Mr Chiang Chie Foo, Permanent Secretary

LG(NS) Lim Chuan Poh, Second Permanent Secretary

Mr Wee Heng Tin, DGE

Ladies and gentlemen

Boys and girls

Good morning to one and all.

I am very happy to see so many of you gathered here this morning to celebrate our Racial Harmony Day.

As we celebrate Racial Harmony Day today, it is timely to remind ourselves that we must not take for granted the harmonious relationships among different races in Singapore. Since our independence in 1965, the maintenance of racial harmony has been a key factor in fostering the social and political stability needed for Singapore’s progress.

Our schools provide a common educational experience that builds national identity and social cohesion based on shared national values.

Today we take for granted the fact that we have a national school system, with schools attended by children of all races. This was not always the case. Education in the 1950s and 60s was segmented into 4 language streams, a pattern that persisted into the 1970s. Government Malay schools, community-run Chinese and Tamil schools and English mission schools, each had their own curriculum and exam requirements. They implanted their own values and stressed different goals. In effect, there were four education systems existing side by side. Those who were educated, were divided along racial and ethnic lines.

A national school system emerged slowly, and only through conscious and deliberate effort. We instituted the flag raising ceremony and singing of the national anthem in all schools, introduced integrated schools in which two or more language streams were accommodated under a common principal, imposed a common syllabus and examinations, fostered inter-school activities across the different language streams, and made bilingualism and the study of civics compulsory.

A national school system has allowed us to create a multi-racial state whose people are united under one common identity. Schools are an important common area where our young learn about unity and togetherness. They are key places where our young interact with other Singaporeans, regardless of race, religion or social status. There, our children learn to set aside ethnic and religious differences and identify themselves as Singaporeans first. They learn that what we have in common is more important than our differences. Tolerance will allow us to avoid strife, harmony comes from mutual understanding, but unity comes only from commitment to building a future together. By providing students with a common attachment to Singapore’s history and future, to Singapore’s national symbols and values, and to its promise of a better life, our schools help shape a coherent, stable and united people made up of diverse traditions, languages and religions. By teaching our children that their obligations extend beyond our own families, religion or race, they learn the meaning of citizenship and what it entails - active commitment, responsibility to fellow Singaporeans and making a difference in one’s community, society, and country.

Building up such national awareness is especially important at the primary school level because the primary school years are most critical for character building, and the inculcation of sound values and good habits. Schools must seek out opportunities, such as through CCAs and the Community Involvement Programme, for pupils from different social and racial backgrounds to engage in the same activities. They can then get to know one another better, learn to support each other in their common endeavours, and in the process strengthen the social fabric of our country.

This year’s Racial Harmony Day theme is "Harmony in Symphony". Today’s event is an excellent opportunity for all of us to appreciate the diverse racial and cultural backgrounds of our community. Enjoy the music and dance activities and learn through the activities to appreciate your friends and fellow Singaporeans better.

On this note, I wish you all a most enjoyable day.

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