SOCIAL STUDIES - SEC 3

CHAPTER 5: BONDING SINGAPORE

How Singapore Manages Ethnic Diversity

Factor Fostering a National Identity Explanation Multi-Racialism 1. Everyone is given the same chance to succeed, regardless of racial or religious background Common Practices 2. Singing the National Anthem and taking the pledge are daily practices that foster loyalty and National Pride. Bilingualism 3. The use of English links the different ethnic groups and helps to improve communication among Singaporeans. Protect the Interest of Minority Groups Minority Representation 1. Gives minority groups a say in the Government. 2. Presidential Council of Minority Rights ensures laws passed in Parliament do not disadvantage any racial or religious groups. 3. GRCs consist of at least one person from a minority group. Self-Help Groups 4. CDAC and SINDA help the lessfortunate members in their community in terms of studies and job training. Develop a Common Space National Service 1. Requires all able-bodied males to join compulsory NS. 2. Males go through tough military training to strengthen the bonds between them. Opportunities Provided by Educational Institutions 3. Everyone, regardless of race or religion, can study in schools and tertiary institutions. 4. CCA in schools encourages teamwork and build better bonds. Common Space 5. Every HDB estate now has an ethnic quota to ensure that different races are distributed evenly in every housing estate.
PAGE 1 OF 2

Elaboration 4. Everyone is treated fairly and no race is favoured or discriminated against another race, thus it allows Singapore to manage ethnic diversity well due to the lack of riots.

5. This will ensure that the needs of the minority groups are represented in Government. 6. Ensure that Singaporeans can cope and compete with one another equally. 7. Joint tuition provided for all races provide opportunities for youths to interact and get along with each other.

6. Through frequent interaction, Singaporeans of different race and religions would be able to build better bonds with one another. 7. Living together provides a prosperous and harmonious multi-racial society

SOCIAL STUDIES - SEC 3

CHAPTER 5: BONDING SINGAPORE

Fostering National Identity - Allows people to see themselves as one. - Create a sense of belonging to the country, knowing that everyone has a part to play. - Withstand divisive impact of globalisation.

Safeguarding the Interest of Minority Groups - Ensure voices of minority are heard at government level. - Ensure minority groups do not feel marginalised. - They know that their opinion matter and a sense of belonging is created. - However, this only concerns minority groups.

Developing Common Space - Create opportunities for social cohesion. - However, only focus on students and NS men. - Is only effective if all Singaporeans actively make use of the common space to interact with one another.

PAGE 2 OF 2