SINGAPORE, June 22 -- The Singapore government is closely monitoring tensions in the Middle East and has assured Singaporean students there that their safety and well-being remain a top priority.

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim said the authorities are working with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to stay in contact with students in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, according to a report published today in The Straits Times.

"This call was important - it was an opportunity for me to check in on our students, to listen, understand, and offer my assurance that the safety, well-being and welfare of our students are foremost in our min...