1. Bonding Singapore
Managing Ethnic Diversity

2. Managing Ethnic Diversity
• Building a national identity
– Multi racialism
• Equality among all races
• Favouring of certain race is prohibited by the
Constitution
• Everyone is valued

3. Managing Ethnic Diversity
• Building a national Identity
– Common practices
• Singing of the national anthem, taking the pledge, flag
raising ceremony
• Inculcate loyalty and national pride

4. Managing Ethnic Diversity
• Building a national Identity
– Bilingualism
• Use of EL as a linking language
• Use of MTL to impart values and cultural traditions

5. Managing Ethnic Diversity
• Safeguarding the interest of the minority
groups
– Minority representation
• A say in the governance
• PCMR (Presidential Council of Minority Right)
– No racial or religious group is disadvantaged
• GRC (Group Representation Constituency)
– Ensures that minority race is represented in the parliament

6. Managing Ethnic Diversity
• Safeguarding the interest of the minority
groups
– Self help groups
• CDAC (Chinese Development Assistance Council)
• SINDA (Singapore Indian Development Association)
– Aid in studies of the less privilege
– Gives moral support
– Tuition classes participated by all races (interaction)
• Compete with equal footing

7. Managing Ethnic Diversity
• Developing common space
– Events organized by grassroots organization
• PA (People’s Association) cater to the needs and
interests of every S’porean
– Home visits/ exchange programme build respect and
friendship

8. Managing Ethnic Diversity
• Developing common space
– Opportunities offered by educational institutions
• Home visits/ exchange programme build respect and
friendship
– Enhanced interactions
• CCAs
– Closer bonds, teamwork, respect

9. Managing Ethnic Diversity
• Developing common space
– Common living space provided by public housing
• 1989, Ethnic integration policy
– ensure interaction among races

10. Managing Ethnic Diversity
• Developing common space
– Activities by the IRCCs and HCs
• Visits to places of worship
– Appreciate and develop respect

11. Managing Ethnic Diversity
• Developing common space
– National Service
• Shared experience
– Strengthen the bond among the men

12. Importance of managing Ethnic Diversity
• Ensure security and peace
– People feel safe

13. Importance of managing Ethnic Diversity
• Ensure economic progress
– Inviting to foreign investors – well protected
• Trade agreement with the USA, 2003
– Tourists feel safe and welcomed