Chapter 6, What are the experiences and effects of living in a diverse society?

Question 1

Common space to promote interaction in Singapore

Answer 1

1. HDB Void Decks
2. MOE-OBS Challenge Programme
3. Inter-racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCCs)
4. People’s Association

Question 2

How can HDB promote interactions in a diverse society?

Answer 2

Void deck in HDBs
- They are the open and sheltered areas on the ground floor of most blocks of flats built by HDB

Example:
- At Block 107 Yishun Ring Road, Yishun Family Service placed a donated piano and a foldable table with donated books for residents in 2022. Over time, more books were donated and two bookshelves were added to the space.
- The space provides Yishun residents in the area an opportunity to relax and get to know others in the community.
- This can help to foster bonding, understanding and harmony in the neighbourhood.

Question 3

How do the MOE-OBS Challenge Programme promote interactions in a diverse society?

Answer 3

• Schools and their programmes also serve as a common space for students from diverse backgrounds to mix, study and play together.
• The MOE-OBS Challenge programme is an outdoor educational programme for Secondary 3 students.
• Students participate in land and/or water-based expeditions and engage in activities to improve the community and environment.
• It provides outdoor experiential learning to **develop ruggedness, resilience and cohesion among students from different backgrounds. **
• Students learn about the concept of teams when planning expeditions and putting into practice their navigation skills when they embark on trips together.
• Students also share their thoughts from their daily reflections and explore different ways that they can help mitigate climate change.
• The MOE-OBS Challenge programme is an example of a common space where young Singaporeans of different backgrounds can interact, cooperate and collaborate with each other. It is also an opportunity for youths to create shared experiences and memories

Question 4

How do the People’s Association promote interactions within a diverse society?

Answer 4

• The PA aims to promote racial harmony and social cohesion in Singapore.
• It offers a wide range of community service, sports and cultural programmes that help connect to people, and people with the government.
• These programmes are carried out through a network of over 2,000 grassroots organisations, over 100 Community Leadership Institute and Passion WaVe.
• For example, the Community Arts programmes by the PA bond people from all walks of life through enjoying arts together.
• This makes arts and culture accessible to everyone and helps to create vibrant public spaces.

Question 5

How do Inter-racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCCs) promote interactions within a diverse society?

Answer 5

• Common spaces also include social spaces.
• Examples of social spaces are social and cultural events, and programmes where people can engage and develop relationships with one another.
• These events and programmes can be organised by governmental and non-governmental organisations to promote interaction and build understanding among different groups of people.
• The IRRCs were first established in 2002 to serve as an inter-faith platform. IRCCs are formed in every constituency to promote racial and religious harmony among different religious, ethnic and community groups.
• For example, an interfaith dialogue was organised by Punggol West IRCC, Masjid Al Islah Punggol and Church of Transfiguration. More than 120 participants from various faiths attended the dialogue
  to deepen their understanding of different religious beliefs and appreciation of inter-faith relations.
• On July 2022, the IRCCs were renamed as Racial and Religious Harmony Circles.
• It continues to deepen the work of building trust, understanding and confidence among various communities through activities that promote inter-faith and inter-ethnic interactions.

Question 6

How does common spaces help with interactions?

Answer 6

• Such interactions allow people to forge ties and establish mutual understanding between people of different races, ethnicities, religions and socio-economic statuses.
• This can help to create shared experiences and memories.

Question 7

How does an Attitude of Openness help promote interactions within a diverse society?

Answer 7

• While common spaces provide opportunities for different groups of people to interact, people’s attitudes towards these interactions are essential as well.
• An attitudes of openness or being open-minded helps promote harmonious interactions in a diverse society.
  Example:
• Just an Extra Chair is an initiative organised by the Singapore Kindness Movement.
• Singaporeans who are willing, host guests during festive celebrations.
• Most of the guests are foreigners working or studying in Singapore who would otherwise spend festive seasons alone.
• During the Chinese New Year, Mr McRhon Banderlipe, an expatriate from the Philippines and two other guests joined Ms Sia Yan Dih and her family for dinner.
• Through interactions and activities like excitedly prepared games and table soccer, it was a good learning experience for the guests to share about their culture, food and life in other countries.
• When people are open-minded, they are more willing to actively listen, respectfully engage and appreciate the differences between one another.

Question 8

How can cultural exchange and appreciation provide positive experiences and effects of living in a diverse society?

Answer 8

• Singapore’s diverse society provides us with many opportunities to interact with people of different races and ethnicities, religions, socio-economic statuses retain and nationalities.
• This allows for cultural exchange to take places, with the sharing of ideas, customs and traditions among people from different backgrounds.
• A deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse ethnic groups in Singapore can help people from the different groups interact respectfully with one another, contributing to harmony in Singapore’s diverse society.

Question 9

How can we learn of cultures from other ethnic groups to promote +ve interactions and experiences?

Answer 9

1. Lion Dance
2. Malay Community Greetings
3. Kolam

Question 10

What is Lion Dance?

Answer 10

• The lion dance is a performance that dates back to more than 1500 years.
• This custom is believed to have originated from the legends of Nian, a monster that terrorised a village in China.
• The villagers discovered its fear of lions and loud noises and successfully scared the monsters off.
• Today the dance continues to be performed during Chinese celebrations and auspicious occasions as it is believed to bring good fortune.

Question 11

What is Malay Community Greetings?

Answer 11

• It is common to observe the Malay community greeting family and friends with a handshake where the hand is extended to the other party and then placed in the chest after.
• Often, the younger generation would kiss the back of the hands of the most senior members of the community while extending the handshake.
• These gestures are meant to show respect and convey the warm bonds between people.

Question 12

What is Kolam?

Answer 12

• The Kolam is a floor drawing often done during traditional Indian festivities, and it has both religious and ornamental functions.
• Traditionally, dyed edible grains are used to create designs on the floor to feed insects.
• The act of charity is encouraged in Hindu scriptures.
• The Kolam is also drawn to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, into the home, drive away evil spirits and beautify the house.

Question 13

How can cultural exchanges promote +ve experiences in Singapore

Answer 13

• One outcome of cultural exchange is a deeper understanding and appreciation of the customs and traditions of Singapore’s diverse ethnic groups.
• These activities have been developed over a long time and have become integral to the identity and cohesion of the people within the ethnic group.
• As societies become increasingly diverse, there are many opportunities for people to engage in meaningful exchange with others of different nationalities or cultures.
• By appreciating, and being open and receptive to the cultures around us, we can enrich our experiences of living in a diverse society.
• Engaging in cultural exchange with people from diverse backgrounds allows us to appreciate and learn from one another.
• As we engage in cultural exchange, it is important to do so with an attitude of openness, and in a manner that is sensitive and respectful towards others.
• This will enable interactions in a diverse society to remain harmonious, meaningful and beneficial.

Question 14

Examples of culture exchanges

Answer 14

1. Youth leaders making a difference
2. Singapore’s Master Potter
3. Fusion in Fashion
4. Fusion in home furnishing

Question 15

Culture exchange: Youth leaders making a difference

Answer 15

• Cultural exchanges can take place through programmes such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Youth Fellowship (AYF).
• For example, fellows at the ASEAN Youth Fellowship in 2019 gathered under the theme “Partnerships for a sustainable ASEAN.”
• 40 young ASEAN leaders gathered in Singapore to exchange ideas as well as to discuss ideas and opportunities for sustainable partnerships.
• Through the AYF, ASEAN Youth Fellows commit themselves to forging closer relationships and strengthening connections with young ASEAN leaders from across the region.
• They also commit to enacting positive change with communities and countries in ASEAN.

Question 16

Culture Exchange: Singapore’s Master Potter

Answer 16

• Cultural exchange can also deepen one’s appreciation of other cultures and contribute to shaping the local cultural and arts landscape.
• Dr Iskandar Jalil’s passion for pottery was ignited when he was introduced to this art form while pursuing a scholarship in Japan in the 1970s. The overseas experience gave him a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and the country’s way of life.
• Inspired by his time in Japan, Dr Iskandar integrates Japanese and Islamic styles into his pottery.
• His art is influenced by wabi-sabi, a Japanese approach to life that sees beauty in Dr Iskandar’s
  pottery, which showcases natural weathering and imperfection.
• His pottery is found in many public and private art collections in Singapore and around the world.

Question 17

Culture Exchange: Fusion in fashion

Answer 17

• Cultural exchange and appreciation can also result in a fusion of cultures.
• This fusion can have interesting and exciting outcomes, such as the creation of new designs and products seen in the areas of fashion and home furnishing.
• Ms Oniatta Effendi is a Singaporean fashion entrepreneur who owns a batik clothing line, Baju by Oniaitta.
• Batik is a traditional Indonesian art form that uses wax and coloured dyes to create patterns on fabric.
• In her designs, Ms Oniatta incorporates classically Javanese motifs, including the parang, kawung and wahyu temurun, together with more contemporary patterns such as the Japanese-influenced sashiko motif.

Question 18

Culture Exchange: Fusion in home furnishing

Answer 18

• Another example of cultural fusion can be seen in home furnishing products.
• Mr Mike Tay is a Singaporean designer and the founder of design studio Onlewo.
• In his home furnishing products, such as curtains, wallpaper and fabrics, he uses patterns inspired by the heritage, places and cultures of the various communities in Singapore and Asia.
• For example he designed an Ottoman, a cushioned footstool covered with a fabric print inspired by the snacks and deserts found in Singapore.

Question 19

Dilution of culture (negative)

Answer 19

• There are some tensions that can result from cultural exchange. For example, while there are people who appreciate the fusion of cultures, there are others who are concerned that fusion could result in a dilution of culture and a loss of identity in affected communities.
• For example, since 2019, there has been an increase in fusion food sold at the bazaar during the month-long Geylang Serai Hari Raya bazaar.
• This has led to a strong public reaction, with many saying that the bazaar has deviated too much from tradition.
• As a response to this outcry, it was recommended that at least 60 per cent of the bazaar’s food stalls should sell traditional Malay food.
• When one culture adopts some aspects from another culture, it is important to acknowledge and give recognition to that culture. For example, when the language, cuisine, music, dance or dress of a culture is used without permission or portrayed in an insensitive manner, it is known as cultural appropriation.

Question 20

Exchange of skills and knowledge

Answer 20

• A diverse society like Singapore brings together people of different backgrounds, qualifications and experiences to share their knowledge and skills.
• The outcome of this exchange is the creation of new ideas, methods and products.
• For example, Thermo Fisher Scientific is one of the world’s largest medical device makers.
• For over two decades, Thermo Fisher’s research and development (R&D) centre in Singapore has been the central hub for its Asia-Pacific operations.
• Singapore was chosen as an R&D hub because of its well-developed infrastructure for biomedical research and development. Expertise and young talents from universities and research institutes also made Singapore a favourable location.
• The company also collaborates with Singapore-based design firms, universities, and research institutions, such as A*STAR, to support their R&D in a wide range of areas, including genetics and cancer research.
• Thermo Fisher played a critical role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It is collaborated with the Ministry of Health (MOH), Temasek Holdings and the Economic Development Board (EDB) in the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits.
• Singapore has continually welcomed talent and investment that create opportunities for its people.
• This attitude of openness has encouraged collaborations and the exchange of skills and knowledge. As a result, it has not only led to specific breakthroughs and innovations, but also encouraged more investment commitments in Singapore.

Question 21

What causes negative experiences and effects living in a diverse society?

Answer 21

1. Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination
2. Competition

Question 22

How do stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination lead to negative and experiences and effects?

Answer 22

• Differences in cultural backgrounds can sometimes lead to conflicting views on values, beliefs, practices and perspectives.
• Inaccurate and insensitive judgements and comments to are often made based on ignorance and wrong assumptions.
• These conflicting views can cause misunderstandings and unhappiness. This can lead to negative sentiments, causing people to jump to conclusions about others.
• A lack of understanding among different socio-cultural or socio-economic groups in a diverse society can result in stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.
• Such attitudes and behaviours can lead to resentment and strained relationships among groups.
• To overcome prejudice and discrimination, it is critical to promote open-mindedness, sensitivity towards the feeling of others respect and mutual understanding among the various groups in society.

Question 23

Stereotypes

Answer 23

• Stereotypes generalised beliefs about a particular group of people based on physical traits, gender, race and ethnicity, nationality, age and socio-economic status.
• For example in 2019, Nets, an e-payment firm, launched an advertisement campaign about one card can be used for e-payments for all people.
• A Chinese male actor was featured portraying characters from different racial groups. His skin was darkened to mimic that of another race — an Indian man and as a Malay woman wearing a headscarf.
• The advertisement was called by social media for being **racially insensitive.*
• As a result, the parties involved - the actor, the e-payment firm, the creators of the rap video apologised.
• However, this incident had already caused unhappiness and ill will among the different groups of people in Singapore.

Question 24

Prejudice

Answer 24

• Prejudice refers to attitudes and feelings towards other groups that are not based on reason or fact. It can come in the form of stereotyping, assumptions, generalisations, beliefs or feelings about a group.
• Negative prejudice can take the form of insensitive and hurtful remarks or discriminatory actions.
• Prejudice can also take the form of xenophobia, which is directed against people of a specific nationality or from a particular country.
• For example, in 2014, a former Permanent Resident working in Singapore posted a photograph of his son on the MRT on social media with the caption “Daddy, where is your car and who are all these poor people?”
• People who saw the post were outraged. Though he tried to apologize, his apologies were deemed insincere.
• As a result, the PR lost his job. He and his family later left Singapore.

Question 25

Discrimination

Answer 25

• Prejudice is dangerous and can lead to discrimination.
• Feelings of prejudice and acts of discrimination because of someone’s race or ethnic group can lead to racism. Racism can be displayed by an individual, a community or an institution.
• Example, in June 2021, an interracial couple comprising a man of Indian and Filipino-Spanish descent and his girlfriend of Thai-Chinese descent were strolling along Orchard Road. A local Chinese man confronted the couple and accused the man of “preying on a Chinese girl” and ordered him to date “people of his own race”.
• The Chinese man was fired from his job and was charged in court for his actions.

Question 26

How does competition for resources lead to negative experiences and effects?

Answer 26

• The inflow of foreigners into Singapore is meant to meet Singapore’s shortage of manpower due to its low fertility rate and ageing population.
• This foreign workforce consists of highly skilled, high wage earners and lesser-skilled, low wage earners.
• In 2020, a survey conducted by REACH, a governmental feedback unit, found that Singaporeans generally agreed it was important for Singapore to be a regional hub as it provides good opportunities for Singaporean. This also means remaining open to foreigners.
• However, concerns over job security and career opportunities have continued to be a source of anxiety for Singaporeans, especially among the unemployed.
• Singaporeans are concerned about the heightened competition with foreigners over limited resources. These resources include job opportunities and infrastructure such as public housing and transportation.
• This competition, whether real or perceived, has led to tensions, unhappiness, and negative experiences among groups of people in the country.

Question 27

How did the government address concerns about foreigners in SG?

Answer 27

1. Foreign workforce controls
2. Availability of healthcare resources and public housing, and congestion of public transport

Question 28

Foreign workforce control

Answer 28

• To address concerns about the number of foreigners employed in Singapore, the government tightened the criteria for Employment Pass and raised the minimum qualifying salary for the S Pass.
• Responding Singaporeans’ concerns over the competition posed by foreigners in the job market, the government has implemented the Fair Consideration Framework.
• Under this framework, measures are put in place to promote local hiring and ensure that employers to give fair consideration to Singaporeans based on merit.
• For example, employers submitting EP and S Pass applications must first advertise their job vacancies on MyCareersFuture, an online portal that facilitates job searches for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
• Actions is enforced against errant employers who carry out unfair hiring practices that favour foreigners.
• These government policies attempt to address the tensions that exist between the foreigners who contribute to Singapore’s growth and the competition for resources faced by Singaporeans.
• Singapore will continue to require foreign manpower for its economic growth and to address the issues arising from its ageing population.
• Hence, Singapore is responding to these concerns in a sensitive manner and regularly revise its policies to address evolving issues.

Question 29

Availability of healthcare resources and public housing, and congestion of public transport

Answer 29

• To address concerns about the availability of healthcare resources and public housing, and the increasingly congested public transport system, the government has made plans to improve amenities, urban spaces and transport services for Singaporeans.
• For example, the Land Transport Master Plan 2040 is aimed at improving connectivity for people between their homes, communities and workplaces.
• This includes connecting more places by train through the construction of the Thomson East Line, more cycling paths and priority for buses.