Heritage centres' important role in strengthening collective Singapore identity

SINGAPORE — Singapore has always placed strong emphasis on inter-communal harmony, with various communities strengthening what they have in common to unite all Singaporeans. And today, the Republic is the most religiously diverse country in the world living in harmony, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Speaking at yesterday’s (Nov 28) 20th-anniversary celebrations of the Chinese Heritage Centre, Mr Teo noted that while Singapore is now the only independent country in the world whose population is majority Chinese, it wasn’t always the case.

“From the start, Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his multi-racial team of founding leaders had a vision to build Singapore on the foundation of multi-racialism. That we are all Singaporeans, regardless of race or religion. That each community has a place here, and can chart its own future as an integral part of a united Singapore,” said Mr Teo.

However, maintaining this multi-racial, multi-religious harmony in Singapore takes continuous hard work based on “give-and-take and mutual trust and understanding”, he noted, cautioning Singaporeans to stay watchful of the “accentuating differences” that could divide the nation. 

“The Chinese community here during the early colonial times was an extension of China. It retained its loyalties and links to China. Subsequently the Chinese community in Singapore was a minority community pledging its loyalty to an independent multi-racial Malaysia,” he said. 

It was only after achieving Independence that the Chinese community in Singapore became the majority community determined to build their own nation as one united Singapore, he added.

These experiences have not only shaped the Chinese community but all communities that make up Singapore, Mr Teo said, emphasising that they form a key part of the Singapore identity.

"I am glad that the Chinese Heritage Centre has been making continual improvements to reach out to Singaporeans of all races, especially young Singaporeans," he said, adding that the Malay Heritage Centre, the Indian Heritage Centre and the Eurasian Heritage Centre also play similar, important roles for our Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities, and for all Singaporeans. 

"Let us build on this strong foundation, to strengthen our collective Singapore spirit and identity."