What do you think are some of the challenges facing Singapore as it plays host to more people from different backgrounds and cultures?

Singapore is no longer a multi-racial society comprising of Chinese, Malay, Indians and Others. In fact the word ‘others’ had for a long time referred to Caucasians. However, it is no longer the case as more and more foreign expatriates and tourists are reaching Singapore. With almost 25 percent of the population being born elsewhere and migrating to Singapore, there is urgent need for us to relate to these people like they are one of us Singaporeans. Although we try to adjust and tolerate each other’s differences, in some circumstances we let the evil in us to take control of us such that we come prejudiced against people of different races and religion from ours especially when they are expatriates.

While it is natural for people to relate better with people of their own race and religion, we cannot afford that kind of disparity to evolve in Singapore. No matter what we have to accept each other and work towards a common goal of achieving the best for ourselves and for our country.

Easy to say as it is, achieving the common sense of ‘We are one’ feelings among all of us is difficult but not impossible. The increasing number of foreigners gaining entry into Singapore and trying to be part of ‘Us’ all the more emphasizes the need for us to recognize ‘Them’ as One.

Singaporeans could play their part by stop resenting foreign workers who take away their jobs while turning a blind eye to those who work in blue-collar jobs they would not even consider. At the same time, the new guests in our country must also do their part to appreciate and understand us.

There is disparity already existing between the Singapore Indians and the Indian Indians. They simply seem to think the other as a rival. Although they are under a common umbrella as Indians, differences in their practices and habits has led to each other considering the other as a ‘Not my kind’ of person.

It is important for these people to come out of their shells and face the world which is so dynamic with a myriad other kind of people yet to see.