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Success stories can inspire all S’poreans, not just those in their communities

I agree with the points made by writer Muhammad Syakir Bin Kamal in his commentary in that ethnicity and race should not be the main emphasis when it comes to social status and achievements (“When it comes to role models, race is irrelevant”; Aug 21).

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Darren Chan Keng Leong

I agree with the points made by writer Muhammad Syakir Bin Kamal in his commentary in that ethnicity and race should not be the main emphasis when it comes to social status and achievements (“When it comes to role models, race is irrelevant”; Aug 21).

Singapore is built on the foundations of multiculturalism and meritocracy, where everyone is given the opportunities to excel and strive for excellence. A person can choose whether to make use of these opportunities, and whether to do so with determination and effort to make a valuable contribution towards society. Success should be tied to a person’s attributes, and not their ethnicity.

Every person wants to create a positive future and with hard work, it is possible to achieve success. Communities can provide opportunities for mentorship. Peer mentorship programmes in schools and the workforce are necessary to guide the young, who then become role models to others. Schools and companies should also do more to support weaker students and workers through personal coaching and guidance in showing them the way to success. No one in society should be left behind.

It is encouraging that the gap in educational qualifications and other socioeconomic attributes are narrowing between the Malay community and other communities. But special mentions of race when highlighting a person’s achievements should be downplayed. A person’s achievements should be the highlight.

The Government needs to work closely with the various communities in progressing towards a society that defines success as a personal achievement and not based on race alone.

Race will always be part of Singaporeans’ identity, given we live in a society that prides itself on being multicultural, but it is important that everyone can be a role model to all, and not only within their communities.

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