3) What were the measures taken to foster social cohesion (unity among the people) in multi-ethnic Singapore?

→ One of the ways the government did to promote the growth of social cohesion was to introduce National Education to schools in Singapore. This started on Saturday, 17 May 1997.





(♠) "The purpose of NE is to develop national cohesion, the instinct for survival and confidence in the future by fostering a sense of identity, pride and self-respect as Singaporeans, knowing the Singapore story - how Singapore succeeded against the odds to become a nation, understanding Singapore's unique challenges, constraints and vulnerabilities, which make us different from other countries and instilling the core values of our way of life, and the will to prevail, that ensured our continued success and well-being." (Adapted from http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/1997/pr01797.htm).




(♠) NE is also used to help Singaporeans understand about their history and how they should think about and for Singapore.




(♠) NE teach in different ways at different level which is "Love Singapore (Primary School), Know Singapore (Secondary School), Lead Singapore (Pre-U)." (Adapted from http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/1997/pr01797.htm). In Primary School, students will be taught on how important social cohesion is and to develop the sense of bonding between races. In Secondary schools, students will learn about how Singapore came about and the problems our forefathers encounter to improve Singapore into what it is today. In JC/Poly/ITE, they will learn deeper than what they had learnt in Secondary Schools with emphasis on what makes a good citizen.



(♠) My Reflections:

In my opinion, the government did a right thing of introducing NE to Singapore as it will foster social cohesion. Social cohesion is very important as it will unite all races together and this will avoid problems within a nation such as racial riots and much more. I also agree that by teaching students step by step as they grow through the school level is quite efficient to promote social cohesion. The good thing about NE is that it does not only teaches us about social cohesion, it also tells us the past of Singapore and how to improve the social conditions here.