Case Studies Chapter 6

Question 1

Common spaces

Answer 1

Common spaces refers to shared values, physical space and common experiences that build our national identity.
The Inter-Racial and Religious Conference Circles(IRCCs) promote racial and religious harmony through activities such as heritage trails.

Question 2

Exchange of expertise

Answer 2

The collaboration between Singapore’s A STAR and Switzerlands Cytos Biotechnology AG led to the discover of the H1N1 vaccine.

Question 3

Exchanges of culture

Answer 3

In food, Chef Wilin Low has created fusion dishes like laksa pesto linguini.

Question 4

Prejudice and misconceptions

Answer 4

Negative misconceptions about another nationality, race, religion or socio-economic status are known as prejudices
A PRC university student referred to Singaporeans as ‘dogs’ on social media in 2012, demonstrating the prejudice held between nationalities

Question 5

Concerns over standards of living

Answer 5

With the influx of foreigners, many Singaporeans fear competition of employment, housing and increase demands for public transportation. Some Singaporeans also express frustration and resentment towards the immigration’s impact on local unemployment.
This would result in a xenophobic society which would cause Singaporeans to express hatred towards foreigners and hence abuse them on online platforms, hence creating social fault lines based on nationality .

Question 6

Concerns over social mobility

Answer 6

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals between different socio economic status.