Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah

Little Imtiyaz Centre
Jul 14
3 min read

Updated: Aug 7

A Legacy of Nurturing Educated and Values-Driven Muslimah Since 1912

About

Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah is Singapore’s oldest Islamic girls’ school, founded in 1912 by the founder and benefactor Syed Mohamed bin Ahmed Alsagoff. Located along Jalan Sultan, the madrasah was established with the noble vision of providing Muslim and Arab children with access to quality education, with a strong emphasis on Islamic and Arabic knowledge. [1]

Early History

The school began modestly in Syed Mohamed’s own home, where he taught only four students. As interest and enrolment grew, the school was relocated to a formal setting, made possible through the endowment of the Syed Mohamed Ahmed Wakaf Fund, which continues to sustain the madrasah to this day. [2]

Transition to an All-Girls School

In its earliest years, the madrasah admitted only boys. However, following the end of Japanese occupation, the school began to enrol girls, and over time, the number of female students outpaced the boys. In 1966, Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah officially became an all-girls institution, a defining shift that shaped its identity and mission for decades to come.

Academic Programmes

The madrasah has long embraced a dual curriculum, providing students with both religious (Islamic) and secular academic education. It offers a comprehensive 10-year programme consisting of six years of primary education followed by four years of secondary education, culminating in the GCE ‘O’ Level examinations.

In 2013, the school expanded its educational offerings with the launch of the Diploma Pengajian Islam (DPI), a two-year pre-university programme designed for students who have completed their ‘O’ Levels. This programme deepens students’ understanding of Islamic disciplines while also preparing them to sit for the GCE ‘A’ Level examinations. With this robust foundation, students are well-prepared to pursue undergraduate studies in renowned institutions such as International Islamic University Malaysia (UIA), Universiti Malaya (UM), Al-Azhar University in Egypt, and Yarmouk University in Jordan.

Student Body and Funding

Currently, the school supports a student population of approximately 300 students, with around 40 new students enrolling in Primary 1 each year. Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah operates largely through the Syed Mohamed Ahmed Alsagoff (SMA) Wakaf, maintaining a strong tradition of community-based funding and sustainability.

Vision and Mission

The school’s mission is to nurture generations of Muslimah who are grounded in strong Islamic values, intellectually equipped with both religious and secular knowledge, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the community in Singapore and beyond.

Embracing Innovation

Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah is not only rich in tradition but also forward-looking in embracing innovation. In 2011, under the leadership of then-principal Ustaz Syed Mustafa Al-Sagoff, the school became one of the first madrasahs in Singapore to launch a 1:1 iPad programme, allowing every student and teacher to use iPads as a learning tool. This transformative step encouraged a more engaging and creative learning experience. The programme’s success and the school’s innovative use of technology earned it the prestigious Apple Distinguished School title in 2019, highlighting its commitment to modern education within an Islamic framework. [3]

Achievements and Competitions

The madrasah has also made its mark in the wider educational community through active participation in local such as Bahas 4pm and international competitions, including debate competitions held in Malaysia and Qatar. Among its most distinguished achievements is its strong debate club, where students are rigorously trained in public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation — a testament to the school’s dedication to nurturing confident and articulate young women.

A Recognised Heritage Institution

In 2010, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) recognised Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah as one of Singapore’s heritage schools, cementing its role not only as a place of learning but also as a cultural and historical pillar of the Muslim community.

Fun Fact!