Evolving Institutions: Balancing Tradition and Modern Needs

SINGAPORE – Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Zaqy Mohamad, emphasized the necessity for institutions to adapt to evolving needs while maintaining their fundamental values. His remarks were made during the opening of the Jamae Chulia Heritage on October 24.

Preserving the Legacy of Amanah

During the event, Zaqy highlighted that it is the duty of each generation to safeguard and rejuvenate the entrusted legacy. He referred to this responsibility as an amanah, which requires diligent stewardship to ensure that it continues to fulfill its purpose. “A confident community must know what should endure and what must evolve,” he stated.

Modern Adaptations to Heritage

Addressing a gathering of about 300 community leaders and stakeholders, Zaqy remarked that honoring one’s heritage does not mean preserving everything exactly as it is. Instead, he emphasized that while the form may change, the purpose endures.

As part of the ceremony, a mural illustrating the spice journey of early Indian Muslim settlers was unveiled, symbolizing the rich heritage of the community. The Jamae Chulia Heritage is strategically located between Mosque Street and Pagoda Street, on land known as wakaf, which has been entrusted to the mosque by generations before.

A Commitment to Community and Hospitality

The development features a 90-key serviced residence managed by The Ascott Limited, under its lyf Chinatown brand, integrating hospitality with community spaces.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) announced that this initiative revitalizes the wakaf asset, ensuring it continues to benefit future generations while fostering a sense of community.

Developed by WJC Heritage, a subsidiary of Warees Investments, the Jamae Chulia Heritage marks the fourth project under the Wakaf Revitalisation Scheme. This scheme allows for the renewal of wakaf properties to meet contemporary needs while preserving their original intent of providing long-term benefits to their beneficiaries.

Honoring the Foundations of Community

Wakaf Jamae, established by early settlers including the Chulias, still supports key institutions such as the Jamae Chulia Mosque, Al-Abrar Mosque, and the Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre.

In his speech, Zaqy praised the vision of the early settlers, noting that they not only built livelihoods but also fostered community spirit. He acknowledged the ongoing commitment of successive generations of trustees and volunteers who ensure these institutions remain relevant.

Zaqy also pointed out the proximity of Masjid Jamae (Chulia) and the Sri Mariamman Temple, reinforcing that Singapore’s rich tapestry of diversity is long-standing. “Our roots and our openness to others do not compete. They strengthen one another,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of coexistence.

Community Impact and Future Vision

On the sidelines of the event, Adam Hudzaifah Alyaman, assistant vice-president of commercial assets at Warees Investments, elaborated on the development's vision. He mentioned that the facility was conceived as a serviced residence accompanied by a retail area to maximize utility.

Warees remains committed to collaborating with various stakeholders, including the mosque, Chinatown community, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority, to ensure that the project respects the region’s heritage and cultural significance.

West Coast-Jurong West GRC MP Hamid Razak described the launch as a pivotal moment for the Indian Muslim community, celebrating the transformation and future of a vital wakaf asset like Jamae Chulia Heritage.

Meanwhile, Naseer Ghani, adviser at the Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre, expressed hopes that the heritage panels and mural would serve as educational tools for visitors, illuminating two centuries of community history. He described the addition of such facilities and the remembrance of ancestors' efforts as profoundly moving, expressing optimism that these initiatives will resonate within the community.