Addin Suraiya Nadja Binte Ismail is the Senior Executive of Community Funds Outreach at Muis. She develops and implements communication strategies aimed at enhancing the visibility and understanding of community funds.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) is a pillar of Singapore’s vibrant and dynamic Muslim community. Guided by its mission to work with the community in developing a profound religious life and dynamic institutions, Muis is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of the Singapore Muslim Community are looked after while forging a strong Singapore Muslim identity.
For individuals like Addin Suraiya Nadja Binte Ismail, Senior Executive of Community Funds Outreach; Nur Aini Binte Hamid, Head of Stakeholder Engagement; and Yacob Bin Ahmad, District Superintendent of Mosques for District North, working at Muis is not just a job—it is a calling driven by a sense of purpose.
A Spark of Inspiration
Addin’s decision to join Muis was sparked by her earlier experience in public relations, where she worked with a pharmaceutical company providing grants to marginalised communities in the Asia-Pacific region. “This exposed me to the good work of local non-profits, and I was inspired by the community advocates that I met,” she shared. “It sparked my desire to reconnect and serve within my own community, something closer to my heart.” When the opportunity to work at Muis arose, she knew it was her chance to seize it.
Nur Aini’s journey to Muis was driven by a different need: the search for fulfillment. Having spent close to seven years working in the private sector, she found her work lacking the human engagement she longed for. “I wanted to engage with people rather than work with chemicals and equipment,” she explained. Armed with a background in Food Technology, she applied for a role in Halal Certification, confident her expertise and passion for people would allow her to make a real difference.
Yacob, on the other hand, was transitioning from a 31-year military career when he found his next calling at Muis. “After retiring, I sought a new calling that would provide purpose and meaning for the next phase of my life,” Yacob recounted. Muis provided him with that opportunity, particularly within the mosque sector, where he now serves as District Superintendent overseeing 16 mosques in District North.
Nur Aini Binte Hamid serves as the Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Muis. She manages Halal public education campaigns and oversees content and communication strategies for HalalSG. She also engages with various stakeholders to foster positive relationships and collaboration opportunities.
Diverse Roles, Shared Mission
At Muis, each day is as varied as it is fulfilling. In their respective roles, Addin, Nur Aini, and Yacob each contribute uniquely to Muis’ mission.
Addin’s role involves developing communication strategies to increase awareness of community funds like Zakat and Wakaf. “My workday includes planning marketing campaigns, managing social media content, answering public queries, and collaborating with teams to enhance our outreach efforts,” she elaborated. Addin’s work is hands-on and strategic, ensuring Muis reaches its fundraising goals while deepening the community’s understanding of these vital funds.
For Nur Aini, her work at Muis centres around Halal public education. As the Head of Stakeholder Engagement, she is responsible for managing HalalSG’s social media presence and leading public education campaigns. “Education is key to enlightenment!” she enthused. “I oversee our social media strategy and content, making sure that we’re engaging with the community in a meaningful way.” She also works closely with various stakeholders, fostering relationships and exploring collaboration opportunities that further strengthen the Muis Halal Certification regime. “It’s a role that allows me to connect with people while ensuring that we uphold the highest standards in Halal certification,” she added.
As District Superintendent, Yacob’s role is multifaceted, with a focus on mosque leadership and community service. “There is no typical day when it comes to serving the mosques and community,” he said with a smile. “I oversee 16 mosques in District North, ensuring they provide the services needed by their congregants and the broader community.” His responsibilities include aligning mosque leaders with their tasks and shared mission, building capabilities, offering guidance, and overseeing the implementation of programme, services, and initiatives. From management meetings to consultations and staff development, Yacob’s work is all about ensuring the mosques fulfil their essential role within the community.
Yacob Bin Ahmad is the District Superintendent of Mosques for District North at Muis. He leads the District North Office in supporting mosque leaders and staff, addressing religious needs, managing crises, and providing training and development.
Finding Fulfilment
For Addin and Nur Aini, the rewards of their work lie in its impact. “Knowing that our community funds outreach efforts make a difference is incredibly fulfilling,” Addin reflected. “Zakat is disbursed to families and individuals in need or in support of essential socio-religious programmes for the community,” she said. Working at Muis has also brought Addin closer to her faith, blending personal fulfillment with professional purpose.
Nur Aini echoes this sense of fulfillment. Reflecting on her role in Muis Halal Development: “We started as a small team handling various tasks, but we’ve grown to meet the industry’s evolving needs while upholding the community’s trust.” Being part of that journey is a source of pride for her, as she continues to work towards greater public understanding and engagement with Halal practices.
Likewise, the journey has been an enriching one for Yacob. He appreciates the opportunities that Muis provides for professional growth, including development schemes and mentorship. “Muis offers plenty of opportunities for growth if you’re willing to seek them out,” he noted. He also emphasised the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s development. “Reskilling and upskilling don’t just happen in classrooms—they happen through daily interactions with colleagues, participation in projects, and more,” he said.
For those considering a career at Muis, Addin says that it offers a unique opportunity to blend public service with religious commitment. “While working with the community might not always be easy, it will be fulfilling,” she advised. She encourages fresh graduates to stay open to feedback and continuously strive for self-improvement. “Whether it’s a long-term career plan or a starting point, if you feel called to it, take the leap—don’t let the opportunity pass you by,” she remarked.
Yacob stressed the importance of having a strong sense of purpose, especially in a role that transcends personal interests. “What we do at Muis shapes the present and future of our community and country,” he shared. He also highlights the value of servant leadership: “A servant-leader not only builds strong teams and inspires others but also leaves a lasting impact on the organisation,” he mused. “These qualities, will equip you to overcome the challenges that a public service officer will definitely encounter and contribute meaningfully to Muis and the public service.”