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Synopsis :

This is a recording of a forum that discusses the implementation of the 'Confucian Ethics campaign' in Singapore. The Singapore government introduced the Religious Knowledge course into secondary schools during the 1980s, where students had to undertake the Confucian Ethics classes. In this forum, five guest speakers express their opinions on the implementation of 'Confucian Ethics campaign' in Singapore and whether the teachings are suitable for Singapore’s multi-racial society. The speakers are namely: Professor of History and Sociology, University of Pittsburgh, Prof. Hsu Cho-Yun (许倬云); Executive Director, Chinese American Educational and Cultural Center of Michigan (CAECC), Dr. Chin Chen Oi (陈真爱) ; Honorary Professor at Department of Philosophy, National University of Singapore, Martin Lu (吕武吉);  Editor, Sinchew Jit Poh, Wong Ping Fah (黄彬华); and Head of Chinese of Department, Nan Chiau Girls’ High School, Du Zhu Cheng ( 杜珠城). The forum is hosted by Deputy Director, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority Singapore (ACRA), Xie Xue Hua (谢雪华). Their discussion is outlined as follows:

1. Increasing concern regarding whether the Confucian teachings will be at conflict with other campaigns implemented in Singapore, such as the ‘Stop At Two’ campaign. Concern is also with worries that Confucian teachings taught at the Secondary level will ‘brainwash’ students, which might be in conflict with other religious teachings such as Islam or Hinduism. However, the campaign is argued to be more of an informative guide rather than a ‘bible’, assuring that the teachings are not taught in detail but rather objectively, to teach only highlighted areas that will benefit society. Secondary school students are also viewed to be mature enough to make their own decisions in regards to religion and values.
2. Concern about how the ‘Confucian Ethics’ campaign is disseminated in Singapore. The speakers debate on who should have the right to decide what goes in and what is left out in the Confucian Ethics syllabus.
3. The ‘Confucian Ethics’ campaign, although integrated into The Religious Education syllabus, should not be referred to as part of The Moral Education programme for students as there is a preconceived notion that Moral Education classes 'pushes' values to students without consideration.
4.  Suggestions to match The ‘Confucian Ethics’ campaign with language campaigns or classes as it might bring about effective results. However The speakers explain that it is dependent on The language competency of Singaporeans and that Chinese language might still be The best language medium to convey The Confucian teachings.
5. Concern that Confucianism might not be beneficial for employers and businesses in terms of economic competitiveness.
6. Possibility of the birth of a suitable ethic culture individual to Singapore.
7. Current plans in handling and promoting The ‘Confucian Ethics’ campaign in Singapore.