NATIONAL INTEGRATION COUNCIL SEEKS TO CREATE A VIBRANT PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND PEOPLE (3P) NETWORK TO SUPPORT SOCIAL INTEGRATION
A vibrant public, private and people (3P) network is instrumental in supporting social integration. The National Integration Council (NIC), led by its Chairman Dr Vivian Balakrishnan engaged and connected with key stakeholders from community organisations, unions, schools and the public sector in a close-door dialogue on 12 January 2010 to seek views on how more can be done to create better support for integration initiatives. About 120 members from the NIC and its various Working Groups and key stakeholders participated in the dialogue. Dr Balakrishnan is also the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.
2 During the dialogue, Dr Balakrishnan gave an update on strategies and ideas to open the doors, hearts and minds of both the newcomers to our society and Singaporeans. These included the uptake of the $10 million Community Integration Fund (CIF) and key projects supported under the Fund since its launch in September 2009, as well as new initiatives to increase the English language proficiencies of new immigrants. Dr Balakrishnan also shared on the launch of the pilot Singapore Citizenship Journey aimed to integrate new citizens to our society.
Opening Doors - Community Integration Fund
3 Launched in September 2009, the Community Integration Fund (CIF), a $10 million fund over three years has helped create more opportunities for interaction between Singaporeans and new citizens by supporting 11 community celebrations with both local and new immigrant participants[1]. In all, over 50,000 locals and non-locals in
Opening Minds – English Language Initiatives
4 The NIC will encourage more immigrants to take up English language courses. A website will be launched, which the public can use to search for an English course that will suit their schedule, learning needs, and budget. The NIC will also increase publicity of language courses at immigration touchpoints, including getting community organisations to encourage their members to go for courses. More brochures highlighting the many different training avenues will also be made available.
Opening Hearts –
5 The pilot of the Singapore Citizenship Journey will be launched in March 2010, in three group representation constituencies (GRCs). More details will be announced at a later date. The Singapore Citizenship Journey will be an enhanced orientation programme for new citizens, incorporating interactive online elements, site visits to places of historical significance, and grassroots sharing sessions. All new citizens will go through this Journey, which will culminate in a citizenship ceremony. The Journey aims to help open the hearts of new citizens to fully integrate into life in the
6. See Annex B for a list of updates on NIC initiatives by National Integration Working Groups.
For media queries, please contact:
Ms Deborah Li
Executive, New Media
Communications and International Relations Division
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports
DID: 6354 9844
Email: deborah_li@mcys.gov.sg