Chapter 6 (Impacts of living in a diverse society)

Question 1

Exchange and appreciation of culture
(Define and Describe)

Answer 1

• The attitude of being open helps to ensure we learn and share with others, benefitting from the enriching experiences that result
• Deeper appreciation and understanding could develop from these experiences
• Cultural exchanges can create distinct experiences due to a diversity in nationality, race and ethnicity, religion and socio-economic status
• The interaction of local cultures and foreign ideas can result in fusion in areas such as food, music and fashion

Question 2

Exchange and appreciation of culture
(Named Example

Answer 2

• A product of cultural fashion is in the area of fashion design
• Priscilla Shunmugam and Hayden Ng are two fashion designers in Singapore who have created fashion wear inspired by rich cross-cultural influences

Question 3

Exchange and appreciation of culture
(How will this lead to positive outcomes in Singapore?)

Answer 3

Through exchange and appreciation of culture, Singaporeans will be able to better understand people of other cultures and countries, improving harmony in Singapore

Question 4

Exchange of skills and knowledge
(Define and Describe)

Answer 4

• Exchange of skills and knowledge in the area of research and development with overseas experts
• Foreign scientists can share their knowledge and expertise to help strengthen research competencies and collaborations with Singaporeans
• Foreign scientists have also provided leadership to local research institutes and mentored young local scientists

Question 5

Exchange of skills and knowledge
(Named Example)

Answer 5

• The Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) or the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) funds and supports public research initiatives in Singapore
• Under BMRC, internationally renowned scientists with the expertise and knowledge helps to jump-start the country’s biomedical sciences which moved Singapore

Question 6

Exchange of skills and knowledge
(How will this lead to positive outcomes in Singapore?)

Answer 6

• The openness to learn and collaborate with overseas scientists had led to robust research, which in turn has led to significant discoveries made in Singapore, like the H1N1 vaccine
• Singaporeans will also become more skilled, allowing them to be more productive

Question 7

Prejudice and misconceptions
(Define and Describe)

Answer 7

• Opportunities to interact also bring possibilities for misunderstandings
• This is especially so where differences in cultural backgrounds can lead to differing and sometimes conflicting views on values, beliefs and customs
• Negative sentiments can arise when people jump to conclusions about others and make incorrect judgements due to insufficient understanding and erroneous assumptions

Question 8

Prejudice and misconceptions
(Named Example)

Answer 8

• Arabs and Muslim-Americans became victims of hate crimes in America after the 9/11 terrorist attacks
• Many Arabs and Muslim-Americans were stopped for questioning by public officers because of their appearances or Muslim names

Question 9

Prejudice and misconceptions
(How will this lead to negative outcomes in Singapore?)

Answer 9

• These instances of discrimination have caused unnecessary hurt, much inconvenience and deepened prejudice against people of a different race or religion
• It is important that Singapore remains vigilant against such forms of prejudice that would harm relationships in our multi-ethnic and multi religious society

Question 10

Competition for resources
(Define and Describe)

Answer 10

• These instances could be in the form of opportunities or availability of infrastructure
• With the inflow of foreigners into Singapore, there will be questions on how Singaporeans are able to cope with the increased competition for opportunities and living space

Question 11

Competition for resources
(Named Example)

Answer 11

• Foreigners taking away PMET jobs from Singaporeans, such as job opportunities in the finance and medical sector
• These skilled foreigners come from countries such as USA, Germany and China

Question 12

Competition for resources
(How will this lead to positive outcomes in Singapore?)

Answer 12

• There are some who believe that employers would rather hire foreign workers than to pay more for local workers because of the lower pay earned
• For example, foreign workers in the construction sector
• Thus, the inflow of these work permit holders was seen as a reason for wages to remain low for Singaporeans in the lower income group