Dr Yaacob Ibrahim was in Egypt and Jordan from 30 September to 8 October 2003.

Accompanied by Muis officials, Dr Yaccob called on officials and ministers to discuss areas of religious education and development while in Egypt. At the invitation of Cairo University, he also gave an introduction to the diverse, yet integrated nature of Singapore's society in a lecture titled: "Integration of Muslim Minorities - the Singapore Muslim Example". His well-received lecture would be included in a collection of studies on the experience of cultural pluralism and diversity in other countries around the world.

In Jordan, Dr Yaacob led a business delegation under the IE (Singapore) programme to discuss the launch of formal negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Jordan.

It was not all work and no play for Dr Yaacob and his delegates though. Taking advantage of the Friday holiday, they visited several ancient historical sites and took in the rich Egyptian and Jordanian history.