Faishal Ibrahim in talks to return to academia with NUS
SINGAPORE — Former Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim is in discussions with the National University of Singapore (NUS) to return to academia, the university confirmed on Monday (Aug 24).
An NUS spokesperson said the university and Associate Professor Faishal are discussing the arrangements for his return. The former minister was previously with NUS as an associate professor in the university's real estate department, which was part of the former NUS School of Design and Environment. In 2022, that school merged with the Faculty of Engineering to form the current College of Design and Engineering.
Faishal resigned from his political office and as a Member of Parliament on July 20. His resignation followed a “lapse of judgment” in handling his interactions with a woman who is a member of the public, as stated by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. PM Wong said at the time that the interactions “fell short” of the standards required of a political office holder and MP.
Faishal was also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs. He was succeeded in his political roles by Zaqy Mohamad.
Prior to entering politics, Faishal was a career academic. He joined the political front bench in 2012 as a parliamentary secretary for transport. He was first elected in April 2006 as part of the People's Action Party (PAP) team that won Marine Parade GRC, and later served three more terms in Nee Soon GRC. He returned to Marine Parade for the 2025 General Election, where his team won uncontested.
In 2017, he was promoted to senior parliamentary secretary, holding portfolios in education, and social and family development. He became a minister of state in 2020. In May 2025, following the general election, he was promoted in PM Wong's Cabinet reshuffle to senior minister of state and acting minister.
The exact nature of his academic role at NUS has not been disclosed, but the discussions mark a return to the institution where he worked before his political career.