Taskforce finds Malay/Muslim youth value meaningful work, relationships, faith over job titles

Malay/Muslim Youth in Singapore: A New Perspective on Success Measures

The Malay/Muslim Youth Taskforce, a joint secretariat comprising the People's Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), Mendaki, and the National Youth Council (NYC), has released its findings on the values and challenges faced by Malay/Muslim youth in Singapore. The taskforce, announced in October 2025, is designed to empower young Malay/Muslim Singaporeans and address issues such as career development, effective use of AI, and strengthening social cohesion in young people.

According to the taskforce, Malay/Muslim youth in Singapore value meaningful work, financial stability, strong family ties, mental well-being, and faith beyond traditional success measures like job titles. This is a significant shift from the traditional emphasis on job titles and qualifications. The taskforce found that young people aged between 15 and 35 place a greater value on mental well-being and access to opportunities.

However, the taskforce also identified challenges faced by Malay/Muslim youth in Singapore. Many youth said while opportunities such as career guidance exist, they are not always accessible. Those without established networks often find it harder to discover opportunities and navigate career pathways. The taskforce also found that despite M³+ programmes growing over the years, a significant number of youth were not participating in them.

To address these challenges, the taskforce has launched several initiatives. These include engagement sessions titled Let's Sembang, which will allow young people to connect with one another through shared interests such as sports, art, and culture. The taskforce has also developed a Youth Meets Career Playbook to support navigating the workplace while staying grounded in faith. Additionally, a d-AI-ly Explorer programme under Langkah Digital will be introduced, which will connect youth with mentors, professional networks, and industries.

The taskforce has also looked at partnering social media influencers to ensure the initiatives are accessible. Co-chair Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and Health Rahayu Mahzam said that while there are youth who know where to get help, some do not. She added that going to where youth are most comfortable might work better for reaching out to them.

Building a Culture of Empowerment

The taskforce's findings and initiatives aim to build a culture of empowerment among Malay/Muslim youth in Singapore. Shareefa Aminah Shariff, a singer-songwriter who served as a youth consultant on the taskforce, said that one of the main concerns brought up by youth was career-related. She added that it was heartening to see young people want work-life balance.

The taskforce's initiatives are designed to foster a culture where youth feel comfortable to speak up about what they want and need while being confident to take on a role in society. By addressing the challenges faced by Malay/Muslim youth in Singapore, the taskforce aims to empower them to reach their full potential and contribute to the country's development.

Conclusion

The Malay/Muslim Youth Taskforce's findings and initiatives offer a new perspective on success measures and the challenges faced by Malay/Muslim youth in Singapore. By valuing meaningful work, financial stability, and strong family ties, Malay/Muslim youth in Singapore are redefining what it means to be successful. The taskforce's initiatives aim to build a culture of empowerment among Malay/Muslim youth in Singapore, empowering them to reach their full potential and contribute to the country's development.