NDR 2026: New committee set up to help Malay-Muslim community seize economic opportunities, develop skills

NDR 2026: New committee set up to help Malay-Muslim community seize economic opportunities, develop skills One key area under consideration by the committee includes mental health support for workers navigating career transitions. SINGAPORE: A new Committee of Economic Resilience will engage the Malay-Muslim community to develop skills and seize economic opportunities, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Sunday (Aug 23). Chaired by Members of Parliament Wan Rizal (PAP-Jalan Besar) and Saktiandi Supaat (PAP-Bishan-Toa Payoh), the committee has received many thoughtful suggestions from the community, Mr Wong said in his Malay speech at the National Day Rally. “One key thrust is to support Malay-Muslim youths to develop their skills, broaden their exposure and seize opportunities in new and growing sectors,” he said, according to an English translation of his speech provided by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information. The two MPs are engaging the Malay-Muslim community across various sectors to translate recommendations from the Economic Strategy Review – a 10-year economic blueprint released by the government in May – into actions that will benefit the community. Key areas under consideration by the committee include mental health support for workers navigating career transitions, and employability initiatives to connect young people with relevant industries and the broader community. New Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad and his team will announce other initiatives in due course, said Mr Wong. He said he was happy to see younger political officeholders stepping up, such as Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi. "They bring with them experience from the private sector. The team is working well. And I will continue to renew and strengthen this team," added Mr Wong. The prime minister said that the Malay language is an “integral part of Singapore’s identity”. “Given Singapore’s location in this region, it would be valuable for Singaporeans to learn Malay and better appreciate Malay culture,” he added. The connections are not only about heritage, he said. “In fact, they help us strengthen our ties with neighbours in the region and open up more opportunities for our people and Singapore businesses,” Mr Wong added. OTHER INITIATIVES Mr Wong touched on other initiatives for the Malay-Muslim community. One of them is the Santunan Emas programme aimed at supporting Muslim seniors and their caregivers. It was started in 2024 by Al-Muttaqin Mosque, private Islamic education provider Ma:een and Muhammadiyah Active Ageing Centre, to support seniors in Ang Mo Kio. Mr Wong said that the initiative will be expanded to Yishun, Sembawang and Woodlands, so that “more seniors can live their golden years with dignity and purpose”. By the end of 2026, Santunan Emas aims to expand its reach to close to 3,000 seniors weekly across five mosques in four towns. There will also be a new partnership between the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (PERGAS) and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME). Through the initiative, enterprises led by Islamic religious teachers can leverage advisory support, digital tools and business networks. “In return, businesses gain from the community’s cultural and language expertise, as they expand to regional markets,” said Mr Wong. Mr Wong said that the various efforts are making a significant difference, with more Malay-Muslim Singaporeans making their mark across various sectors such as the public service, armed forces, and the judiciary. “They are contributing to Singapore’s progress, while remaining firmly rooted in their community and heritage,” said Mr Wong. “That’s exactly what we want to see - not just a strong Malay-Muslim community, but Malay-Muslim Singaporeans making bigger contributions to Singapore.”