REACH (Telegram) 81 - What are your views on efforts to build multiculturalism in Singapore? What more can be done to strengthen multiculturalism?
(SK)
25 Jun 2025 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [25/6/2025 9:52 am]
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REACH Singapore, [25/6/2025 10:01 am]
📢Topic📢
On June 24, at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that a truly cohesive multicultural society should be like batik – one piece of cloth created by different hands, forming a single, colourful design. In contrast, many societies treat multiculturalism like a patchwork quilt, where different cultures are kept separate and merely stitched together.
He warned that in times of stress, such as economic hardship or division, these weak stitches can come apart easily. He used the batik example to highlight the need for cultures to be meaningfully connected, not just placed side by side.
💬 What are your views on efforts to build multiculturalism in Singapore? What more can be done to strengthen multiculturalism?
More than 1,000 people, including policymakers and young leaders from over 50 countries, attended the conference organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
The conference was first held in 2019 to provide an international platform for interfaith and multicultural dialogue, and for participants to exchange ideas and develop solutions to create cohesive and resilient multicultural societies.
Mr Tharman’s address focused on reasons for division across the world while highlighting areas that societies should work on to nurture multiculturalism.
📌True multiculturalism requires deep integration, not just coexistence
President Tharman’s introduced the main analogy that “the fabric of a multicultural society must be like a piece of batik – a single cloth woven by different hands to create a larger motif of many colours.” He contrasts this with the common view of multiculturalism as “a quilt of different patches stitched together,” highlighting that true cohesion comes from cultures being “interwoven” rather than simply coexisting side by side.
📌Superficial or patchwork multiculturalism is fragile
President Tharman mentioned that “in times of stress, when economic insecurity or polarising forces intensify, the stitches weaken and the quilt is easily forced apart.” This shows how multiculturalism that is only loosely connected risks unraveling when faced with challenges, emphasizing the need for stronger, deeper social bonds.
📌Cultural exchange builds social resilience
President Tharman emphasised about the importance of “learning about each other’s culture, music, dance and language,” noting that this “creates a deeper understanding” and leads to “a much richer social cohesion.” This underlines how meaningful cultural interaction fosters empathy and unity, making the society more resilient.
At the first plenary session of the three-day conference, Professor Colleen Ward from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand said her research found that people who engage in multicultural contact tend to have a stronger sense of national belonging.
📌Building a cohesive society is a continuous journey
President Tharman said that multiculturalism “is a journey, and there is no journey more worthwhile,” acknowledging that building deep social cohesion is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and openness from all communities.
At the plenary session, Professor Ward also said that building multiculturalism should not be seen as the sole responsibility of the governments, and that citizens acting together can effect change. No one organisation can solve this alone, but it is possible to do so with other partners.
🔗 [ST] Multicultural societies must be woven together like batik, not a patchwork quilt: Tharman: https://str.sg/phCD
🔗 [ST] Multiculturalism a strength for countries but needs trust to flourish: https://str.sg/FgH7
----
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 10:12 am]
Multi cultures include religion
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 10:14 am]
Some cultures is tag to a major religion.
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 10:18 am]
Based on observation majority of
Malay tag to Muslim
Indian tag to Hindu
Chinese tag to Buddhist, Taoist,
Christianity is a religion that is special as I have friends from different races that are Christan
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 10:20 am]
In previous election religion comes into politics.
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 10:24 am]
I think Singapore have been focusing on harmony of races but not as much for religion.
Understanding different beliefs of religion and culture is essential for Singaporean
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 10:26 am]
Idk what is the best approach to this as I feel Singapore is just shafting things under the carpet
G, [25/6/2025 10:33 am]
After all those years of nation building to form a national identity, Singapore culture, now want to throw it away with multiculturalism?
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 10:40 am]
religion...on spirituality is alright..it is easy to coexist.
it is the religions that include politics is the most dangerous of all.
......
i was on full alert when manap of worker party saying religion compasses everything...and wp leader didn't even stop manap from making such a dangerous speech.
when ask by MP of MHA, manap didn't even dare to give a direct yes or no.
..........
the world is under the threat of political religions.
we, as population and government, must be able to question religions especially the political parts of it.
......
our Singapore model of religious and racial harmony may work for us...but it will not stop political religions.
............
U.K is under invasion from jihadists disguised as immigrants..they intend to out population the u.k non believers citizen then eventually vote for their belief MP and eventually PM then implement sharia in order to take over u.k and make it a caliphate.
these religious terrorists...is doing the same strategy in america.
in 2 to 3 generations or more...america too will face greater problem like u.k.
which is why there are propaganda against Trump. He is an obstacle for demcrat party and religious jihadists.
.........
we must be able to deter religions from invading into political aspect...once religion corrupted the politics, peace and harmony will be non existent.
.............
Let us be intellectually honest, morally honest.
Not all religions teach peace , harmony and kindness and coexistence.
those who says it does is obviously lying. either they are dishonest or they didn't read the religious books of all if not some of the religion text and books.
..............
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 10:43 am]
will read the article then get back to it.
.....but the topic of religions has hit my nerve of alarm and potential danger it brings.
......
because to reach, we should be honest and candid in sharing and discussion.
with intention to make Singapore better and safe.
RY, [25/6/2025 10:43 am]
Religions is part of culturism
However, religion is a very sensitive issue when mix with politics/racism
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 10:45 am]
religions is not a sensitive topic...it must be desensitized in order for Singapore to truly experience peace and harmony.
RY, [25/6/2025 10:52 am]
In order to build a cohesive society
I believe "national identity" is more significant factor to create/form, for a multi-racial country like SG
And that is what unique about SG, when foreigners/tourists seeing multi-races/religions/cultures/languages and etc, living in harmony and respect for one another
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 10:53 am]
Singapore is not immun to political religion invasion.
our ex president , she posted a Facebook pointing out against israel.
israel is currently fighting for its survival. if they fall, they will face Holocaust worse then what the jews experience during world war 2.
.....
our ex president should not have posted what she posted.
it only shows she is too affected by her religious belief.
why she didn't post against the genocide against non believers in other countries.
boko haram, coptic Christians being discriminated and systematic weed out in Egypt. somalia, etc.
she as an ex president should know herself..even she cannot control her affiliation to her religion and choose to post against israeal action..
lets be honest... when a person or country is fighting for survival....the most important thing is to survive.
.........
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 10:56 am]
they only see the superficial parts of Singapore. deep down and under the surface......the dangerous current is strong.
the government is protecting Singaporean without most Singaporean aware of what is happening in the dark, or back scene.
ISA and ISD has done well to protect Singapore.
..........
ask for the statistics who are the one arrested under ISA.
and the religion demographic ..
we will have a better picture of what is happening.
but it is considered "sensitive" and unlikely to be made public.
Adam, [25/6/2025 10:56 am]
You are looking so far away, looking at those brown people. Are you getting blind to things happening right in front in our streets?
Maybe you only notice minorities because they are different, but if you look around you, new citizens are taking over culturally. Look at the malls got so much restaurants that dont even have english characters
Daniel, [25/6/2025 10:57 am]
I think this points to an important issue here that has a lot of potential for division among different groups. In the example of Israel/Gaza many people seem to argue along lines influenced by what religion they belong to (be it for or against either side) which makes it very hard to have any factual discussion on the topic. It also makes it difficult for the government to provide any help/make any statement/act in any other way without incurring the wrath of one of the sides. I feel this is very dangerous and a real risk to our social cohesion.
Adam, [25/6/2025 10:57 am]
How can we be a multicultural society if we are quietly nudging others away
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 10:57 am]
I observed deeper than you think.
Adam, [25/6/2025 10:58 am]
Have you triend eating out with a muslim friend? Very hard to find food for them so dont bother inviting them for makan
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 10:58 am]
yes
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 10:59 am]
i am telling you..i observed deeper than you think or see on the surface.
Adam, [25/6/2025 10:59 am]
Every discussion about race doesn't have to drag along gaza
Adam, [25/6/2025 10:59 am]
I thin kwe should focus on our streets. Its not like you see 90% of protest rants online
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:00 am]
Idk how pap will manage this multiculturalism
REACH Singapore, [25/6/2025 11:01 am]
[ Poll : How well do you think Singapore has nurtured multiculturalism? ]
- Extremely well
- Very well
- Somewhat well
- Not very well
- Not at all well
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:01 am]
All talk. Maybe they need to remove sap. Also make eip for private housing. Lots of private enclaves and singapore is mostly foreigner at this point
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:02 am]
How can we integrate our non citizen pop?
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:02 am]
Finding food to accommodate vegetarian and halal and non hala is difficult
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:03 am]
I think Hala food is easier to find than vegetarian food
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:03 am]
If you meet a malay in the street, i bet they a most likely a ns serving singaporean. Compared to meeting a random other race. Isnt malay like 20% of citizen. Im surprised 20% of dining isnt halal
Daniel, [25/6/2025 11:03 am]
We do exactly this for all our work lunches (daily lunches with colleagues) and it works fairly well. There are a lot of food courts and hawker centres around which make this a lot easier than in other places I have been to.
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:04 am]
Well except for trash fast food. They probably got halal supply chain.
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:04 am]
I agree a lot of food courts have all these food
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:05 am]
I think malay muslim community is having a health crisis from junk food
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:05 am]
But sometimes finding a food court with everything is still difficult
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 11:06 am]
admin, will definitely get back to once i finishing reading the articles.
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:06 am]
Even if not halal, we have a lot of Chinese restaurants catering solely to Chinese. Have chinese menu or staff
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:06 am]
Our tamil friends cant order
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:06 am]
At least indian restaurants have english characters
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:09 am]
I think there should have a rule to put in English characters on f&b menus
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:10 am]
But then again I hope it wouldn't be like Malaysia facing back leashes
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:10 am]
Regardless, with the cost of living, i kinda stopped eating out. I hope the local eateries survive. Cdc might be artificially inflating demand
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:11 am]
I don't use CDC for food establishment.
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:12 am]
I only use it for hardware and buying fresh groceries
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:12 am]
But back to today topic
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:12 am]
Funnily enough, i went malaysia a few days back and it reminded me of my childhood. The food still done the old way and cheap. Serving huge.
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:13 am]
In the post it say faith organisation can help
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:14 am]
So inter religious dialogue/debate can go deeper
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:15 am]
Btw about halal food, maybe need muis to look into how it certifies stuff. Maybe its too strict, or eateries need support. I think some foreign place they have halal but alcohol is separate
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 11:16 am]
Because I believe all religious is teaching human to better spiritually.
And a lot of moral standards deprived from religion.
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:21 am]
I think we have to go beyond faith orgs. I doubt most residents subscribe to them
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 11:27 am]
please do not assume....
it is such assumption making the work harmony difficult.
......
i bought quran, sirah , bible, dao de ching and mein kampf., still reading these books, when there is time for it after more than 12hours of driving.
i read buddhism text, buddhism is the topic done in religious studies in secondary 4 in the 1990s.
.......
pleased do not make the assumption statement
i believe all religious is teaching human to better spiritually.
if it really does....slavery would have abolished millennia ago.
we will not be here talking about religious, multiculturalism harmony.
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:48 am]
Speaking of faith, i think many residents dont trust the state run platforms. I can see some Muslims go beyond whatever muis and ministers have has for official statements for gaza. Chinese have some weird prc media. My south asian coworkers go about their circles
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:48 am]
Thinking about it, its not about religion. Its about community
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:49 am]
It looks like each race doesnt feel like they truly belong here
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:50 am]
They all have their separate community they stick to
Adam, [25/6/2025 11:50 am]
Not sure but perhaps there are distiction among the races, like hindi migrants with Tamils, PRC and local chinese
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 12:13 pm]
1.) Multiculturalism is a misleading it.
a specific words for it is religious multiculturalism.
be for Singaporea independent on 09 August 1965.
we can see multiculturalism.
inter raccial marriage is the prove of it.
nonya and baba culture...it is the product of multiculturalism.
2.) Singish is also such products...
3.) The loyang tua pek kong temple is the prove of multiculturalism between indian and chinese.
4.) batik.is also the product of it...the combination of chinese and malay and indonesian culture.
5.) multiculturalism can work provided... politics part of it is not included.
6.) loyang Tua pek kong temple...no politics involved.. and the "gods" are practically living neighbors.
7.) when a believers become pious and stubbornly stick to the political parts of their religions..that is where the harmony falls apart.
8.) Religions , sticking to the spirituality part of their religions is peaceful.
giving religions political power...is like arming tiger with claws and fangs..
it create harm to the population, both believers and non believers..and there is no room for harmony and coexistence.
that is why the western idea of multiculturalism fail and falling like asteroids hitting the earth...causing destruction.
9.) U.K, Canada, Australia, america is experiment the problem of religious law conflicting with their constitutional law.
10.) declaws and defangs the religions by separate poltics from religions is a MUST in order for multiculturalism to work.
..........
you go look at the Buddhism temple on china and Singapore...
does the statues and idol of buddhas looks like indian or chinese.? looks more like chinese, isn't it?
that is because the idea, beliefs and are adopted and incorporate together and thus, buddhism flourishes in Afghanistan, china and japan. it changed into zen in Japanese. and in china it is inter mix with taoism and Confucianism in terms of beliefs and philosophies.
one common thing you will notice is there...politics is no in it... there is..but it is to the minimum and not radically enforced.
.....
whenever you see religion crossed the line into politics... conflicts happens.
be it Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, america, u.k. nigeria...
Nicholas, [25/6/2025 12:25 pm]
Fully agree with what President Tharman is saying. Many larger countries have quilt like societies instead of batik like societies. Please continue to build multiculturalism in Singapore, especially effective is the HDB system where people from different cultures are made to live in close proximity to each other, facilitating mingling. Multi-cultural food fares and tours can also be organized.
Joomua Tng, [25/6/2025 12:27 pm]
people, as a human, has no problem living together in harmony and multiculturalism..
it is the political parts of it that is causing the conflicts and divide
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 12:29 pm]
1. Culture and religion do coexist and it must be respected.
2. But mixing religion or using religion to influence politics is a no-no in a multicultural secular society.
It will be a sure way to break the society.
3. It is not possible to have a melting pot - whereby there is only 1 identity - because Singapore is make up of migrants of multicultural communities - Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races.
4. Hence promoting different cultures within each community is ok - but integrating and inter-wovening different cultures and communities as 1 Singapore identity as a Superordinate goal is a more pragmatic way of forging harmony and peaceful coexistence with the different communities.
5. The key to peaceful coexistence and harmony are mutual respect and mutual understanding - a basic humanity values that must be uphold.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 12:41 pm]
6. Notice a trend of more China restaurants and f&b entering Singapore.
7. If we look backwards, it is a natural trend that coincides with world development.
8. During the 1980s, Japan economy take off refer to as miracle with strong economic growth - and its MNC, investment and food culture start to go abroad through franchise.
Singapore witness a spike in Japanese restaurants and f&b.
As I walk within the mall, I notice many Japanese restaurants and f&b are still around with Japanese words hanging out of their shops and no English words.
It seems that Singaporeans can accept the Japanese culture.
And when I step into a Japanese restaurant previously, the waitress say "soyimase" - I don't know what it means or did I pronounce the word correctly, I presume it means "welcome".
I think Singaporeans are fine with such cultural difference.
Anyway I have just order a Japanese bento and dining out.
Besides me are Malays eating Chinese noodles halal.
Got Indians, got Chinese, got a Eurasian.
In this food court, got Chinese, Malay, Western, Indian, Japanese, Korean foods.
I very comforting to see different races and culture dining in harmony.
And different races eat together as colleagues.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 1:04 pm]
A Chinese elderly just fainted in the food court, one Chinese woman and a Malay woman try to help him out.
As I walk past, the Chinese woman call to me for help as they don't have strength to pull him up to the chair.
I immediately rush over, and help him to sit on the chair and offer to call the ambulance.
He say no need, I ask him, is it he low in blood sugar, he say yes he just taken a blood sugar tablet.
Hope he is well.
So people of different races indeed do have compassion and help one another in needs.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 1:16 pm]
9. Around early 2000, South Korea becoming very strong.
We see South Korean treading the same path as the Japanese.
Korean chaebol start investing in overseas and Korea food culture franchise and we see many coming into Singapore.
They also have Korean words inscribed in their restaurant and f&b.
Previously in the Korean restaurant, I overheard words like "KamSome Amida".
I don't know what it means, and I am not sure whether I pronounce it correctly.
I presume welcome or thank you?
Likewise I become accustomed to the Korean foods eg. Their grilled meat, grilled fish, their mee, kimchi etc.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 1:24 pm]
10. Now in 2024, 2025 and beyond, China economy take off and has become the 2nd largest Economy in the world.
Similarly, it will emulate the path of Japanese and Korean - whereby we will see China MNCs, restaurants, and f&b coming into our shores.
I am not surprise their restaurants and f&bs will come with Chinese characters and no English - just like the Japanese and Korean.
I walk past a China big food chain call 思家客, it has an English word "Scarlett" but Chinese characters for their foods are all over the place.
I notice it is heavily patronize by mainly Singaporean Chinese and China nationals besides the food court I patronize which is more multi-cultural.
I won't know what food is suitable for me in 思家客, but my wife is more adventurous and she bought some crackers that I find it quite tasty.
But I can't get use to the mala - too spicy and oily.
I still try to figure around and try to get accustom to the China food.
However, my wife told me haidilao is very nice.
If got opportunity, I will try.
365, [25/6/2025 1:34 pm]
The challenges the government, and Singapore as a whole, now faces is how easily our people can get swayed with foreign influence. It doesn't have to be targeted at Singaporeans, people just scrolling through social media casually can be influenced already.
In the past when the narrative is only from Singapore government-controlled media, it's much easier to unite everyone, since there's little foreign influence.
All these foreign influences can stoke different feelings, while appealing to specific religions. Since there's no control, we start having different influences which affect different Singaporeans differently, and start breaking down our cohesiveness, instead of a government-controlled narrative, which have taken our multiculturalism and religions into account.
365, [25/6/2025 1:36 pm]
Honestly, I have no idea how to resolve from this standpoint, since politically, we cannot move back to the past of a very controlled narrative.
Adam, [25/6/2025 1:36 pm]
What is 'our people'? many of our peers, people we pass on the street arent singaporean. Arent born here. Probably dont have to serve ns
Adam, [25/6/2025 1:36 pm]
Who are we to say that they have to listen to our state propaganda
Adam, [25/6/2025 1:38 pm]
Is it the sole responsibility of singaporeans to be multicultural, while foreigners have a free pass to stick to their enclaves
365, [25/6/2025 1:41 pm]
Most of forefathers came from foreign lands. State controlled media managed to bring them together, as they receive little to no influence from their homeland. It's very different now.
And yes, we can't have them listen to our propaganda now, because they have more media outlets and other influences. As compared to the past, if they are staying here long term, they don't really have a choice, when communications is not so global, our government is the only narrative they have access to regardless of where they came from.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 1:46 pm]
1. For Singaporeans to accept different communities and different cultures - and coexist peacefully and in harmony.
a. We need to have a big heart and big stomach.
大肚量能撑船。
b. If we start to count 5 cents, 10 cents - than nothing can please us - and any differences will make us uncomfortable and blow up into something big.
c. If we look at the US society now - the intolerance of DEI - diversity, equity and inclusion - the whole society break apart.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 1:53 pm]
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSkEYqwkt/
50 States protest against intolerance of DEI.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 2:00 pm]
1. To preserve Singapore unique identity, we should preserve our racial ratio.
2. This can be done through birth by Singaporeans different races and communities.
3. However, if birth rate cannot keep up and maintain the racial ratio, then we have no choice but to accept immigrants to maintain the racial balance.
4. As we accept new citizens and PRs, we have to accilmilate immigrants to become Singaporeans culture and way of life.
5. We cannot deny the fact that immigrants could bring their homeland culture into Singapore, we need to subtly to get immigrants to conform to Singapore way of life while accepting some differences that immigrants could bring along.
6. *Mutual respect and mutual understanding* are the keys to attain such equilibrium.
REACH Singapore, [25/6/2025 2:08 pm]
📢 Topic 📢
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 2:27 pm]
1. The 1st generation of immigrants will unlikely to go NS like we do.
2. But immigrants children and grandchildren and descendants if they become new citizens and PRs - they will have to serve NS.
3. And because these 1st immigrants live, work and play among us, their children attend local schools and immerse into our culture - I notice they start to eat like us (local foods) , talk like us in Singlish, see our programmes, take part in our activities.
4. Their children mandatory will serve NS and become one of us.
5. Just like our grandparents and parents generations - soon these new citizens and PRs will become one of us - provided we are tolerant and accommodating to them.
6. In fact, my ex colleagues talk and act like Singaporeans. They also serve NS.
Only when they told me they come to study in Singapore schools when young, did I realise they come from China.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 2:35 pm]
1. However I realize one thing, to achieve the goals of having different communities, culture and religion interwoven together more quickly in Singapore as painted by our President - I feel that from young, in schools during holidays or adults taking part in activities - should have conducted organise tours to one another communities activities such as religious place of worship, festivals etc.
2. This will help to promote understanding, trust, tolerance and mutual respect.
3. For example, I visited Taoist temples when young, go to church weddings a few time, offer prayers in Hindu temple after offering prayers to a Buddhist temple besides it.
4. I also attended meditation retreat in Nepal Buddhist temple, Thai Buddhist temple, Myanmar Buddhist temple in addition to Chinese Buddhist temple in Singapore.
5. Ironically, the 1st and only time that I step into a mosque is when I was in Dubai (invited by a mosque administrator) - not in Singapore.
I then noticed that Muslim in Middle East specifically Dubai is more tolerant and accommodating to non Muslims than I thought.
REACH Singapore, [25/6/2025 4:15 pm]
Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you!
💬 What are your views on efforts to build multiculturalism in Singapore? What more can be done to strengthen multiculturalism?
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Thank you!
Megan 😊
REACH Singapore, [25/6/2025 4:27 pm]
📢 Topic 📢
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:28 pm]
I think people generally are afraid to enter other communities worship places
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:28 pm]
Unless there's a tour guide
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:29 pm]
So maybe we need to involve the tourism board on this
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:30 pm]
Like I wouldn't want to enter a Hindu temple without invite and no one to explain to me what is it about
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:31 pm]
And I also don't want to have someone who have the intention to convert me into another religion
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 4:32 pm]
Yes.
Government working with community leaders to organize periodic visitation to place of worships will be helpful.
I walk into Taoist temples, Hindu temples, Buddhist temple with ease.
For church weddings, I was invited by colleagues previously and relatives.
Going to mosques, I can't as no one invited me in Singapore.
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:34 pm]
Pretty sure there is a tourist mosque
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 4:34 pm]
No one attempted to convert me into their religion.
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:35 pm]
Also language barrier is a factor
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 4:35 pm]
Not sure of any.
Kai Bin, [25/6/2025 4:35 pm]
My suggestion is that the government can organise more multicultural events for people to attend and raise awareness about multiculturalism.
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:36 pm]
Thing is, visiting places of worships is kinda performative
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:36 pm]
Is it some 3rd space you visit every day?
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:36 pm]
Where do we form genuine connections? Maybe talk with colleagues at lunch
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:36 pm]
But what if my indian colleagues go to their own cliques
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:37 pm]
Or malays cant join in a non halal establishment
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:37 pm]
Or only chinese can read the menu
Daniel, [25/6/2025 4:37 pm]
Sultan Mosque and Chulia Mosque both can be visited and are part of the regular tourist trail
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 4:38 pm]
I am very interested in what is behind each religion teachings.
I read quite broadly about each religions - and I vaguely can piece up - all point to the same outcome except in varied perspective.
众生无边誓愿度。
烦恼无尽誓愿断。
法门无量誓愿学。
证果无上誓愿成。
Sentinent beings vicious lifecycle are infinite I vow to salvage.
Vexation and sufferings are boundless I vow to end.
Thousands of Divine Teachings to end the sufferings I vow to learn.
Final Salvation I vow to attain.
To summarize:-
These 4 should be the holistic objectives of All Religions.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 4:38 pm]
I see.
Now I know.
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:38 pm]
visits to see prayers cannot trump day to day talking to peers in fostering harmony
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:39 pm]
And religion doesnt define a person or race
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:39 pm]
You learn 1000x more from a person over coffee than looking at the place they sometimes go to
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:40 pm]
The thing is people don't go there and don't know it.
Even if such programmes are provided people tend to incline towards their own religion
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:41 pm]
Just ask if your RC organise such events will you go
365, [25/6/2025 4:41 pm]
This is assuming people are going to these events if it's available. Within the peers, I'm not sure how many actually bothers. It helps in availability, but still waits for people to voluntarily join the programs. I wonder if there's a more proactive approach without forcing onto people.
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:41 pm]
Going to temple to understand culture is like going to driving school to understand sg driving culture
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:44 pm]
Maybe neighbourhood lvl of fun fair and booths of different culture food will help
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:44 pm]
But feel like limited
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:45 pm]
I realise I don't know much about Indian food other than prata
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:45 pm]
Actually kinda nice, but nowadays street food is bad and overpriced. Like old ramadan bazaar is now weird hipster food
Daniel, [25/6/2025 4:45 pm]
Yeah, agree. I think this kind of interaction can best be fostered by making sure that workplaces, residential estates and schools are well mixed. Then those encounters will come naturally. I don't think it can be forced by organising events. E.g. my town council/RC organises events for different festival like break fast together or holi festival. But in the end it's mostly attended by people from that community celebrating it anyway, even though it specifically is open for anyone
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:46 pm]
If it can be organised with a $5 coupon
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:47 pm]
Cdc voucher but pasar malam😂
Daniel, [25/6/2025 4:47 pm]
Those RC events are usually at a nominal fee of 2 or 4 dollars, include food as well.
Hanny, [25/6/2025 4:47 pm]
We should acknowledge that people tend to congregate among people of their own kind.
Hence, EIP should stay.
We need to have intentional integration programs. This should start from Primary to JC.
On top of the national level initiatives, we should have events at the community level. I’m under Buona vista cc. I can see the cc actually have events for the various ethnic groups.
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 4:48 pm]
Ya instead of funfair food we change to traditional culture food
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:48 pm]
But eip is only singaporeans living in hdb. Does it imply only those in subsidized housing need to integrate
Hanny, [25/6/2025 4:48 pm]
We need to get people comfortable with other races.
Daniel, [25/6/2025 4:48 pm]
They have exactly that. Bento with traditional food.
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:48 pm]
Foreigners rich enough for private dont need to integrate?
Daniel, [25/6/2025 4:48 pm]
Yeah, that's an issue
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:49 pm]
We need non singaporean residents and singaporeans to be in harmony. All living in the same island
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:49 pm]
Cannot have cmio for singaporeans and foreigner enclave
Hanny, [25/6/2025 4:50 pm]
We should have a rule that foreigners cannot occupy more than x % of private property. This includes renters.
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:50 pm]
Then again, im sure singaporeans will hate construction worker dormitories near by their property
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:53 pm]
Btw where are you guys getting all these rc event?
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:53 pm]
Is it because im in a small smc i dun get?
Hanny, [25/6/2025 4:54 pm]
I live in hdb and we have a board where all events are posted
Hanny, [25/6/2025 4:54 pm]
Next event in my neighborhood is durian feast
Daniel, [25/6/2025 4:55 pm]
Otherwise can follow the RC/TC social media pages, they usually post there. But different estates do it differently
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:55 pm]
Is it you have to pay or does our tax go to this?
Hanny, [25/6/2025 4:55 pm]
There should be a community center in your area
Hanny, [25/6/2025 4:55 pm]
Pay la
Hanny, [25/6/2025 4:56 pm]
$20
Hanny, [25/6/2025 4:56 pm]
I believe got subsidy
Adam, [25/6/2025 4:56 pm]
Idk my cc anymore. The nearest cc is diff grc.
Adam, [25/6/2025 5:10 pm]
Speaking of cc events, wouldnt this only be for singaporeans and prs?
Adam, [25/6/2025 5:10 pm]
We have a massive foreigner population that will stay here long term
Adam, [25/6/2025 5:10 pm]
No initiative for them?
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 5:43 pm]
No it's for the community
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 5:43 pm]
So whoever stays within smc can go
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 5:44 pm]
This depends on how hardworking your MP and grassroots leader is
Jun Ming, [25/6/2025 5:46 pm]
This also shows how good is your residential network
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 5:49 pm]
Actually, government can organise heritage month.
And then invite interested participants to join and visit each place of worships, dine in, listen to the background of each religious teachings.
Identify similarities of each religions and differences.
Then we can have a good mind map - to fill up the puzzle from all the zigs.
Essentially, every religions are talking about the same thing but from different perspectives.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 5:53 pm]
Once everyone come into this conclusion after completion of all the visitation, then all culture and religions become woven and not stitch.
I have come into this conclusion some time back.
无众生相。
无寿者着。
都是悟道相。
No ignorance beings.
No finite life beings.
All are only divine beings of origination.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 5:56 pm]
Of course schools can organise such heritage visits for school children every school holidays.
Children are easier to learn as they are not hold back by old views.
RY, [25/6/2025 5:57 pm]
https://youtu.be/nPZ8Kj1nIAU?si=q8-YSGwoowyz18LM
Adam, [25/6/2025 5:58 pm]
Look at your coworkers how many % study in singapore school?
Adam, [25/6/2025 5:59 pm]
Im in changi business park and feel like sg is a minority
RY, [25/6/2025 6:00 pm]
May watch this interview with Senior Minister Tharman (now SG President), he has quite a good explanation how SG govt manage multi-culturalism through policy
REACH Singapore, [25/6/2025 6:00 pm]
📢 Topic 📢
RY, [25/6/2025 6:01 pm]
HDB’s Ethnic Integration Policy: Why it still matters | gov.sg
https://www.gov.sg/explainers/hdb-s-ethnic-integration-policy--why-it-still-matters
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:02 pm]
If it matters, why is private housing not subject?
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:04 pm]
I think people meet their peers more often at work and at hawker center. It will definitely be more effective to have eip enforced on employers. Eip in hawkers in terms of dishes will be good too. Cannot have a hawker center have disproportionate race
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:04 pm]
When is the last time you saw your neighbor? We need eip outside hdb
RY, [25/6/2025 6:04 pm]
How many percentage of SG population stay in Hdb vs private ?
Hanny, [25/6/2025 6:06 pm]
If we only talk about cost for IT resources , I think a big portion of Singaporean in cbp can be replaced by Indians in India, not in Singapore.
The fact that there are still sizable Singaporeans in cbp says something about what the gov has done to ensure Singaporeans are employed in the company.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 6:06 pm]
Actually you should ask, how many Singaporeans choose to stay in HDB flats rather than private properties.
Hanny, [25/6/2025 6:06 pm]
More than 80%
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 6:06 pm]
Yes good observation.
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:06 pm]
AI say 76%
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:08 pm]
Mind you i am talking about all population
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:08 pm]
Not just singaporeans and pr
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:09 pm]
Actually, i wonder how many people here even live in malaysia and have to travel every day
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:10 pm]
Can they be counted as our resident if they dont have an accommodation here? Even if they stay here for a bulk of the day?
RY, [25/6/2025 6:10 pm]
For those "converted" singaporeans, they are required to go some cultural briefing/walk b4 they attend the welcome ceremony by SG Minister
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:11 pm]
Do we have any open materials on this. I wouldnt mind brushing up on my social studies
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:11 pm]
But i doubt its that strict
RY, [25/6/2025 6:12 pm]
Those are mainly msian (SG PR), where their msian families still living in msia
365, [25/6/2025 6:14 pm]
I highly doubt there isn't one already, but it's effectiveness is the same as having an ethics exam. People can lie or pretend and outsiders won't know what they are truly thinking.
RY, [25/6/2025 6:21 pm]
May google SG citizenship journey (SCJ) -
Yes, new Singaporean citizens are required to attend a cultural briefing, called the Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ), before their citizenship ceremony. This briefing aims to help new citizens understand Singapore's history, culture, and values, and to build stronger ties with the local community.
Purpose:
The SCJ is a mandatory induction program designed to familiarize new citizens with Singaporean society.
Content:
It covers topics such as Singapore's history, culture, values, and the importance of community participation.
Community Sharing Session:
A key component of the SCJ is the Community Sharing Session, where new citizens meet with residents and community volunteers from their constituency.
Benefits:
Participating in the SCJ helps new citizens feel more connected to Singapore and better understand their role in the community.
Citizenship Ceremony:
Following the SCJ, new citizens attend a citizenship ceremony where they receive their citizenship certificates, recite the national pledge, and sing the national anthem.
RY, [25/6/2025 6:25 pm]
In SG, private property can also be own by foreigners
HDB has to be own either/both singaporean/PR only
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 6:30 pm]
Ironically, my ex office is next to Jurong business park.
My companies (many SBUs) only employ Singaporeans, new citizens and a rare few PRs (in which certain skillsets are short in supply) - who only work on non sensitive projects.
So not true that IT companies employ largely foreigners.
In fact, most companies that do sensitive projects only employ Singaporeans and no foreigners.
Foreign MNCs could be different - because IT personnel in Singapore are scarce and salary are relatively high. And most local IT talents are already taken up by such IT local companies.
REACH Singapore, [25/6/2025 6:45 pm]
Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
RY, [25/6/2025 6:46 pm]
SG dont use exam like other countries eg canada to pass english
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 6:48 pm]
I understand that local banks even convert non-IT graduates (Singaporeans) to do IT development and AI because of shortage of computer science and IT graduates.
G, [25/6/2025 6:49 pm]
Much work was done by the 1G PAP in our early nation building years.
A lot of it became undone with floodgates opened for foreigners by the 2G PAP onwards
RY, [25/6/2025 6:50 pm]
Yes, many sensitive projects/SG department, they only employ singaporeans to work only eg MFA
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:51 pm]
I think they stopped doing it. Now job market is hard
Adam, [25/6/2025 6:51 pm]
Just wondering, these sensitive projs got malay in team?
RY, [25/6/2025 6:52 pm]
U may understand why EiP only apply to Hdb and not private properties
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 6:53 pm]
One of my ex staff is a Malay.
LCL (Danny 心), [25/6/2025 6:55 pm]
And he works on comms.
RY, [25/6/2025 6:56 pm]
Spy can be of different races, lah
RY, [25/6/2025 6:57 pm]
Thanks Reach Team, and Good Evening Participants 🙏
365, [25/6/2025 6:58 pm]
I'm not saying it's an exam, but rather that's the effectiveness. They can pretend to assimilate to get citizenship, but deep down nobody knows how they really feel
REACH Singapore, [25/6/2025 6:59 pm]
Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
====
