SINGAPORE – Religious leadership plays a vital role amid the rise of conflict and polarisation in societies around the world, and asatizah – or Muslim religious teachers – in Singapore continue to demonstrate progressive leadership, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
He was speaking at the launch of the Asatizah Professionals and Volunteers Network (APVN) held at Max Atria at Singapore Expo on Oct 4. The network comes under the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association, or Pergas.
The initiative is a platform that brings together asatizah, both the professionals and volunteers, to learn from one another, build confidence and expand contributions to the community.
The APVN aims to ensure asatizah remain relevant, and are empowered to serve not just in traditional religious spaces, but also meaningfully across wider domains.
PM Wong said that the world is becoming more complex with the spread of misinformation and extremist views online, which leaves young Singaporeans vulnerable to radicalisation.
With societal changes and technological advancements, new questions are also being raised about how religious teachings should be applied in modern society.
“We are heartened that our asatizah in Singapore continue to demonstrate progressive and effective thought leadership – keeping up with contemporary developments, speaking to the realities of the day, and providing sound and practical guidance for the community,” said PM Wong.
For example, Singapore was one of the first few countries to
issue clear religious guidance permitting the consumption of lab-cultivated meat
.
This not only supports Singapore’s food security, but also shows how faith and modern science can go hand in hand, he added.
In launching the APVN, PM Wong said that Pergas plays an important role in ensuring that Singapore has a progressive and modern Muslim community. The association has also been steadfast in nurturing asatizah, through scholarships and grants.
PM Wong encouraged the asatizah to make the best use of the new network.
“With the APVN, you will have more opportunities to serve our fellow Singaporeans from all walks of life and from different faiths – in areas ranging from palliative care to engaging youth at risk.”
He added: “I hope you embrace these partnerships, because these partnerships show that we can make a positive impact by working together, and shape the future we want for Singapore.”
PM Lawrence Wong (centre) and Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim (in blue shirt, next to Mr Wong) at the launch of the Asatizah Professionals and Volunteers Network.
PHOTO: MDDI
PM Wong said the Government will work closely with the Muslim community to support its aspirations, including with the upcoming Singapore College of Islamic Studies, which will take things forward in nurturing the next generation of asatizah.
He
announced during the National Day Rally in August
that the college will be located next to the new Singapore University of Social Sciences campus in Rochor, and will take in its first batch of students in 2028.
At the event on Oct 4, PM Wong also cited teachings from ancient Arab Islamic scholar Ibn Khaldun, noting that the key ingredient that allows civilisations to succeed is a spirit of consolidation and solidarity.
But such a spirit potentially dilutes over generations, and that is what causes civilisations to decline.
That is why Singapore must work hard to put the collective before the self, with its people looking out for one another in the context of a multicultural society.
“We must always make the effort to look beyond our own communities and strengthen that spirit of cohesion that will enable Singapore to continue thriving for a long, long time,” said PM Wong.
PM Wong thanked Pergas and the asatizah fraternity for their contributions to Singapore.
“You have uplifted our Singapore Muslim community, enabled it to practise its faith confidently and built trust across groups in our diverse society. In doing so, you have fostered harmony and contributed greatly to Singapore’s development,” he said.
IslamLawrence WongSingapore religionReligion
