Government sets up S$10m fund to promote social
integration
SINGAPORE: A S$10 million fund has been set up by a
government-led taskforce for projects that foster interaction
between locals and new immigrants.
Outlining its plans for the first time on Wednesday, the
National Integration Council (NIC) announced broad proposals to
reach out to new immigrants through the community, schools and
workplace.
The aim is to get locals and new immigrants to expand their social
circles to include each other. For instance, more new citizens and
permanent residents (PRs) could be included in community
festivities, such as celebrations of ethnic festivals and the
National Day Parade.
Children could also have meals together with their new friends in
school, and there could be more English classes for those
unfamiliar with the language at work.
Formed in April this year, the NIC comprises private and public
sector representatives, including six Cabinet ministers.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke at length about
the need to absorb new arrivals while maintaining the tone of
Singapore's society. But the government also added that there is a
limit to what it can do.
Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian
Balakrishnan, who is also chairman of NIC, said: "The key thing now
will, in fact, be the ground-up experience. Will people on the
ground buy into this? Will they understand the need for this? Will
they want to participate in these activities?
"I've got no illusions; this is not something that can be solved in
one day or one week, or even one year. It's a long-term
initiative."
To speed things along, the government is pumping S$10 million over
three years towards grassroots initiatives that promote
integration. The money will fund up to 80 per cent of these
projects.
However, one community-based group said cultural differences may
not necessarily be a bad thing.
Tony Du, president of the Tian Fu Club, said: "A multiracial
society working together, accepting each other's differences and
learning from each other. As long as we work for Singapore's
future, that is what counts."
Over 2,000 members of the Tian Fu Club came from China and most of
them are now either Singapore citizens or PRs.
On how the government will adjust the inflow of new immigrants, Dr
Balakrishnan said more details will be revealed when the high-level
Economic Strategies Committee releases its recommendations.
- CNA/so
