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 Singaporeans share a common vision to build a harmonious multi-racial society. While maintaining their own language, culture and customs, they seek to develop a shared identity through common experiences such as attending the national schools and going through the National Service, and a common working language – English.
Inter-Racial Confidence Circles
To grow the common space and deepen inter-racial understanding, then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong mooted the concept of "Inter-Racial Confidence Circles" (IRCC) for the constituencies and "Harmony Circles" (HCs) for schools, work places and other local organizations in January 2002. Both the IRCCs and HCs are meant to be informal, self-evolved bodies. A National Steering Committee (NSC) on IRCCs provides broad guidance for IRCCs to deepen inter-racial and inter-religious rapport within the community.
The primary purpose of IRCCs is to provide a regular platform for leaders of the various racial and religious communities to interact and get to know one another better. This will build confidence, friendship and trust among them.
There are 84 constituencies in Singapore and there is an IRCC in each constituency. As at 30 June 2006, the total membership was 1,021, of which Chinese, Malays, Indians and Others constituted 58%, 21%, 20% and 1% respectively. The roles of IRCCs are essentially to formulate strategies and initiatives to promote greater knowledge and understanding among the different races and religions. They will also assist in the formation of HCs and provide the HCs with guidance and information on inter-racial and inter-religious confidence building.
As community leaders, IRCC members may take on the role of “headmen”, whom members of their respective communities can turn to for leadership when problems arise. IRCC members also keep track of grievances and complaints from the ground, thus giving them a unique understanding of local race/religious sentiments.
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Malay and Indian Activities Executive Committees
People’s Association (PA) had formed Malay and Indian Activities Executive Committees (MAECs and IAECs) with the objectives of organising cultural, educational, social and sports activities for Malay and Indian community and promote Malay and Indian participation in community activities, As at 31 December 2006, there were 97 MAECs with 1,593 members and 92 IAECs with 1,415 members.
To encourage MAECs and IAECs to organise a wide variety of activities to promote harmonious relations between Malays/Indians and other communities, PA has also formed the PA MAEC Coordinating Committee (MESRA) and the PA IAEC Coordinating Committee (NARPANI) to oversee all MAECs and IAECs nationwide.
MAECs and IAECs work closely with other PA grassroots organisations in the constituencies and community centres to build a harmonious multi-racial society.
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Team Singapore
On 20th April 2001, Team Singapore was launched by Deputy Prime Minister - Dr Tony Tan. Team  Singapore is the approach through which the Singapore sporting fraternity will work together to realise our vision of a sporting Singapore.
Team Singapore is about putting aside personal or organisational interests and working together as a team. It is about Singaporeans striving together for sporting excellence for the nation
At the heart of Team Singapore lies three core values – Fighting Spirit, National Pride and Teamwork – underscoring the notion that by working together, the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts.
Team Singapore gives Singaporeans the opportunity to foster closer relations and gather together to rally support for our athletes. Team Singapore shall be the means through which sports helps to build a cohesive and resilient Singapore.
Click here to find out more about Team Singapore...
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