About Us
Our Roots
Indian Muslims in Singapore, many from South India’s Tamil-speaking coastal communities, have been part of the nation’s history since the early 1800s. Long before Singapore’s modern skyline took shape, these communities were active across the Bay of Bengal trade routes, with the “Maricans” playing a particularly prominent role in regional commerce.
“From the Bay of Bengal trade routes to modern Singapore, Indian Muslims have long been part of the nation’s story.”
As trade patterns evolved, many Indian Muslim families chose to make Singapore home. Over generations, they established deep roots and contributed to the country’s economic and social development.
In those early years, Indian Muslims organised themselves much like other migrant communities. Broad ethnic groupings gradually gave way to kinship- and hometown-based associations, which provided vital support and cohesion at the time. However, as Singapore progressed and education, mobility and professional diversity increased, these traditional structures became less relevant, notably for younger, locally born Indian Muslim Singaporeans seeking new ways to engage, lead and contribute.
Why IMPROF Was Formed
“IMPROF was created to meet the needs of
a new generation of Indian Muslim professionals.”
IMPROF was formed to meet this changing reality. Conversations about creating a new platform began in 2013, and the organisation was formally registered in 2015. It was founded by ten like-minded individuals, including Dr Hamid Razak, a respected orthopaedic surgeon and Member of Parliament, who shared a common belief: that the Indian Muslim community needed a contemporary space to nurture leadership and professional excellence.
IMPROF’s purpose is simple but ambitious - to engage, inspire and develop Indian Muslim professionals in Singapore. We aim to identify individuals with leadership potential and support them with the networks, exposure and opportunities needed to grow, lead and make a difference.
In an increasingly complex world shaped by rapid economic change, global uncertainty and evolving social expectations, IMPROF believes that strong leadership matters more than ever. We seek to develop leaders who are confident in professional settings, grounded in their values and faith, and able to engage thoughtfully with a younger, self-assured and forward-looking generation.
What IMPROF Stands For Today
The name IMPROF reflects our ethos. It is a play on “I am a professional” and the idea of continuous self-improvement. While IMPROF is open, inclusive and race- and religion-agnostic in its outlook, it also addresses a practical need. There remains a shortage of Indian Muslim professionals stepping into visible leadership roles, and IMPROF exists to help change that.
Since our founding, IMPROF members have gone on to achieve meaningful milestones. These include recipients of the Singapore Youth Award (2017 and 2018), MUIS Award recipients, participation in M³’s inaugural Malay/Muslim leadership programme Tunas in March 2023, and representation on the MUIS Council, among other contributions.
At its core, IMPROF is about people - developing principled, capable individuals who are ready to serve both community and country. Through leadership, professionalism and a commitment to excellence, IMPROF enables Indian Muslim professionals to contribute meaningfully to Singapore and to the wider Ummah.
“At its core, IMPROF is about people - developing principled, capable leaders for community and country.”
Get Involved
Ready to create real change? Join IMPROF’s vibrant community of changemakers. Whether you’re an enthusiast, volunteer, or supporter, there’s a place here for you to grow, connect, and make an impact. Explore, engage, and start your journey of positive transformation with us.