marking the unofficial start of engagement season - late November through Valentine's Day is when marriage proposals are common - ring buying is top of mind for many couples considering marriage.
Culture and cuisine in Hanoi
Visit the Vietnamese capital's Opera House and sample offerings from Michelin-starred chefs in Senses of Capella
BUDGET TIPS FOR FAMILY TRIPS
Going abroad? Here are five money-saving hacks for the holidays with your nearest and dearest
How the late Arthur Frommer inspired travellers to 'just do it'
In the 1980s, when I planned my first trip to Europe, I cannot remember which Frommer's travel guidebook I took along.
Tension, pressure, nerve, genius: At the chess c'ship, the wait is worth it
For all the flow of action, all sport involves varied acts of waiting. We wait for the goal in football, the shooter to fire between heartbeats, a snarling Rafael Nadal to uppercut the air in delight.