Navigating the complexities of educational funding and community support in Singapore’s Malay/Muslim community can seem daunting.
But as someone who has utilised the Mendaki fund for my own studies, let me lead you through its intricacies.
Did you know that a significant portion of this fund is fueled by contributions from everyday people like you, through the MBMF?
That’s right, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the educational and economic landscape of our community.
In this post, you’ll discover:
- What the Mendaki Fund is and its impact
- Who contributes to the MBMF and how much they contribute
- The various scholarships, bursaries, and loans available to students and adults
- How these initiatives can significantly uplift your or your child’s education
Curious about how you can benefit from these programs or contribute to this empowering initiative?
Keep reading to find out how Mendaki’s support could be a game-changer for you and many others in our community.
What is the Mendaki Fund?
If you’re part of the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore, you might already be familiar with the name Mendaki.
The Mendaki Fund is a pivotal part of Singapore’s commitment to fostering educational excellence within the community.
It provides a substantial backbone for many individuals aiming to elevate their educational prospects through financial support.
The fund offers a range of financial assistance options tailored specifically to support the educational endeavours of the Malay/Muslim populace.
Whether it’s through scholarships to help cover tuition fees, bursaries to ease the burden of costly textbooks and school materials, or grants that open doors to further educational opportunities, Mendaki is there to help bridge the gap between aspiration and reality.
Mendaki Education Subsidies
School Assistance Scheme (SAS)
The School Assistance Scheme (SAS) is a comprehensive initiative designed to provide financial assistance to students who need support with school-related expenses.
The SAS is part of a broader network of assistance options available to students, including several schemes that may complement or supplement the support provided by Mendaki.
Here are some schemes listed under the SAS:
- Ministry of Education – Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE-FAS)
- School Advisory Committee (SAC-FAS)
- Annual Edusave Contributions
- NEU-PC
- MSF Comcare Student Care Financial Assistance (SCFA)
- Progress Fund Madrasah Assistance Scheme (PROMAS)
- MUIS Zakat
- Straits Times School Pocket Money (STSPMF)
- NTUC Care Fund Programme
- Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud (LBKM)
- CCC Bursaries
- AMP Adopt A Family & Youth Scheme
For specific details on the amounts and eligibility criteria for these schemes, it’s best to refer directly to Mendaki’s official page.
By exploring these options, you can ensure that you or your child receives the best possible support throughout the educational journey.
MENDAKI-Muis Preschool Grant (MMPG)
The MENDAKI-Muis Preschool Grant (MMPG) specifically aims to provide additional financial support to families, helping them cover the costs associated with preschool education.
This includes not just the school fees but also medical and developmental needs that are crucial during the early years of a child’s growth.
One of the key features of the MMPG is its savings scheme, designed to maximise the financial resources available for your child’s preschool needs. Here’s how it works:
- Save $1 per day in your Child Development Account (CDA): This daily saving can add up, providing a substantial fund over time.
- Parents’ Contribution and Matching Funds: For every $30 saved by parents in the CDA, the community adds another $30 through MMPG from Community Funds. This amount is capped at $30 per month.
- Government’s Matching: The government will then match these combined savings, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $60. This effectively quadruples the total savings, leading to a total of $120 saved in the CDA each month.
The design of this scheme not only helps in accumulating savings but also encourages regular contributions by parents, fostering a habit of saving for educational purposes from an early age.
The substantial increase in total savings due to the MMPG and government matching means that more funds are available for your child’s educational and developmental needs, making a significant difference in easing the financial pressures of early childhood education.
Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS)
The Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS) Scheme is a significant initiative by the Singaporean government, introduced in 1991, specifically designed to support Malay students in their higher education pursuits.
This subsidy plays a crucial role in enhancing the accessibility of tertiary education for students from the Malay/Muslim community, covering tuition fees at various tertiary institutions.
A key feature of the TTFS is its sliding scale of subsidy, which is determined by the Per Capita Income (PCI) of the applicant’s household.
This ensures that the support is targeted and benefits those who need it the most, making tertiary education more accessible to students from varying economic backgrounds.
Here’s how the subsidy is structured:
| Per Capita Income (PCI) Bracket | Tuition Fee Subsidy | Impact on Families |
| Below $1,400 | 100% | Full subsidy reduces financial strain |
| $1,401 – $1,700 | 75% | Significant subsidy eases financial load |
| $1,701 – $2,000 | 50% | Considerable support for higher education |
For Malay students aspiring to further their education at a tertiary level, the TTFS provides a valuable financial cushion that can make all the difference in their educational journey.
For those interested in applying for the TTFS or seeking more detailed information about eligibility and application procedures, it’s advisable to consult the official Mendaki website or contact their support services directly.
My experience applying for the TTFS is that exceptions can be made – perhaps your PCI is at $3,000, but you have siblings still studying or you have someone in your family requires long-term medical care – Mendaki might still approve you for this scheme.
So even if your PCI falls out of the above brackets, you can appeal to Mendaki and it’ll be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Bursaries
The Education Trust Fund (ETF) was established to provide financial assistance to students from the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore, ensuring they have the necessary support to pursue their educational goals.
These bursaries are specifically designed to cater to the diverse needs of students at various stages of their education, from primary levels up to tertiary education.
The ETF offers numerous bursaries, each tailored to support students under different circumstances and needs.
Here is a list of some of the available bursaries:
- Education Trust Fund – Mohamedally Sithawalla Bursary
- Education Trust Fund – Abdullah Bursary
- Harun Ghani Education Fund (HGEF)
- Education Trust Fund – Siddiqui Assistance Scheme Bursary
- Education Trust Fund – Ramalah Amat Bursary
- Education Trust Fund – Jamae Kalvi Bursary
- Education Trust Fund – Gafoor PropNex Bursary
- Education Trust Fund – The Saleh and Gato Motiwalla Bursary
- Education Trust Fund – Amran Mohd Bursary
- Education Trust Fund – Bazul Ashhab Bursary
- Education Trust Fund – Barakath Bursary
- Education Trust Fund – Global Radiance Group Assistance Scheme (TETA & TNTA Programmes Bursary)
- Education Trust Fund – Nomanbhoy Bursary
- SM Jaleel Foundation – Education Trust Fund Assistance Scheme (Bursary)
- Special Malay Bursary (Polytechnic)
- Special Malay Bursary (University)
These bursaries cover a range of financial needs, from tuition fees to other educational expenses, helping students to focus on their studies without the added stress of financial constraints.
For those interested in applying for any of these bursaries or seeking more detailed information about their amounts and eligibility criteria, it’s advisable to refer directly to Mendaki’s official page.
Study Loans
Study loans play a crucial role in supporting students who need financial assistance to pursue their educational goals, particularly when scholarships or bursaries are not sufficient or applicable.
These loans are designed to help cover the costs of tuition and other school-related expenses, enabling students to focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress.
Mendaki offers a variety of study loans tailored to meet the diverse needs of students in different educational settings:
| Loan Type | Target Audience |
| Study Loan Full-Time (Local Private, NAFA, LASALLE) | Students in full-time courses at private institutions and specialised schools (NAFA, LASALLE) |
| Study Loan Full-Time (Local National) | Students in full-time courses at national universities and colleges |
| Supplementary Assistance Loan Scheme (SAS) | Students needing additional financial support beyond specific loans |
| Study Loan Part-Time Diploma | Individuals pursuing part-time diploma courses, balancing work and study |
| Study Loan Part-Time Degree | Students in part-time degree programs, enabling continuous learning alongside professional commitments |
| Study Loan Full-Time Degree (Overseas) | Students pursuing full-time degree courses abroad, covering international higher education costs |
| Skills Training Loan | Individuals attending skills training courses to enhance employability and professional development |
Read more about the eligibility and loan amounts for each loan type here.
Scholarships, Awards, and Sponsorships
Scholarships, awards, and sponsorships are vital components of educational funding, designed to recognise and support the academic and professional achievements of students.
These forms of financial aid are particularly important as they not only provide necessary financial assistance but also often recognise excellence in various fields, encouraging continued performance and development.
Mendaki, along with other organisations, offers a variety of scholarships, awards, and sponsorships specifically tailored to support the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore:
- MENDAKI – MICRON Scholarship
- MENDAKI Talent Scholarship (University)
- MENDAKI – Bitsmedia Scholarship
- GIC-MENDAKI Scholarship
- MENDAKI – MIRXES Scholarship
- MENDAKI – Gafoor PropNex Scholarship
- MENDAKI – The Saleh and Gato Motiwalla Scholarship
- SM Jaleel Foundation – Education Trust Fund Assistance Scheme Scholarship
- Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Education Trust Fund (SCCCF – ETF) Scholarship
- MENDAKI Scholarship – Polytechnic
- MENDAKI Scholarship (University)
- MENDAKI – Dr Jai Prashanth Rao Scholarship
- MENDAKI – Dr Abdul Aziz Ali Scholarship
- MENDAKI-Merchant Scholarship
- MENDAKI – Institution of Engineers Singapore (MENDAKI-IES) Scholarship (Engineering)
- MENDAKI-Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (MENDAKI-ISCA) Scholarship (Accounting)
- Singapore Airlines – MENDAKI Undergraduate Scholarship
- Anugerah Belia Cemerlang MENDAKI
- Special Achievement Award for Excellence (Non-Academic)
For students interested in applying for any of these scholarships, awards, or sponsorships or those seeking more detailed information about their amounts and eligibility criteria, it is advisable to refer directly to Mendaki’s website.
Who Funds Mendaki?
A common misunderstanding that I encounter all the time is that many believe the Malay/Muslim community receives Mendaki support for free.
However, this is not exactly true.
Mendaki is primarily funded through 2 significant sources: contributions from the community and its own dedicated fundraising initiatives.
One of the key funding streams for Mendaki comes from the Muslim community itself, specifically through the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF).
The MBMF is a community contribution scheme designed to support mosque construction and educational programmes spearheaded by Mendaki.
Every employed Muslim in Singapore contributes to the MBMF, which not only helps in mosque development but also significantly bolsters educational initiatives aimed at uplifting the community.
In addition to receiving funds from the MBMF, Mendaki actively engages in various fundraising activities to support its programs.
These initiatives are diverse and include events, donor drives, and partnerships with other organisations.
Through these efforts, Mendaki raises additional funds that are crucial for expanding and sustaining its educational and developmental programs.
These activities not only help gather financial resources but also strengthen community ties and raise awareness about the organisation’s goals and achievements.
As Mendaki is a charity, there is of course government matching grants involved.
The combination of community contributions and proactive fundraising allows Mendaki to maintain and expand its wide array of programs, which include educational subsidies, scholarships, tuition programs, and career guidance initiatives, all tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore.
Who is required to pay for MBMF?
The primary contributors to the MBMF are Muslim residents of Singapore who are employed or have an income.
This includes a wide range of individuals from various employment sectors, ensuring that everyone who benefits from the community’s resources also contributes to their development.
Additionally, any working Muslim who is already contributing to other community funds like the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) or the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) is also required to contribute to the MBMF.
These contributions are typically deducted from the individual’s salary, making it a streamlined process that ensures continuous support for community projects.
How much is the MBMF contribution rate?
Here’s the table showing the monthly MBMF (Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund) contribution rates based on different total monthly wage brackets.
| Total Monthly Wage | Monthly Contribution |
| ≤ $1,000 | $3.00 |
| > $1,000 to $2,000 | $4.50 |
| > $2,000 to $3,000 | $6.50 |
| > $3,000 to $4,000 | $15.00 |
| > $4,000 to $6,000 | $19.50 |
| > $6,000 to $8,000 | $22.00 |
| > $8,000 to $10,000 | $24.00 |
| > $10,000 | $26.00 |
This table outlines how the MBMF contribution rates are structured to scale with the income levels, ensuring that the contributions are proportionate to the financial capabilities of the individuals.
Conclusion
In this post, we’ve taken a closer look at the Mendaki Fund, delving into its purpose, who funds it, and the contributions required by the MBMF.
From students and families to adults seeking career advancement and community organisations aiming for socio-economic development, the scope of Mendaki’s impact is vast and varied.
Each segment of the community receives tailored support, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive within the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s Malay/Muslim community.
Navigating the details of such funds and understanding how you can benefit from them might seem daunting at first.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or just have more questions about how these programs could specifically help you or your family, don’t worry — you’re not alone.
We’ve partnered with experienced financial advisors who can help clarify any doubts.
And the best part?
Talking to them is absolutely free.
So, don’t hesitate to reach out and make the most of these opportunities crafted for your success.
