Singapore — Former Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim could be making a return to academia following his resignation from politics, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) confirming that discussions are underway.
NUS said on Monday, Aug. 24, that the university and Associate Professor Faishal are discussing arrangements for his return to academia. However, no final appointment or specific role has been publicly announced, meaning his return should not yet be described as a confirmed appointment.
The development comes just weeks after Faishal stepped down from politics and resigned as a Member of Parliament and People’s Action Party member.
From Parliament Back to the University
Faishal is no stranger to NUS.
Before entering politics, he was an associate professor in real estate at NUS, having previously taught at the university’s former School of Design and Environment. The school later merged with the Faculty of Engineering in 2022 to form the current College of Design and Engineering.
His academic background is in real estate and related areas, making a return to university life a continuation of a career that began in academia before his two decades in public service. CNA’s review of his career noted that he had worked as a valuer at the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore before becoming an associate professor at NUS.
A Political Career Spanning Two Decades
Faishal entered politics in 2006 as part of the People’s Action Party team that won Marine Parade GRC.
Over the years, he held several government appointments, including roles in transport, health, education, social and family development, home affairs and national development.
In May 2025, he was promoted to Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and appointed Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs. The appointments were formally announced by the Prime Minister’s Office at the time.
His political career came to an end in July 2026.
Why Did Faishal Resign?
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Faishal resigned after his interactions with a woman were found to have fallen short of the standards expected of a political office holder and Member of Parliament.
According to the Prime Minister’s account, most of the interactions took place through online messages, while the two also met around public events.
The matter was investigated after allegations of harassment were made by both parties. Wong said that, following an assessment of the facts and consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, no criminal offence had been committed by either party.
The issue was instead considered in terms of the standards expected of a political office holder. Faishal subsequently acknowledged that his conduct had fallen short and tendered his resignation.
Faishal later apologised to residents and said he recognised that he had exercised poor judgment in handling the interactions and had failed to establish clearer boundaries earlier.
NUS Return Is Not Yet Final
The latest development is significant, but it is important not to overstate it.
NUS has confirmed that discussions are taking place, but the university has not publicly announced Faishal’s exact position, start date, academic responsibilities or whether he will return to his previous role.
The Straits Times independently reported that NUS was discussing arrangements with Faishal for a return to academia, reinforcing CNA’s report.
For now, the development is best understood as a potential return to academic life rather than a completed appointment.
What Happens Next?
If an agreement is reached, Faishal’s return would mark a notable shift from his 20-year political career back toward his earlier academic profession.
It would also place his professional career in a very different setting: from Parliament and ministerial responsibilities to teaching, research and university life.
NUS has not yet disclosed what form the potential return would take.
And that leaves the biggest question unanswered:
Will Faishal Ibrahim return to the same academic path he left behind — or take on a new role at NUS shaped by his years in public service?
More details are expected once NUS and Faishal finalise the arrangements.
Leave a Reply