Centre for Interfaith Understanding - CIFU

12/10/2026

✨ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫-𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 ✨

As part of CIFU’s 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, we invite you to journey with us as we explore the rich traditions, histories, and communities that shape Singapore’s multicultural and multireligious landscape. 🇸🇬

Join our 3rd visit in this series: “𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲” — an opportunity to discover the Jain community and connect with its members. ✨

In this session, participants will:

✅ Understand their cultural and religious practices
✅ Learn about their historical presence within Singapore’s diverse landscape
✅ Build friendships with members of the community

🗓️ Saturday, 17 October 2026
🕒 3.00pm – 5.00pm
📍 Singapore Jain Religious Society
(18 Jalan Yassin, Singapore 417991)

Organised by 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗨), in partnership with Singapore Jain Religious Society.

Whether you’re curious about different faith traditions, passionate about building understanding, or simply looking to learn something new, we’d love for you to join us!

Scan the QR code on the poster or register here:
👉 https://tinyurl.com/gtk-003

05/09/2026

We were pleased to have CIFU’s Honorary Treasurer, Ustazah Lina Sakina, represent CIFU as a panellist at a thought-provoking discussion on “Telling Stories That Hold Us Together: Media Responsibility in Interfaith Spaces”, a student-led event organised by SUSS Current Affairs Interest Group and SUARA with the support of the university.

The event was warmly received, with an engaging and robust Q&A session held under Chatham House Rules, creating a space for open and meaningful exchange.

As a religious teacher and an experienced interfaith practitioner, Ustazah Lina brought valuable insights and perspectives to the conversation, contributing to a deeper discussion on the role and responsibilities of media in fostering understanding across faith communities.

We are grateful to SUSS and the student organisers for creating this important platform for dialogue, reflection and learning. It was heartening to see such thoughtful engagement on issues that matter to our diverse and interconnected community.
suss

31/08/2026

CIFU is pleased to announce our 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖.

We warmly welcome our office bearers and board members as they begin a new term of service, guiding CIFU’s work in promoting interfaith understanding, dialogue, and friendship across communities in Singapore.

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬
- 𝐃𝐫. 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐊. — 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧
- 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐫𝐚𝐧 — 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧
- 𝐊𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐬𝐞 — 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲
- 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐭 — 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐭. 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲
- 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐚 — 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐫
- 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐎𝐰 — 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐭. 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐫

𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝
- 𝐃𝐫. 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐰
- 𝐎𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐢 𝐊𝐢𝐭
- 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐝
- 𝐊𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐠

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 for their dedication, leadership, and contributions over the past term. 🙏🇸🇬

As we look ahead, CIFU remains committed to fostering knowledge, peace, and solidarity in Singapore’s diverse society. 🤝

13/08/2026

Here’s sharing again! 🤗

🕌✨ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫-𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 ✨🕌

As part of CIFU’s new 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, we invite you to journey with us as we explore the rich traditions, histories, and communities that shape Singapore’s multicultural and multireligious landscape. 🇸🇬

Join our 2nd visit in this series with “𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 Soka Gakkai Singapore” — a timely and meaningful introduction to the faith organisation of the Nichiren Buddhist tradition. ✨

In this session, participants will:
✅ Understand their cultural and religious practices
✅ Learn about their historical presence within Singapore’s diverse landscape
✅ Build friendships with members of the community

🗓️ Sunday, 23 August 2026
🕒 10.00am – 1.00pm
📍 Soka Gakkai Singapore Headquarters
(10 Tampines St 81, Singapore 529014)

Organised by 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗨)
In partnership with Soka Gakkai Singapore.

Whether you’re curious about different faith traditions, passionate about fostering understanding, or simply looking to learn something new, we’d love for you to join us.

Scan the QR code or register via this link: 👉 https://tinyurl.com/gtk-002

🕌✨ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫-𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 ✨🕌

As part of CIFU’s new 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, we invite you to journey with us as we explore the rich traditions, histories, and communities that shape Singapore’s multicultural and multireligious landscape. 🇸🇬

Join our 2nd visit in this series with “𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 Soka Gakkai Singapore” — a timely and meaningful introduction to the faith organisation of the Nichiren Buddhist tradition. ✨

In this session, participants will:
✅ Understand their cultural and religious practices
✅ Learn about their historical presence within Singapore’s diverse landscape
✅ Build friendships with members of the community

🗓️ Sunday, 23 August 2026
🕒 10.00am – 1.00pm
📍 Soka Gakkai Singapore Headquarters
(10 Tampines St 81, Singapore 529014)

Organised by 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗨)
In partnership with Soka Gakkai Singapore.

Whether you’re curious about different faith traditions, passionate about fostering understanding, or simply looking to learn something new, we’d love for you to join us.

Scan the QR code or register via this link: 👉 https://tinyurl.com/gtk-002

09/08/2026

Today, we celebrate Singapore — not only for how far we have come, but for the people and communities who have journeyed together to make this island home.

Our story is woven from many threads: different races, cultures, languages, beliefs and traditions, each contributing to the rich and diverse tapestry that is Singapore. Our differences need not divide us; when we listen, learn and care for one another, they can become a source of strength and resilience. 🌏🤝

As we embrace this year’s call to “Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!”, may we look beyond ourselves and our differences — reaching further in understanding, extending greater kindness, and building stronger bridges across our communities.

For CIFU, going beyond also means continuing to create spaces where people of different faiths and backgrounds can meet, engage in meaningful dialogue, and discover the shared humanity that connects us all.

May Singapore continue to be a place where everyone has a sense of belonging, where diversity is valued, and where we move forward together with courage, compassion and hope.

Majulah Singapura! Happy National Day, Singapore! 🇸🇬🎉

05/08/2026

Yesterday (4 Aug), CIFU hosted Professor Liyakat Takim. Prof Liyakat is involved in many interfaith initiatives and spoken in many parts of the world, including Singapore previously, hosted by institutions such as the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and the Jaafari Muslim Association of Singapore (JMAS).

Prof Likayat currently holds the Sharjah Chair in Global Islam at McMaster University in Canada.A native of Zanzibar, he is a renowned ecumenical scholar of Islam with research interests in topics such as reformation in Islam, Qur’anic exegesis, the role of custom in shaping Islamic law, Islam in the western diaspora, Islamic fundamentalism, Islamic mystical tradition, Islamophobia, the treatment of women in Islam law and more. His latest book titled “Shi‘ism Revisited: Ijtihad and Reformation in Contemporary Times” was published by Oxford University Press in January 2022.

In the meeting yesterday (5 Aug 2026), Prof Liyakat emphasised that universal values should unite humanity and that these values are also found in Islam. He shared that interfaith work should also include intrafaith work, with the latter being urgent in today's sectarian world where there are disharmonious factions within many religious communities.

Much of religious thought in the world today is in need of reforms, including on gender issues, and Prof Liyakat's work is especially important for consideration, particularly within the Muslim context.

The meeting was attended by Professor Yaacob Ibrahim (CIFU Advisor), Mohamed Imran (CIFU Vice-Chairperson), Dr Phyllis Chew (CIFU Board member) and Saifudin Anshari (Jaafari Muslim Association of Singapore).

04/08/2026

🕌✨ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫-𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 ✨🕌

As part of CIFU’s new 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, we invite you to journey with us as we explore the rich traditions, histories, and communities that shape Singapore’s multicultural and multireligious landscape. 🇸🇬

Join our 2nd visit in this series with “𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 Soka Gakkai Singapore” — a timely and meaningful introduction to the faith organisation of the Nichiren Buddhist tradition. ✨

In this session, participants will:
✅ Understand their cultural and religious practices
✅ Learn about their historical presence within Singapore’s diverse landscape
✅ Build friendships with members of the community

🗓️ Sunday, 23 August 2026
🕒 10.00am – 1.00pm
📍 Soka Gakkai Singapore Headquarters
(10 Tampines St 81, Singapore 529014)

Organised by 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗨)
In partnership with Soka Gakkai Singapore.

Whether you’re curious about different faith traditions, passionate about fostering understanding, or simply looking to learn something new, we’d love for you to join us.

Scan the QR code or register via this link: 👉 https://tinyurl.com/gtk-002

24/07/2026

CIFU founding Board member Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib joined "Displacement Dialogues #1: Interfaith Mutual Aid," hosted by Mad Roaster on 23 July 2026.

The conversation examined what happens when faith-based organisations serve communities outside their own tradition — using Jesuit Refugee Service and Habibi International's work with refugees of different faiths as starting points. Moderated by Madeline Chan (Mad Roaster founder), with fellow panellist Ruth Wei (Habibi International).

Key points raised:

→ Interfaith issues shouldn't be read through religion alone — historical and political context matters too. Cases like the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar and the Yezidis in Iraq show how religion is often used to justify extremist political agendas.

→ Religious freedom looks different across contexts — Singapore's treatment of groups like the Ahmadiyya compared to elsewhere, such as persecution in Pakistan.

→ Privilege comes with responsibility: how can communities in Singapore use their position to engage real concerns, not just symbolic ones?

→ The inaugural 1976 Asian Conference of Religions for Peace, held in Singapore the year after the Fall of Saigon, was cited as historical precedent — interfaith leaders coming together to raise awareness on the refugee crisis.

→ A call to look outward, not just inward: social justice grounded in faith, not proselytisation — including examples like Christian-run NGOs supporting communities in Muslim-majority countries.

→ Grassroots interreligious stories — communities living and working alongside each other without incident — often go unreported, overshadowed by coverage of conflict.

→ The discussion pushed past "dialogue for dialogue's sake," raising harder questions: ethno-religious nationalism, funding flows to faith groups, and how interfaith work can build reciprocal regional ties rather than one-off feel-good exchanges.

15/07/2026

CIFU was honoured to be invited to participate in this year’s Storytelling Festival, organised by the Migrant Writers of Singapore. 📝

Based on the theme “Stories Build Bridges: A Space for Solidarity,” the festival celebrated the power of storytelling to foster understanding, empathy, and connection across communities. 🤝

Our Honorary General Treasurer, Lina, shared her personal reflections on identity and belonging, while introducing CIFU’s mission of building bridges among people of different faiths in Singapore. 🇸🇬

The festival was filled with amazing performances, meaningful conversations, and engaging interactions at the various booths. We left with new perspectives, deeper connections, and a renewed appreciation for the stories that bring us together. 💕

Thank you to the Migrant Writers of Singapore for creating such a warm and inclusive space. We look forward to continuing to build bridges—one story at a time. 🗣️

11/07/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 (𝐅𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧)
Theme: Stories Build Bridges: A Space for Solidarity

📅 Date: 12 July 2026
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: Central Library, Programme Room 2 (Bugis Library 1)
100 Victoria St, Singapore 188064

Stories Build Bridges: A Space for Solidarity celebrates the power of storytelling in bringing people together across cultures, backgrounds and lived experiences. Through spoken word, performances, dance, film and creative collaborations, the festival creates opportunities for migrant and local communities to connect through shared narratives and artistic expression.

The festival also features the Solidarity Space, where organisations and community groups can engage with the public, share their advocacies and foster meaningful conversations through interactive booths and community networking.

Together, these spaces aim to strengthen empathy, understanding and collective support — reminding us that stories can build bridges and create communities rooted in solidarity and belonging.

Organised by Migrant Writers of Singapore
Supported by Sing Lit Station and The Majurity Trust
Our Venue Partner: National Library Singapore

🖼️ Sahed| Media Lab Crew