‘Safety foremost in our minds': Faishal Ibrahim reassures Singaporean students in the Middle East
SINGAPORE - The Government is monitoring developments in the Middle East closely and is working with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remain in touch with Singaporean students in the region.
Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim in a Facebook post on June 22 assured Singaporeans pursuing higher Islamic education in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait that the Government has their welfare and well-being in mind, following a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region.
Israel began a series of air strikes against Iran on June 13. This was followed by the US ordering air strikes on Iran's three main nuclear sites on the morning of June 22.
The Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs said he spoke with more than 40 student leaders from the Singapore Students Welfare Assembly in Egypt and Singaporean Students' Association in Jordan via video call on the evening of June 21.
'This call was important – it was an opportunity for me to check in on our students, to listen, understand, and offer my assurance that the safety, well-being and welfare of our students are foremost in our minds,' he said, adding that Muis' student liaison officers remain in close contact with those studying in the Middle East.
He added that he is heartened that the student leaders are stepping up during this period to engage their peers and look out for one another.
'This ensures that every student feels safe, supported and can focus on their studies... The spirit of looking out for one another reflects the strength of our community,' he said.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
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