A high-level inter-faith dialogue, which President Halimah Yacob had suggested Singapore could hold, will be a one-of-a-kind event that fills an existing global vacuum while promoting inter-faith understanding, said religious leaders and inter-faith activists yesterday.

Singapore is also well-placed to hold such a dialogue given its high international standing and success in handling multi-religious issues, they added.

Ustaz Mohamed Ali, from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), said Singapore’s established international reputation makes it an appropriate place to host such a dialogue.

Dr Mohamed, an assistant professor at RSIS’ Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies Programme, said: “Singapore’s high standing on the global stage makes it a safe space to host this kind of event that deals with the sensitive topic of religion.” The international community would be assured that inter-faith issues would be handled with respect and professionalism in Singapore, he added.