Singaporean students flock to Johor's Islamic international schools for better education

In Malaysia, specifically the southern state of Johor, two Islamic international schools, Idrissi and Mount Safa, are attracting students from Singapore. These institutions offer an academic program that largely employs the English language while incorporating Islamic teachings to meet the educational needs of Muslim families who are unable to enroll their children in Singapore's full-time Islamic religious schools, known as madrasahs. As demand for education with an Islamic component increases, more parents are seeking opportunities in Johor, where these schools offer a solution. Idrissi and Mount Safa have seen a notable increase in Singaporean students, with 30 attending Idrissi and about 17 percent of Mount Safa's current 204 all-Muslim students being from Singapore. The principals of these schools emphasize their commitment to providing quality education that aligns with Islamic values. Parents have voiced positive opinions about the educational environment, noting the focus on personal development as well as the more relaxed pace compared to the rigorous syllabus-driven system in Singapore. To enroll their children in these Malaysian institutions, Singaporean parents must navigate some bureaucratic hurdles such as applying for a dependant pass and a student pass for their children, indicating a necessary relocation. They wish to enhance their children's understanding of Islamic teachings, which they believe to be essential for their spiritual and personal growth. As developments in cross-border transport and economic zones strengthen the ties between Singapore and Johor, the influx of parents and students from Singapore is expected to grow. Overall, these Islamic international schools are positioned to cater to the increasing demand for quality education that integrates religious teachings while operating within the framework of Malaysia’s educational regulations.