Racial Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 21 July in
Singapore. The event is to commemorate the 1964 Race Riots, which
took place on 21 July 1964.
Racial Harmony Day also represents a day for schools to reflect on,
and celebrate Singapore's success as a racially harmonious nation
and society built on a rich diversity of culture and heritage. In
schools all across the nation on that day, students are encouraged
to be dressed in their traditional costumes such as the Cheongsam
and the Baju Kurung. Traditional delicacies are also featured in
the celebrations.
The main ethnic groups in Singapore are the Chinese, Malay,
Indians and Eurasians.
Why complicate the day by throwing in the
Foreigners and New citizens?
Approach integration with same spirit as racial
harmony: Chan Chun Sing
Singapore will be able to integrate new immigrants
in the coming years, if it approaches integration with the same
spirit it has approached racial harmony.
Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan
Chun Sing said he is confident of this, but stressed that everyone
needs to play a part.
He said: "That will require two hands to clap, it will require
fellow Singaporeans to remain open to people from different
backgrounds.
"Yet at the same time, it will require new immigrants, our new
friends, to come on board and play a part in our society, to reach
out, to understand our social norms and to reach out to fellow
Singaporeans. Only so, will we be able to build an inclusive
society for everyone."
Mr Chan was speaking at a street parade in Punggol North to
celebrate racial and religious harmony.
More than 10,000 residents took part in the event.
Mr Chan said Singapore still celebrates Racial Harmony Day, because
it is easy to forget Singapore's more difficult early years during
times of peace and harmony like now. He also said Singapore should
not take this peace and prosperity for
granted.
