28 July 2016

Acting Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng has said that strengthening the bonds of racial ties is an ongoing effort. He was speaking to Pioneer Junior College students and staff at Racial Harmony Day celebrations.

This is particularly important as Singapore becomes more diverse and faces regional uncertainties.

Mr Ng also noted that interracial marriages have doubled from a decade ago, making up 20 per cent of all marriages here. Also, more than one-third of marriages here are between a Singaporean and a foreigner, and almost one-quarter of babies born have one non-Singaporean parent.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also weighed in. Posting on Facebook, Mr Lee said: “Harmony between our different races and religions is a fundamental principle of our nation. We celebrate our diversity, and share each other’s customs and cultures. Unfortunately, in many countries, we are seeing more cases where people reject diversity and inclusion. Just look at the extremist terrorist attacks in recent weeks – Orlando in the US, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Nice in France, Puchong in Malaysia – each incident chilling, driven by hatred, and heartbreaking. In Singapore, we must always stay united as one people, and never allow any such event to break or divide us.”

Mr Ng Chee Meng launched a bus and walking trail in the Choa Chu Kang estate where Pioneer JC is sited. The trail was designed by a group of students of the JC.