NIE Expands Dr Muhammad Ariff Ahmad Scholarships to Advance Malay Studies

The National Institute of Education (NIE) has expanded the Dr Muhammad Ariff Ahmad (MAS) Scholarship to provide greater support for students and researchers in Malay language, literature, education and culture.

The enhancements were announced by Associate Professor Mohd Mukhlis Abu Bakar, Head of NIE’s Asian Languages and Cultures Department, at the fourth MAS Keynote Lecture on 17 October 2026.

From Academic Year 2026/2027, the value of the MAS Scholarship for Master’s by Research students will double from S$15,000 to S$30,000, while support for PhD candidates will increase from S$30,000 to S$90,000. The scholarship will also be extended to Master’s by Coursework students, with each recipient receiving S$20,000.

A new S$25,000 MAS ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship will enable a student from an ASEAN university to pursue Malay Studies at NIE for one semester. Its inaugural recipient, Ms Olivia Christila from Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia, is studying Malay literature and linguistics at NIE. She hopes to apply and share what she has learnt when she returns to Indonesia.

A/P Mukhlis said the expanded scholarships would provide tangible support for the next generation while strengthening intellectual networks and knowledge exchange in Malay Studies across the region. Together with NIE’s growing regional expertise and research capabilities, the initiative supports its aspiration to become a leading regional destination for Malay Studies.

The enhancements are supported by the Dr Muhammad Ariff Ahmad Malay Studies Fund, established to honour the distinguished Singapore Malay scholar’s contributions to language, literature, culture and education.

Held at The Pod in the National Library Building, the MAS Keynote Lecture featured Professor Nor Hashimah Jalaluddin from Universiti Malaysia Perlis. Her lecture explored how Malay proverbs convey knowledge, ethics, philosophy and social wisdom, demonstrating their continuing value in cultivating courtesy, responsible behaviour and an appreciation of the environment.

The scholarship and lecture series carry forward Dr Muhammad Ariff Ahmad’s legacy by supporting new scholarship and ensuring that Malay language and culture continue to be studied, developed and passed on to future generations.

Read the coverage on Berita Harian and Berita Mediacorp.