Imam Syed Hassan Mohammad Al-Attas receives Distinguished Service Order for his efforts in fostering social cohesion.
Imam Syed Hassan Mohammad Al-Attas, also known as Habib Hassan, was honored at the National Awards Investiture on November 3, 2024, for his significant contributions to strengthening interfaith harmony in Singapore. At the ceremony, held at ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio, he was presented with the Distinguished Service Order by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
A long-serving imam and the head of the Ba’alwie Mosque in Bukit Timah, Habib Hassan has been a key figure in promoting Singapore’s multicultural values. His leadership has been instrumental in initiating programs that raise awareness and foster appreciation for the nation’s diverse religious and cultural communities. Under his guidance, the mosque has served as a hub for interfaith dialogue, hosting learning journeys for both local and international visitors at its interfaith museum.
In his tribute, President Tharman reflected on Imam Al-Attas’s upbringing alongside Catholic and Hindu neighbors and his lifelong dedication to nurturing mutual understanding among Singaporeans of all faiths. “Habib Hassan has been a pillar of strength in Singapore’s inter-religious community,” said President Tharman in a Facebook post.
Imam Al-Attas was one of six distinguished individuals to receive the award, alongside other notable figures including Ms. Jennie Chua, Mr. Hsieh Fu Hua, Mr. Peter Ong, Mr. Phillip Tan, and Mr. Teo Ming Kian.
The highest honor of the ceremony, the Order of Nila Utama (with High Distinction), was awarded to Mr. Peter Ho for his exceptional service to Singapore over the course of five decades.
