Ministry of Education of the Republic of Singapore

07/21/2023 | Press release | Archived content

Racial Harmony Day 2023

SINGAPORE: OUR MULTICULTURAL MOSAIC

1.As part of our National Education efforts, schools commemorate Racial Harmony Day (RHD) every year on 21st July through activities and discussions to enable students to gain a deeper appreciation of racial harmony, multiculturalism, and social cohesion.

2.Racial Harmony Day 2023 celebrates Singapore's Multicultural Mosaic, which highlights the strength in Singapore's cultural diversity, and the vibrant heritage of our society.

3.Minister for Education, Mr Chan Chun Sing, Second Minister for Education, Dr Maliki Osman, and Minister of State for Education and Manpower, Ms Gan Siow Huang, joined students at the following schools to commemorate RHD:

Corporation Primary School (Hosted Minister)

Minister joined a Primary 6 Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lesson that discussed racial stereotypes, including how students could respond to them in different scenarios. This was followed by a Primary 6 cohort "chit-chat" session, where students posed questions on racial harmony.

Minister then participated in the school's recess activities, where students shared stories behind art pieces done in collaboration with residents of St Joseph's Elderly Home; learned the common ingredient behind traditional dishes; and played the traditional game of chapteh.

Ngee Ann Secondary School (Hosted Second Minister)

Second Minister joined students in class-based discussions on how different ethnic groups celebrate birth, as well as on casual racism.

Second Minister also joined students in the making of flower garlands traditionally used in Hindu weddings, and learned about the significance of customary elements of weddings of different communities. These activities aim to create awareness, deepen students' understanding, celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage, and promote respect for different ethnic cultures and beliefs among them.

Yishun Town Secondary School (Hosted MOS)

MOS joined a Secondary 2 class where students discussed the significance behind the wearing of ethnic attire, and how one should be sensitive and respectful when wearing the ethnic attire. She then visited a Secondary 4 class and engaged in a discussion on casual racism, where students also shared their perspectives on the issue.

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