Malay/Muslim Community’s Appreciation Dinner for Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

On 20 September 2024, a tribute event was held for Senior Minister (SM) Lee Hsien Loong, organised by MENDAKI with support from various Malay/Muslim organisations.

SM Lee has significantly influenced the Malay/Muslim community and Singapore through his sensitive approach to issues like terrorism, the wearing of ‘tudung’ for our healthcare workers, and Section 377A.

The community expresses deep gratitude for his unwavering dedication and service, which have fostered unity and understanding. Together, we will continue to honour his legacy and uphold the values he has embodied for future generations.

Read more about it in Minister Masagos' Facebook post here.

Speech by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Malay/Muslim Community Organisations' Appreciation Dinner on 20 September 2024

In his speech, Senior Minister Lee emphasised the significant progress made by the Malay/Muslim community over the decades. He expressed pride in their achievements and shared his aspirations for continued growth and development within the community.

Read more

Bersamamu 5th Anniversary Celebration

Bersamamu has provided invaluable support and guidance to Muslim couples across Singapore since its launch in July 2019. Through Bersamamu, the Naib Kadi (marriage solemnisers) will meet and befriend the couples they solemnise and provide marriage advice and refer them to national-level programmes and services.

At the event, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli officially launched the new Bersamamu logo, and presented awards to the dedicated Kadi, Naib Kadi, and female Asatizah, whose dedication have been instrumental in the success of the programme. Ustaz Pasuni Maulan and Ustaz Sallim Jasman, two highly respected Kadis, were each bestowed with the prestigious "Anugerah Kadi Sepanjang Hayat” (Lifetime Achievement Award) in recognition of their unwavering commitment to strengthening families’ efforts, beyond solemnising marriages, over their combined 100 years of service to the community.

Read Minister's Masagos speech here: Bersamamu 5th Anniversary Event

National Day Rally

At National Day Rally (NDR), Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong announced the establishment of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SICS). THe college aims to train asatizah to provide religious relevant guidance within Singapore's context.

PM Wong reiterated his commitment to work with the Malay/Muslim community to attain success.

Read PM Wong speech here: PMO | National Day Rally 2024 (Malay)

Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura

Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura (WMS) was officially launched on 3 August 2024 by Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli. WMS, a new Islamic Endowment Fund by the community for the community, creates a long-term sustainable funding stream for the evolving needs of the Singapore Muslim community.

The establishment of WMS comes back to two important reasons:

A good Islamic practice and tradition. Our forefathers have bequeathed their land and properties for specific purposes that benefit the wider community, as guided by Islamic principles. We now have 91 Wakaf, as an Amanah, entrusted for us to preserve them for future generations. This is a practice that we can learn from and build on – but the last wakaf was contributed a long time back in 1978.

Renewing our mosque land leases. In the next 30 years, we will need at least $300 million to renew our mosque land leases in quick succession. Our existing community funds such as the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF) and Zakat can support the community’s current operation needs. But in the long term, we need to do more to strengthen our religious institutions such as madrasahs, and develop our Asatizah sector.

By establishing the WMS, we will allow ourselves a long runway to raise smaller tranches of funds over time and generate a resilient income stream to support our future growing needs.

M³ Youth Festival

M³ Youth Festival returned for its sixth year on 6 Jul 2024. At the event, Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam launched Cool Yah Conversations.

The Cool Yah Conversations is a refreshed mentoring approach which will be implemented in M³@Towns. The 'flash mentoring' initiative provides flexibility and targeted mentorship that accommodates the needs and schedules of our youths. It builds leadership and mentoring skills among youths, empowering them to play an active role in the community.

Minister Hari Raya Get-Together 2024

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli hosted about 300 guests comprising community and interfaith leaders, volunteers and professionals who have contributed to efforts to uplift the Malay/Muslim community.

Minister Masagos Hari Raya Get-Together Speech 2024

In this year's gathering, Minister retiterated that citizenry remains at the core of our Singaporean Muslim identity – to contribute to a united society, striving together for the common good.

Read more

In his address, Minister Masagos shared how citizenry remains at the core of our Singaporean Muslim identity as we contribute to a united society, striving together for the common good. It is with citizenry that the Malay/Muslim community is more empowered and has built a strong foundation for itself.

Minister Masagos also announced the formation of Islamic Legacy Planning Workgroup and Pro-Tem committee to support Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura when it's launched.