PCICS Prospectus

NEXT-GEN ASATIZAH CARING. PROFESSIONAL. LIFELONG LEARNER

MUFTI’S WELCOME P.4 DEAN’S MESSAGE P.5 FUTURE-READY ASATIZAH IN SINGAPORE P.7 EMBARK ON YOUR NEW JOURNEY P.10 PROGRAMME PHILOSOPHY

ACADEMIC CALENDAR P.12 YOUR WEEKLY SCHEDULE

STEP TOWARDS YOUR PCICS JOURNEY P.16 PCICS ACADEMIC MODULES, ELECTIVES & SKILLS EMPLOYABILITY & PROFESSIONALISATION

MAKING THE RIGHT MOVE P.25 APPLICATION DETAILS BE PART OF THE ASATIZAH FRATERNITY

BEHIND PCICS P.37

ABOUT US AND OUR PARTNERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS P.41

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MUFTI’S WELCOME In an ever-changing and more turbulent world, Asatizah are at the forefront of providing relevant and progressive guidance for the Muslim community. In this regard, we can contribute to a thriving, vibrant and gracious religious life by instilling progressive values that shape the character, competence and sense of citizenry of our community.

As we live through the Covid-19 pandemic, we experience challenges of an unprecedented scale. Our solutions to the problems we face must therefore be creative, robust and forward-looking so that we continue to project and live an Islam that upholds the principles of human dignity and the common good in any circumstance. When we do so, we will earn the confidence and trust of others and demonstrate leadership qualities critical to the success of our community.

I am glad that you have decided to take on this challenge. Embarking on the PCICS journey is your first step in becoming a qualified and registered religious teacher in Singapore. It also means you join an institution that is committed to serve the community and nation in the best possible way. One of the most critical skills we need to serve effectively is to understand, interpret and apply the ethical and compassionate living of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in our unique socio-religious context. The PCICS prepares you to develop these and other skills that will allow you to perform your duties and carry out your respective roles in your field of choice with excellence.

I warmly welcome you onboard as you commence your journey to shape this institution into a progressive and forward-looking one. The future is in your hands. I trust that as you serve with compassion, courage and confidence, the Asatizah institution will become stronger and our community will continue to progress further. I wish you all the best in your respective journeys and I pray for your success in this programme and beyond.

DEAN’S MESSAGE As time advances, so must our mind-set, vision and skills. One would need to be relevant to the needs of that particular period of time. This applies to our religious leaders, or Asatizah.

They play an important role in our community, and their roles are constantly evolving and expanding. Religious leaders of today need to be equipped with useful skills and knowledge to serve the community effectively in a contextualised and highly competent way.

To this end, Muis Academy had embarked on a series of programmes to train and develop our Asatizah in Singapore. These programmes are designed to assist and facilitate aspiring religious teachers and Islamic education centres and providers to gain mandatory recognition under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS). The Postgraduate Certificate in Islam in Contemporary Societies (PCICS) is yet another ambitious programme to prepare Asatizah for the changing future, in place of the baseline programme Certificate in Islam in Context (ICON).

I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome you to PCICS. Our faculties are committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge so that you are able to serve effectively in the religious sectors and at the same time explore opportunities in adjacent sectors. This would ensure that our Asatizah are competent professionals relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow.

On behalf of my colleagues in Muis Academy, we earnestly hope you find this journey enriching and fulfilling and we pray that your efforts be blessed by the Exalted. Here’s wishing you all the very best!

Ahlan wa sahlan wa marhaban bikum.

DR NAZIRUDIN MOHD NASIR MUFTI OF SINGAPORE

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DR ALBAKRI AHMAD DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MUIS & DEAN, MUIS ACADEMY

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FUTURE - RE ADY

ASATIZAH I N SI NGAPORE

Dynamic and strongly rooted to Islamic traditions

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PROGRAMME PHILOSOPHY

ARE WE READY FOR WHAT IS TO COME?

EMBARK

ON YOUR NEW JOURNEY 10

The global, social and political landscapes are constantly undergoing changes with increased diversity and plurality, and the role of religion in society is at centre of public discussion. Societies are experiencing a volatile and unpredictable shift towards a future economy characterised with rapidly progressing technologies, such as, the rise of artificial intelligence and automation. This is affecting all jobs globally and locally, including the religious sector. The future has many opportunities if we are able to adopt the right mindset, continuously learn new skills and harness our multitude of talents to maximise our potential so that we are able to develop a better future for all. The Postgraduate Certificate in Islam in Contemporary Societies (PCICS) aims to nurture a generation of confident, compassionate, and competent professional Asatizah with the requisite knowledge and skills to provide relevant religious guidance in a highly diverse, plural and inter-connected postmodern world.

PCICS is based on a holistic curriculum, dedicating ample attention to both religious and the social sciences to develop a critical-creative thinking mindset, alongside equipping our Asatizah with relevant 21st century competencies and professional proficiencies. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a deep familiarity with the current and future contexts of the Singapore society, and Islam and Muslim communities in the Southeast Asian/Nusantara region. Committed to nurturing a passion for lifelong learning and sustainable self-development, this programme promises a student-centric experience.

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YOUR WEEKLY SCHEDULE This table shows a snapshot of a typical weekly timetable for PCICS students The entire PCICS programme adopts the following adult learning strategies: • Independent, student-centred learning • Blended learning: online, offline, face-to-face, mentorship, facilitated tutorial (If needed) • Assessment will be tracked holistically throughout the learning process and not just based on exams or grades.

• Applied and practical learning

Time

Monday

9am to 6pm

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Skills Workshop† (2 days per term)

6:30pm 7:30pm 8:30pm

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 12

Module 1 Lecture

Module 2 Lecture

Module 1* Tutorial

Module 2* Tutorial

9:30pm Legend: † Skills workshops are for 2 days per term, except for Academic Writing which is 3 hours per week for 10 weeks in Term 1. * Tutorials are held fortnightly and there will be more than one timeslot for students to choose from. * During Ramadan, tutorials will be done on weekday afternoons (after 2pm) and lectures will be held on Saturdays.

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APRIL COHORT

Apr-Jun

Jul-Sep

MODULES

5 Core Modules

Elective Group A (Choose 1)

Elective Group B (Choose 1)

4 Skills Workshop

OCTOBER COHORT

Jan-Mar

Oct-Dec

Jan- Mar

MODULES

OFFERED BY

Apr-Jun

Jul-Sep OFFERED BY

Islam in Singapore

Muis

Islam in Singapore

Muis

Understanding Our Social World

NUS

Understanding Our Social World

NUS

University of Jordan

Contemporary Issues in Islam Classical Texts in Perspective

MUIS

Methodologies of Teaching Islam in Contemporary Societies

Al-Azhar University

Southeast Asian Islam in Historical and Sociological Perspectives

NUS

Religion in Contemporary Societies

5 Core Modules

University of Jordan

Contemporary Issues in Islam Classical Texts in Perspective

MUIS

Methodologies of Teaching Islam in Contemporary Societies

Al-Azhar University

Southeast Asian Islam in Historical and Sociological Perspectives

NUS

SUSS

Religion in Contemporary Societies

SUSS

Culturally Appropriated Counselling Skills

NUS

Culturally Appropriated Counselling Skills

NUS

Human Growth and LifeSpan Development (Birth to Adolescence)

SUSS

Human Growth and LifeSpan Development (Birth to Adolescence)

SUSS

Human Growth and Life-Span Development (Adulthood to Old Age)

SUSS

Human Growth and Life-Span Development (Adulthood to Old Age)

SUSS

Introduction to Social Work

SUSS

Introduction to Social Work

SUSS

Introduction to Social Services

SUSS

Introduction to Social Services

SUSS

Everyday Psychology

SUSS

Everyday Psychology

SUSS

English Academic Writing

NUS

English Academic Writing

NUS

Introduction to Training & Education

Muis

Introduction to Training & Education

Muis

SSG/WSQ Courses

WSQ

SSG/WSQ Courses

WSQ

Workshops to Attend

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Oct-Dec

Elective to Pass

Core to Pass

*S tudents to pass core, electives, and practicum modules. Students to attend workshops.

Elective Group A (Choose 1)

Elective Group B (Choose 1)

4 Skills Workshop

Workshops to Attend

Elective to Pass

Core to Pass

* Students to pass core, electives, and practicum modules. Students to attend workshops.

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ACADEMIC MODULES

The PCICS academic modules are designed to help Asatizah apply critical thinking to the role of religion, religious traditions and texts, and contemporary social developments both in Singapore and globally. Asatizah will engage with a broader range of literature on religion especially from the perspective of the humanities and social sciences.

The modules are designed as an innovative blended learning experience which would allow student-centred and independent learning. There will be one face-to-face session per module per week over 6 weeks and facilitated tutorials for smaller-group discussions every fortnight.

STEP TOWARDS YOUR PCICS JOURNEY 16

ISLAM IN SINGAPORE This module provides an overview of Singapore’s social, historical, economic and geopolitical contexts and how they shape the principles of governance of meritocracy, secularism and multiracialism. It will focus on how Islam has evolved with respect to religious thinking and practice, administration of Muslim affairs and inter-religious relations in Singapore.

This will cover the role of key institutions such as mosques, madrasahs and key policy developments in managing the socio-religious life of the Muslim community in Singapore.

MUIS ACADEMY / CORE 17

METHODOLOGIES OF TEACHING ISLAM IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETIES CLASSICAL TEXTS IN PERSPECTIVE This module provides students with relevant knowledge and tools to critically and creatively examine the Islamic sources, and the rich and diverse Islamic traditions, particularly in plural societies. Through this, students will develop an appreciation for contextualisation in multi-religious and multi-cultural settings. Students will examine the varying texts and interpretations, as well as approaches to dealing with different jurisprudential school of thoughts. Key questions in this module include: how do we interpret religious texts in context? What are the challenges? What are some methodological tools in understanding religious texts? How can one be critical and creative in treating religious texts, yet remain true to the traditions? What are some of the critical apparatus? What is maqasid shari‘ah?

How do we apply these concepts and critical tools in the context of plural societies?

MUIS ACADEMY / CORE

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ISLAM This module provides students with the means to understand and address contemporary views and realities both theoretically and practically. Students will learn to appreciate the different religious experiences that will enhance the understanding of Muslim preachers especially in a multi-cultural and multi-religious societies. This module will also equip students with methodological skills necessary to address contemporary issues such as citizenship, human rights, gender, governance and the economy.

This module provides students with the methodology and means to understand, both theoretically and practically, the appropriate and effective messaging and teaching (Da’wah) of Islam in contemporary societies. It examines and analyzes emerging issues and thoughts, extremist ideologies, and ways to address these issues. Students will be familiarised with various methodologies and means of engagements, as well as the tools and skills of contextualisation. This module will address contemporary views and realities, as well as the different religious experiences that will enhance the engagement & discourse especially in multi-cultural and multi- religious societies.

AL-AZHAR UNIVERSITY / CORE

UNDERSTANDING OUR SOCIAL WORLD Social Sciences provide ways to understand human interactions in their respective social worlds. This module is an introduction to how social scientists study societies. Students will have an introduction, overview approaches and methodologies in the social sciences as well as the different social scientific methodologies to produce and analyse data. Through themes including family institutions, stratification and class structure, gender and social change, students will be exposed to some thinkers and theorists in the social sciences and learn about their corresponding ideas, approaches and research methods.

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE / CORE

UNIVERSITY OF JORDAN / CORE

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EMPLOYABILITY & PROFESSIONALISATION As part of the PCICS curriculum, students are required to complete a practicum during their course of study. The practicum seeks to provide students with the opportunity to acquire and develop on-the-job work-ready skills for future roles in the workforce.Students may choose to either enrol into an internship programme or embark on a work-based project for one term. Alternatively, students may opt for the Work Experience Programme (WEP).

Modules

Apr-Mar (1 year)

Apr-Jun

Jul-Sep

Oct-Dec

Jan-Mar

Internship Work-Based Project (WBP)

1

Work Experience Programme (WEP)

Electives to pass

WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME Only returning graduates who apply for ARS Tier 1 (Graduate) from Nov 2019 would need to complete PCICS. Asatizah already recognized by ARS would not need to take PCICS.

FEATURE

NATURE OF WORK

Part-time or full-time (students are expected to fulfil a minimum of 20 hours per week).

EMPLOYER

Students will be matched to selected positions in the religious and adjacent sectors. Students’ preference will be taken into account.

DURATION

10-12 months.

TARGET GROUP & CRITERIA

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Selection will be based on: (i) Good academic performance (ii) Have the confidence and resilience to take on the programme. (iii) Passing the Interview process

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INTERNSHIP

SUSS MODULES

SPRINGBOARD TO LIFELONG LEARNING

During the programme, students who opt for the SUSS modules will become enrolled in SUSS as CET (Continuing Education & Training) students. Students who successfully

FEATURES

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

NATURE OF WORK

Part-time or full-time (students are expected to fulfil a minimum of 20 hours per week)

towards degree programmes.

Students will be matched to selected internship positions in the religious and adjacent sectors. Students’ preference will be taken into account.

Students will receive a Statement of Attainment (SOA) from SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) for WSQ courses completed. Relevant SOAs are stackable to achieve full WSQ Qualification.

ORGANISATION HOSTS DURATION

complete the modules will receive Course Certificates from SUSS, which are stackable

SKILLS WORKSHOP

E-PORTFOLIO

Minimum 2 months. This module is to be completed either in Term 2 or Term 4.

Students will complete all sections of their e-Portfolios, documenting and recording their works, projects performances, and experiences

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WORK-BASED PROJECT (WBP) FE ATURES NATURE OF WORK

ORGANISATION HOSTS

DURATION

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Freelance Students who are employed may utilise their current employment to fulfill this module’s requirement. Alternatively, students can source for relevant organisations to embark on a shortterm 2-month project. Alternatively, a list of suggested organisation hosts will be provided.

TESTIMONIALS: Faculties & Organisations

Mentors Workplace Coach

2 months The topic chosen must be scoped to ensure it can be completed within 2 months.

CRITERIA FOR PROJECT TOPIC

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS:

Examples of project topics: ∙ Redesign curriculum/lesson plan for an IECP ∙ Research project/thesis paper based on organisation host’s needs ∙ Plan and conduct training sessions ∙ Solution to a social issue using design-thinking

CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)

CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION

REFLECTION JOURNALS & PROGRESS TRACKING

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TRANSCRIPTS

PROJECTS & SELECTED WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

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STUDENT WELFARE & SUPPORT To ensure an enriching and holistic learning experience, Muis Academy is providing comprehensive welfare support to address various student needs.

CAREER COACHING CAREER CONNECT

Career connect courses (CCC) and one-on-one coaching sessions are designed to hone student’s employability and career planning skills.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT ACADEMIC SUPPORT Faculty members are dedicated to facilitate comprehension of academic concepts and their application in real life. They will use variated modes of assessment and will provide qualitative feedback to students.

ARABIC LANGUAGE SUPPORT (ALS) A language consultant is available to provide linguistic support for modules conducted in Arabic.

SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE & CAREER COACHING COMMUNITY OF MENTORS (COM) COM provides a supportive and enabling environment for students to strengthen their spiritual resolve, ease their transition to professional life, and offer insights on the ethical application of knowledge in shaping the socio-religious life in Singapore.

MENTAL WELLNESS COUNSELLING Students will be provided access to experienced senior therapists who will help them manage every day stresses and offer holistic pathways for students to achieve their personal goals.

FINANCIAL WELLBEING LEARNING & BEHAVIOURAL SUPPORT SPECIAL NEEDS & ASSISTANCE Special arrangements will be made for students who require special needs and assistance.

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BURSARIES AND PSEA Muis PCICS bursaries and Post Secondary Education Accounts may be utilised to offset programme fees for those eligible.

WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME (WEP) As a paid one-year programme, the WEP is an employment opportunity to students who are interested to work while studying.

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FEE PAYMENT The programme will be subsidised by MUIS to ensure that it is affordable. Participants enrolling in the PCICS between 2020 and 2023 will enjoy significant subsidies, and be required to pay only $800 per participant for the entire programme ($200 per term), in recognition that they would have enrolled in overseas Islamic universities without notice that the PCICS would become a mandatory requirement.

MAKING THE

RIGHT MOVE

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MY PCICS JOURNEY

START YOUR JOURNEY NOW! ‫صرة‬ ‫ى معا‬ ‫فتاو‬

Synergising Islamic scholarly tradition with modern disciplines, PCICS exemplifies MUIS' partnership with the Asatizah fraternity, to co-create a community of success. This is achieved by leveraging on their tertiary education and Islamic training. Join us to be part of the Professionalised Asatizah Fraternity for our Changing Texture of Singaporean Society

community and beyond!

Predominance of Technology & Social Media

Future Economic & Workforce Transformation

Need for Islamic Thought Leaders & Scholars

Do you want to work in the Core & Adjacent Religious Sectors?

NO

YES

Programme Objectives PCICS aims to professionalise the Asatizah fraternity, increase employability and produce Asatizah who are well-equipped for the future

Eligibility Criteria

Professionalising Asatizah Institution

Raising Employability of Asatizah

ADJACENT

CORE

PCICS is for you if you are a recent graduate with overseas or local Islamic tertiary qualifications

Provision of Religious Guidance & Islamic Education

Developing Contextualised Islam through Critical-Thinking Mindset

Social Work Social Services Legal Social Cohesion & Security Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Creative & Innovative Industry

Do you want to upgrade yourself to prepare for the future?

YES

Professionalisation & Employability through PCICS Internships

PROCEED TO APPLY FOR ARS CERTIFICATION

Work Experience Programme

Work-Based Projects

APPLYING FOR ARS?

Here’s what you need to prepare CERTIFICATE

Opportunity to acquire & develop workforce skills through on-the-job training

PCICS Workforce Skills

Digital Literacy

Critical & Applied Thinking

Communication

You may apply for financial assistance during matriculation to offset the course fees.

Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Scanned copies of degree certificate or latest official transcript

YOU ARE ON YOU WAY TO BECOMING YOUR A PA PART OF 21st CENTURY W WORKFORCE-READY ASATIZAH!

Teaching & Pedagogy

Networking Contacts

Do I need to pay?

What if I need further assistance?

Scanned copies of O level & A level or 'Aaliyah certificate

SIT FOR THE PCICS PROGRAMME OFFERED

BY MUIS ACADEMY

What’s in it for me?

Can I afford to study in PCICS? Yes. However, fees are subsidised & affordable.

Students can pay in monthly installments

Recent Passport-Sized Photograph

Academic Writing

You can apply by scanning the QR code below

e-Portfolio

Work Experience

Testimonials

PCICS GRADUATES

Enhanced Employability

Certificate of Participation

Business Etiquette Workforce Skills

Please contact MUIS for more details on PCICS (+65) 63591177

@muis_academy

Standard Working Hours: 9.00 AM - 5.00PM Singapore Local Time

@muisacademy pcics@muis.gov.sg

Please help us serve you better by scanning the QR code and completing the PCICS survey!

BE PART OF THE ASATIZAH FRATERNITY The ARS was then continually reviewed and further refinements were made. The Scheme was established and then made mandatory in 2017 to enhance the standing of religious teachers (Asatizah) and serve as a credible source of reference for the Singapore Muslim community. The application for recognition is assessed and approved by the ARB. The Board comprises senior Asatizah and is appointed by Muis for a period of three years.

The Certificate in Islam in Context (ICON) was introduced in 2017 as a pre-requisite for the ARS. Building on its success and the intent of strengthening the development of Asatizah in Singapore, all new applicants for the Tier 1 Graduate ARS will have to participate in the Postgraduate Certificate in Islam in Contemporary Societies (PCICS).

Apply for the ARS and be part of the Asatizah fraternity. It’s your chance to bring people closer to each other and the Divine within. Through your every intention guide people to lead meaningful lives, show them how honouring our moderate and inclusive religious beliefs and practices includes dignifying and sanctifying others who are different from us, highlight values that would enrich discussions on what makes a good society, contribute different ways to address the challenges of modernity, and guard the community against problematic ideologies and practices.

As the Asatizah are spiritual, thought and community leaders, the Muslim community relies on them as beacons of light to lead holistic and ethical lives in our world today.

Asatizah are also individuals who are driven by a deeper calling and respond to this noble call for service and duty for the community. The effort and sacrifices of the early generations of Asatizah goes a long way in co-creating the compassionate and cohesive future of our community, our nation and our global community at large.

To ensure the full recognition of qualified and professional Asatizah, our teachers established the Mandatory Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS). Today, the scheme not only recognises Asatizah, it also equips them holistically with the necessary 21st century skillsets to enable them to confidently play their role in building an inclusive nation.

The need to have accreditation for Asatizah in Singapore was mooted in the 1990s by senior scholars and Asatizah in PERGAS (Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious Teachers Association). The proposal was forwarded to Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) for deliberation. In 2004, Muis formed the Asatizah Recognition Board (ARB) appointing Ustaz Hj Ali bin Hj Mohamed as its first Chairman and PERGAS as its secretariat. The following year, the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) was launched and had its first batch of voluntary registrations.

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PARTICIPANTS’ TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST MUIS ACADEMY PROGRAMMES FOR ASTIZAH

“Module after module in the Certificate of Islam in Context (ICON), presented an eye-opening learning journey for me.

I believe that it is crucial for the Asatizah who pursue their studies overseas to understand the ever-changing dynamics of our country and society, and how we as Asatizah can apply the knowledge we have learned to meet our nation’s current and future needs. We are the next generation of Asatizah that will shape the future of Singapore, and ICON has played a part in gearing up Asatizah to understand and fulfill their duties and amanah as the ambassadors of Islam.”

MUHAMMAD HAZIQ BIN MISWAN Civil Servant, Singapore Public Service Graduate of Yarmouk University, Jordan

“It was a great platform for us, young Asatizah, who have only recently graduated from different Islamic universities to work on our respective areas of strength by deepening our knowledge of Singapore’s Context, in terms of social development and its competitive landscape. It will be much easier for us to understand the text and contextualize it to the needs of our community living in a secular state and a plural society.

It was good to be reminded of the bigger role that Asatizah play in providing our growing community with authentic guidance. We have to be the qudwah hasanah, upholding the ethical principles and be courageous in the face of all the challenges in our cosmopolitan global world.”

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NURJANNAH SHONAR Religious Leadership Department, Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers’ Association (PERGAS) Graduate of Al-Azhar University, Egypt

BEHIND

PCICS 39

PROGRAMME ADVISORS

Mr Esa Masood, Chief Executive, Muis Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, Mufti of Singapore, Muis Dr Albakri Ahmad, Deputy Chief Executive, Muis; Dean, Muis Academy Mr Zalman Putra Ali, Director, Education Policy and Systems, Muis

HEAD OF PROGRAMME

Dr Mohammad Hannan Hassan, Deputy Mufti, Muis

MUIS ACADEMY

Vice Dean, Muis Academy

PROGRAMME DEVELOPERS

Mr Yazid Mohd Ali, Senior Assistant Director, Asatizah Development (Office of Mufti) Ms Hanna Taufiq Siraj, Assistant Director, Muis Academy (Office of Mufti) Mr Safwan Sulaiman, Assistant Manager, Muis Academy (Office of Mufti) Dr Tuty Raihanah Mostarom, Assistant Manager, Asatizah Development (Office of Mufti) Mr Aufa Muhammad Sidqee Salleh Hoddin, Senior Programme Consultant, Asatizah Development (Office of Mufti) Hafizah Awang, Senior Programme Consultant, Muis Academy (Office of Mufti) Zhahirah Mohd Salleh, Senior Programme Consultant, Muis Academy (Office of Mufti)

PROGRAMME SECRETARIAT

Ms Shereen Mohd Idris, Assistant Manager, Muis Academy (Office of Mufti) Mr Muhd Alyasa’ Sidek, Senior Programme Consultant, Asatizah Development (Office of Mufti) Ms Sriwati Suleiman, Programme Consultant, Muis Academy (Office of Mufti)

Š 2020 Muis Academy. All rights reserved.

No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from Muis Academy. The organiser reserves the right to modify or change the programme.

Muis Academy Islamic Religious Council of Singapore 273 Braddell Road Singapore 579702

Muis Academy (MA) is the research and education arm of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore. The Academy aims at building the leadership capabilities of the socio-religious community so as to shape a progressive religious life of the Muslim community, and promoting a deeper understanding and progressive discourse on Islam and Muslim society in the modern world.

This is realized through multi-disciplinar y courses, workshops, roundtable discussions, seminars and conferences. In addition, the Academy conducts research and publishes commentaries and analytical pieces on contemporar y issues on religion and is a key platform that supports the vision of establishing a Muslim Community of Excellence for Singapore.

OUR CORE AREA OF EXPERTISE

Muis Academy is dedicated to the development of Islamic religious leadership in Singapore and as such offers a variety of courses and programmes for the Asatizah, mosque officers and leaders, madrasah staff and teachers and Muslim youth and community leaders in the socio-religious sector.

In addition, the Academy now actively engages different sectors of the Singapore society, such as the religious leaders, community leaders and public officers across all faiths. This is mostly achieved through our partnerships with reputable institutes of higher learning locally and internationally where intellectual discourses on Islam and Muslims in the modern world are held in our programmes and publications.

Release V2.0 30 June 2020

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OUR PARTNERS

AL-AZHAR UNIVERSITY

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF JORDAN

FREQUENTLY

ASKED QUESTIONS 42

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01 What is PCICS?

05 What is the typical schedule of a PCICS student?

The Postgraduate Certificate in Islam in Contemporary Societies (PCICS) is a one-year programme for returning graduates from tertiary Islamic learning institutions who are applying for Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) Tier 1 (Graduate). The programme has to be completed within 3 years of registering for the ARS.

PCICS has a blended learning format to help students balance between study and other commitments, such as work and family. Participants will spend a total of 10 hours on each module – 6 hours of e-learning, 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of tutorial.

02 What is the purpose of PCICS? Why must all Islamic religious graduates attend PCICS?

Asatizah provide critical spiritual and social support to the Singapore Muslim Community.

With Singapore’s changing social and economic landscape, future asatizah must be better equipped to address the emerging challenges and leverage the opportunities in adjacent sectors and beyond. Therefore, individuals who wish to teach Islam in Singapore should be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to apply their Islamic learning to the Singapore context, to function effectively in the local religious sector.

06 Would Asatizah already recognised by ARS need to take PCICS?

Only returning graduates from November 2019, who apply for or upgrade to ARS Tier 1 (Graduate) would need to complete PCICS. Asatizah who have completed their studies before November 2019 and are already recognized by ARS would not need to take PCICS.

07 Would students who take higher education programmes from local Islamic Education Centres and Providers (IECPs) need to attend PCICS?

Our religious education should produce graduates who are able to contribute to society, and increasingly, this will require them to be multi-skilled, give sound religious guidance which is contextualised to Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious society. This would ensure consistency of standards among religious teachers across the sector.

Yes, graduates of local IECPs with a curriculum and certificate endorsed by a foreign university will also have to attend PCICS.

03 Who should attend PCICS?

08 Can current Tier 1 Asatizah benefit from PCICS?

Muslim religious students who are currently enrolled in tertiary Islamic colleges (including those who are graduating in 2019) intending to apply for ARS Tier 1 (Graduate) would need to complete PCICS. Returning graduates who do not wish to work in the religious and adjacent sector will not have to go through the PCICS and apply for ARS. Those who have attended the Islam in Context (ICON) programme would not need to take PCICS.

Customised courses based on the PCICS curriculum, including competency skills workshops is available for all asatizah under ARS. Asatizah would be able to better contextualise their knowledge to meet the needs of the Muslim community in Singapore and upgrade their skills.

04 Why implement PCICS now and not earlier? Is this an enhancement of the current ICON programme?

Increasingly, asatizah play an important role in providing the Singapore Muslim Community with sound religious guidance amidst a diverse and vibrant socio-religious landscape. PCICS is an enhancement to the Islam in Context (ICON) programme, introduced in 2017. Past ICON participants found the programme beneficial, but shared that the current ICON can be enhanced to include other important aspects for returning religious graduates like employability and career development. This is also consistent with the findings and recommendations of Committee on Future of Asatizah (COFA).

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09 Why is the programme over one-year compared to ICON which was one-month?

PCICS is designed to provide robust postgraduate level modules. The modules are designed to equip asatizah with a graduate certificate, which would have credit units from modules recognised by selected partner institutions should students wish to pursue further certifications with these institutions.

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10 Why must students from neighbouring countries

(i.e. Malaysia and Indonesia) whose context would be similar to Singapore, go through PCICS?

All overseas students will have to attend PCICS if they want to apply for ARS Tier 1 (Graduate).

Although we have students who may study in countries which are geographically near to Singapore (such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei), their socio-religious context differs from Singapore. As such, it is important for graduates from these countries to undergo PCICS to ensure that they acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to apply their Islamic learning to the Singapore context, and the relevant skills to function effectively in the local religious sector.

11 Will there be internships or work placements

14 How will PCICS be conducted?

PCICS is a blended programme. Participants will engage in online learning as well as face-to-face sessions. Participants will spend a total of 10 hours per module – 6 hours of e-learning, 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of tutorial every fortnight. Upon completion of the programme, participants will receive full ARS recognition and 20 CPE hours.

15 Will PCICS graduates still need to attend Continuous Professional Education (CPE)?

As the Code of Ethics is embedded in the modules, participants will be awarded 20 CPE hours upon the successful completion of PCICS. PCICS participants would need to take additional 10 hours of CPE courses within the three-year period to meet the CPE requirements.

during PCICS?

Internship opportunities and work-based projects will be part of the programme. Students may also apply for the Work Experience Programme (WEP).

12 What kind of certification or qualification can PCICS students expect to receive? Will certificate(s) from overseas partner institutions, NUS and SUSS be issued to PCICS graduates?

Graduates of PCICS will obtain a Postgraduate Certificate by Muis Academy, supported by our local and overseas partner institutions, full ARS recognition and 20 Continuous Professional Education (CPE) hours. Graduates of PCICS will not receive separate certification from NUS, SUSS or the foreign partner institutions. Students who wish to pursue full qualifications with NUS and SUSS after completing the PCICS can enquire directly with either AU on possible credit exemptions. SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will be providing certification for the WSQ courses.

13 Can participants teach Islam while pursuing the PCICS certificate?

Graduates who apply for ARS (Tier 1) will be given provisional ARS recognition upon application, which will allow them to teach Islam while undergoing the PCICS.

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@muisacademy @muis.academy www.muis.gov.sg/muisacademy pcics@muis.gov.sg