By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz
SINGAPORE, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- The Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty, was honoured with the highest accolade by the Muslim Converts' Association of Singapore (MCAS) on Saturday, in recognition of his dedication, leadership and transformative impact on the association.
The MCAS Academic Excellence Diamond Award was presented to him by Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower, Zaqy Mohamad, at the inaugural MCAS Academic Excellence Award 2025 ceremony held at Singapore EXPO.
The Diamond Award is the highest accolade presented by the MCAS, also known as Darul Arqam, to individuals whose enduring contributions to education and society have left a profound legacy.
MCAS President Muhammad Imran Kuna said Muhammad Nur has contributed extensively to the growth and advancement of the MCAS.
"Datuk (Muhammad Nur) is one of the pioneers who actually started the education system for Darul Arqam. He is one of those who interviewed the lecturers, and from time to time, when there is consultation, he has always been there," he told Bernama.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Nur said the award motivates him to streamline and organise more programmes that are inclusive for the multi-religious society in the Southeast Asia region, especially in Malaysia and Singapore.
"I am proud of MCAS' commitment to the struggle for Islamic education and da'wah. We, at IKIM, will also continue to work with MCAS in the future," he told Bernama.
Muhammad Nur, 75, served as the Islamic education consultant at the MCAS from 2000 to 2009, where his work was instrumental in refining the Islamic education curriculum and da'wah methodologies.
According to the MCAS, the former senator played a key role in developing specialised courses for new Muslim converts, including subjects such as Aqidah, Fiqh and Sirah.
His efforts extended to revising textbooks, conducting seminars, and organising workshops aimed at enhancing the educational experiences of new Muslims from diverse backgrounds.
Muhammad Nur also provided invaluable guidance that shaped the association's educational framework, ensuring that the curriculum met the highest standards.
At the ceremony, the MCAS also presented excellence awards to over 70 dedicated religious educators and recognised top students from local madrasahs.
The association also unveiled several pioneering initiatives under Project SEED, including free weekend madrasah education, free transportation services for students island-wide, and comprehensive fee coverage for all students enrolled in Darul Arqam Children Classes.
According to the MCAS, these initiatives, benefitting 250 students starting in January 2025, set a new benchmark for education accessibility in Singapore.
-- BERNAMA
