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 (source : Channel News Asia)
