Ownership through a 'shared vision'

He says it'll take time to achieve this vision, will share updates at different milestones

- Zhaki Abdullah

One of the ways in which Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim tries to engage with young people is by being active on social media and personally replying to messages he receives on his social media accounts.

"They want to be heard. They would like to have an open conversation," said the newly minted Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs on June 4.

Acknowledging that he is "not young", Prof Faishal said other ways he engages with younger people are working with younger MPs, speaking to youth during his public engagements as well as creating more mentoring opportunities through Mendaki and other Malay/ Muslim organisations.

These are some ways in which he hopes to achieve what he described as a "shared vision" for the Malay/ Muslim community - one shaped in part by the community itself, so its members feel a sense of ownership over it.

Achieving such a vision would take some time, said the 56-year-old, adding that he would share updates at different milestones.

Prof Faishal was speaking to reporters at the KopiCuts cafe and barbershop at community hub Wisma Geylang Serai where he serves as lead adviser - in his first sit-down interview since being appointed to the role on May 21.

He replaced Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli, who had held the portfolio since 2018.

Married with two children, Prof Faishal was previously an associate professor at the National University of Singapore's Department of Real Estate, before becoming a political office-holder in 2012.

He said he received a warm reception from residents following his recent appointment.