Studies in Inter Religious Relations in Plural Societies Programme

15/07/2026

"Neighbours in Faith: Shared Experiences Across a Plural Society"

Last Sunday, SRP Programme's Head, Mr Mohamed Nassir, spoke at the Harmony Lunch 2026, held at Masjid Abdul Aleem Siddique — a mosque whose very foundations were built on the conviction that harmony must be pursued, not merely hoped for.

Drawing on the legacy of Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddique — founder of the Inter-Religious Organisation Singapore — and on his own experience as a former mosque manager, Islamic educator, and researcher in interreligious relations, Nassir reflected on what plural societies teach us about faith, community, and the work of genuine harmony.

The event was graced by Guest of Honour Minister Edwin Tong, Minister for Law & Second Minister for Home Affairs, alongside Advisors to East Coast GRC Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim and Mdm Jessica Tan Soon Neo. Co-organised by Masjid Abdul Aleem Siddique and Joo Chiat Harmony Circle.

What we share is always greater than what divides us — and the work of harmony is never finished.

09/06/2026

12 years of research, engagement, and building bridges! A decade and more of walking alongside religious communities, scholars, and practitioners as we navigate the beautifully complex reality of living together in diverse societies.

We are deeply grateful to the researchers, community leaders, and participants who have been part of our journey since 2014. Navigating the complexities of plural societies takes a collective effort, and we remain committed to exploring the positive role of religions in peacebuilding.

Grateful for all who have made the SRP Programme what it is today.🌿
Thank you to S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies for sharing this!

The Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme commemorates its 12th anniversary, with more than a decade of research and engagement on religion and inter-religious relations in diverse societies.

Since its establishment in 2014, SRP has examined how religious communities develop their teachings to meet the contemporary challenges of living in diverse societies. Through initiatives such as the SRP Distinguished Lecture and Symposium and the SRP Executive Programme, SRP seeks to deepen understanding of inter-religious relations, explore the positive role of religions in peacebuilding, and contribute knowledge that strengthens social ties between communities.

15/04/2026

In his new RSIS commentary, Mohamed Nassir, Head of the SRP Programme, explores the vision behind the upcoming Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS). By integrating classical Islamic theology with the social sciences through a unique partnership with SUSS, the SCIS aims to nurture future religious leaders who are "learned in text and literate in context" for a modern, pluralistic society.

Read his full insights here:🔗 https://rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/rsis/co26078/

21/03/2026

Eid Mubarak from all of us at the SRP Programme, RSIS! 🌙✨

As we celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, our hearts go out to the many communities around the world living through conflict, displacement, and uncertainty. At a time when peace feels fragile in so many corners of the globe, we are reminded of how precious and how hard-won harmony truly is.

Let us also keep in our prayers the less fortunate around the world — those who are hungry, homeless, or caught in the crossfire of wars beyond their control. May they find relief, safety, and hope.

We are blessed to live, work, and celebrate side by side, across faiths, cultures, and communities. Let us cherish and nurture the peace and harmony, and carry it forward in the way we treat one another every single day.

To all celebrating — may this Eid bring you joy, togetherness, and renewed hope. Eid Mubarak! 🤝🙌

23/02/2026

We are still buzzing from the insights shared at the 7th edition of our Distinguished Lecture & Symposium ! A huge thank you to our speakers, participants and organising team for making this DLS 2026 event a memorable one.

Browse through the album to see the highlights of the day. 📸

23/02/2026

16/02/2026

Highly recommend this new report by our very own SRP Programme's Professor of Interreligious Studies, Prof Paul Hedges! 📖

​He provides a fascinating look at the "anatomy" of polarisation, identifying the six key signs that dialogue is breaking down. It’s a timely reminder of the importance of education and discourse analysis in protecting our social fabric.

Available now on the RSIS website: https://rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/srp/what-is-polarisation-a-policy-guide/

As polarisation increasingly shapes public discourse, understanding how it emerges has become a pressing challenge.

Professor of Interreligious Studies, Paul Hedges, introduces a six-part framework for identifying polarisation early, explaining how polarised discourse takes shape across contemporary debates and what this means for policy, governance, and social cohesion.

Read the Policy Report “What is Polarisation? A Policy Guide” here: https://rsis.edu.sg/PR160226

For a deeper dive into the topic, read the Working Paper “Defining Polarisation: An Analysis and Typology” here: https://rsis.edu.sg/WP349

16/02/2026

The SRP Programme wishes everyone at RSIS a Happy and Prosperous Lunar New Year!

​May the Year of the Horse bring everyone boundless energy, success and continued harmony in our plural society. Enjoy the festivities and the time spent with family and friends!

🐎🧧Galloping into the new year with warm wishes!

May the Year of the Horse bring you strength, good health, and the drive to chase after all your goals.

12/02/2026

A huge thank you to our Distinguished Lecturer and Keynote Speakers for their enlightening insights and expertise. We also want to extend our sincerest appreciation to all the participants who took the time from their busy schedules to join us for the 7th SRP Distinguished Lecture and Symposium 2026.

12/02/2026

A busy and inspiring day of SRP side events on 11 Feb 2026!

First, our DLS 2026 speaker, Prof. Perry Schmidt-Leukel, led a seminar on "Santideva & Paul: Reciprocal Illumination" for academics and students from the Buddhist Studies Group, NUS, who the event was co-hosted with.

In the evening, the momentum continued with another of our esteemed DLS speakers, Dr. Suphatmet Yunyasit. She joined "Dialogues that Heal: Building Understanding Across Divides," a workshop jointly organised with Hash.peace. Drawing on decades of peacebuilding experience in Thailand, Dr. Yunyasit shared profound insights into the real-world impact of dialogue.