The Absurdity of a Singaporean Identity and the Fragility of Cohesion | Janadas Devan | #713

The discussion, featuring Janadas Devan, chairman of the Singapore International Foundation's Board of Governors, reflects on Singapore's journey toward multicultural unity and the evolving national identity since its unexpected independence. Devan shares insights into how the country has become more cohesive across racial and religious lines, though new challenges arise from increasing diversity, including tensions between local-born and foreign-born citizens. The conversation highlights the importance of continued policies and understanding to maintain social cohesion, drawing lessons from historical experiences and recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, which showcased Singapore's strong social capital.

• The founding leaders of Singapore, including Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and Dr. Goh Keng Swee, initially did not envision Singapore as an independent nation. They believed in being part of a larger Malayan entity.
• The separation from Malaysia in 1965 was unexpected and came as a shock to many Singaporeans.
• The idea of a Singapore identity was initially considered absurd by leaders like S. Rajaratnam, who drafted the national pledge.

"Hardly any young Singaporean can understand why Mr. Lee Kuan Yew cried that day, but my generation understood."

• This quote highlights the emotional and unexpected nature of Singapore's separation from Malaysia, which was deeply felt by the older generation.

"None of them thought Singapore should exist as an independent country."

• The founding leaders originally aimed for a merger with Malaysia, not independence, showcasing the initial uncertainty about Singapore's viability as a sovereign state.

• The concept of a Singaporean identity was initially met with skepticism, but over time, a unique national identity has emerged.
• The national pledge, recited daily in schools, emphasized unity regardless of race, language, or religion.
• The transformation from a society conscious of racial differences to one where multiculturalism is second nature is significant.

"Regardless of race, language, or religion was the reason why we got out of Malaysia."

• The emphasis on racial harmony was foundational to Singapore's separation from Malaysia and the development of its national identity.

"I'm surprised the degree to which we have accomplished it."

• The speaker expresses astonishment at how far Singapore has come in establishing a cohesive national identity.

• The younger generation of Singaporeans is less conscious of racial differences, viewing multicultural achievements as normal.
• The presence of Malay officers in significant roles, such as the National Day parade commander, is seen as a natural progression by younger Singaporeans.

"For my young officers, my younger colleagues, they said, 'So what?' For them, that is second nature."

• This quote illustrates the generational shift in perceptions of racial achievements, with younger Singaporeans seeing them as expected rather than exceptional.

• The integration of different racial groups through a common educational system has contributed to the development of a Singaporean identity.
• English has become the lingua franca, although earlier generations were more familiar with bazaar Malay.

"Our education policy... all schools were English language schools."

• The implementation of a unified education system in English has played a crucial role in fostering a shared national identity.

"The lingua franca when I was growing up was not English. It was actually bazaar Malay."

• This highlights the linguistic shift over generations, reflecting broader social changes in Singapore.

• The speaker reflects on the unexpected journey of Singapore from separation to a thriving global city.
• The idea of Singapore's hinterland being the world rather than Malaya was a pivotal realization for the speaker's generation.

"Singapore shall survive as a global city by linking up with other global cities."

• This quote encapsulates the strategic vision that helped redefine Singapore's role in the world and contributed to its success.

"There was nothing natural about it. We achieved this."

• Emphasizes that the multicultural harmony and national identity present today are the results of deliberate efforts and policies, not an inherent state.

• Singapore's multicultural integration model emphasizes retaining individual customs, religions, and languages while expanding a common space for unity.
• The government implemented coercive policies to promote English as the medium of instruction and discouraged the use of Chinese dialects in favor of Mandarin.
• Draconian laws were enacted to quell racial bigotry and prevent the use of religion in politics.
• The lived experience of Singaporeans, including interactions and acceptance of differences, contributed significantly to social cohesion.

"We did not force assimilation. You retain your custom, your own religion, your own culture, your own language. But you seek a unity or common space."

• This quote highlights Singapore's approach to multiculturalism, which allows for cultural retention while fostering a unified national identity.

"English shall be our mother language of instruction, medium of instruction, that it shall be the language of government."

• The emphasis on English underscores its role as a unifying language in a multilingual society, facilitating communication across different ethnic groups.

• Singapore's experience with Malaysia, including racial riots, primed the population to value political stability and social cohesion.
• The transition to an English-based education system was gradual, avoiding a backlash by allowing Chinese school enrollments to decline naturally.
• Political skill and stability were crucial in managing the transition and avoiding ethnic tensions.

"We emerged from that crisis which turned out to be a crisis chased. You could see and you experience what could happen when things went wrong."

• The historical context of racial riots in Malaysia served as a cautionary tale, influencing Singapore's policies on racial harmony.

"It wasn't as though suddenly we all became a single stream education system. It took a while."

• The gradual transition to English-based education reflects the government's strategic approach to policy implementation.

• Despite achieving significant unity, challenges to social cohesion remain, including increased diversity, income inequality, and social media's impact.
• New citizens and immigrants present integration challenges, as do income disparities that create social divides.
• Social media contributes to siloed identities, though Singapore has not experienced the extreme political divisions seen in other countries.

"We have become more united regardless of race, language, religion. But it is not a perfect society. There are always challenges."

• While significant progress has been made, ongoing challenges highlight the need for continuous efforts to maintain social cohesion.

"Social media has its benefits. But it also does have a constricting effect."

• Social media's dual impact is acknowledged, with its potential to both connect and divide communities.

• Defining the Singaporean identity is complex due to its diverse population and shared experiences, such as National Service and public housing.
• New immigrants bring different backgrounds and objectives, making integration a gradual process.
• The shared experiences of living in Singapore contribute to a unique national identity, though it remains difficult to define precisely.

"Singapore is a much more complex society than even Great Britain today. It's a shared experience."

• The complexity of Singapore's society is attributed to its diverse population and shared national experiences.

"Until recently, the majority of Singaporeans were not born here."

• The historical context of immigration and local-born citizens underscores the evolving nature of Singapore's demographic landscape.

• Ethnic integration policies remain relevant, as complete social cohesion has not yet been achieved.
• The integration of new citizens and addressing local-foreign tensions are current policy challenges.
• Continuous policy evaluation is necessary to adapt to Singapore's changing social landscape.

"I wouldn't assume we have arrived. My instinct, I mean this is my hunch. I think you still need those policies."

• The need for ongoing policy support reflects the recognition that social cohesion is an ongoing process rather than a final destination.

• The concept of multiculturalism has evolved from focusing on race, language, and religion to addressing new societal challenges like local-foreign relations, income, and social media influences.
• Singapore has successfully managed deep racial and religious differences, which provides confidence in addressing current challenges.
• There is a strong consensus among Singaporeans on foreign policy, prioritizing national interests over ethnic identities.

"I think we need to take the problem of local foreign relations as seriously as once we took relations between the races and between the religions."

• Emphasizes the importance of addressing local-foreign relations with the same seriousness as past racial and religious issues.

"We know from polling... Singaporeans when it comes to foreign policy there is a very strong agreement on the basics on Singapore the basic stance Singapore takes."

• Highlights the unified stance of Singaporeans on foreign policy, prioritizing national interests.

• Peace does not necessarily equate to cohesion; there are still challenges in achieving complete social cohesion.
• Minorities in Singapore may find it harder to work in certain dominant ethnic sectors, but improvements have been noted, especially among younger generations.
• Continuous effort is required to maintain and improve racial harmony and integration.

"The prime minister... acknowledged that it is harder to be a minority in Singapore than a member of the majority."

• Acknowledges the challenges minorities face in Singapore despite overall improvements in racial harmony.

"Compared to where we were before this is a huge improvement where we are now especially among the younger people."

• Notes significant progress in racial harmony, particularly among the younger population.

• Racial harmony is an ongoing process, requiring active efforts to understand and integrate diverse communities.
• Government policies and public initiatives, such as public housing and racial harmony day, play a crucial role in fostering integration.
• Tolerance is easy, but understanding different religious and cultural backgrounds is essential and requires effort.

"First of all don't assume we have arrived because it's a never ending process."

• Stresses the importance of continuous effort in achieving racial harmony.

"Tolerance is actually quite easy. Understanding is much more difficult."

• Highlights the need for deeper understanding beyond mere tolerance.

• Singapore's approach to crisis management involves transparent communication and building public trust.
• During public health crises like COVID-19, the government prioritized ensuring public belief in the information provided.
• The country's proactive and transparent communication strategy resulted in high public compliance and trust.

"We measured obsessively whether or not people accepted the information they were getting from the health authorities and from the government."

• Demonstrates the government's focus on maintaining public trust during crises.

"There were hardly any vaccine doubters in Singapore. We introduced the vaccine. Almost everybody took the vaccine."

• Reflects the success of Singapore's communication strategy in achieving high vaccination rates.

• The challenge lies in incentivizing individuals to understand and integrate with diverse communities, especially in the absence of immediate threats.
• Institutions like schools and workplaces, along with cultural initiatives, play a vital role in promoting understanding.
• Personal stories of cultural exchange and learning highlight the potential for increased understanding and goodwill.

"How do you make them want to understand? Well, besides prayer, I think being thrown together in school, in where you live, where you work, it helps."

• Suggests practical ways to promote understanding through shared experiences in educational and social settings.

"There were stories... young non-Chinese students Malay Indian learning Chinese because they want to understand something about Chinese culture that intrigues them."

• Illustrates personal initiatives in cultural learning and understanding, contributing to social cohesion.

• The discussion highlights the rich cultural and religious diversity within Southeast Asia, emphasizing the various religious majorities across the region.
• The historical influence of Hinduism in regions like Sarawak and its connections to India are explored.
• Singapore's unique position as a religiously diverse country is discussed, along with its historical separation from Malaysia due to racial differences.

"Southeast Asia is religiously also one of the most diverse regions in the world. You have Muslim majority countries. Our neighbors Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei. Then you have Buddhist majority countries Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia. You have Catholic majority, Christian, the Philippines. And then right through the region, you have Hindu influence that predates the modern era."

• This quote underscores the diversity within Southeast Asia, highlighting the various religious influences that characterize the region.

"We became separate from Malaysia because of race, but the experience could have been more bloody than it actually was. In fact, it wasn't bloody."

• This quote reflects on Singapore's peaceful separation from Malaysia despite racial tensions, showcasing a historical example of managing diversity.

• Singapore's development and its initial struggles post-independence are discussed, emphasizing the shift in mindset from being part of Malaya to establishing itself as a global city.
• The importance of cultivating international relationships, particularly with Indonesia, is highlighted as a crucial aspect of Singapore's development.

"It wasn't obvious when we became separate from Malaysia on August 9, August 10. They all decided ah okay we shall be a global city. It didn't happen that way. They were grappling around and looking to see how we could survive."

• This quote illustrates the uncertainty and challenges faced by Singapore in its early years of independence, emphasizing the gradual process of finding its place on the global stage.

"The relationship they spent the most time cultivating and took great pains was Indonesia. If we weren't at peace with Indonesia, it would be very difficult to develop."

• This quote highlights the strategic importance of maintaining a peaceful relationship with Indonesia for Singapore's growth and development.

• The conversation touches on the optimism surrounding Singapore's future, particularly in terms of multiculturalism, due to the openness of the younger generation.
• The younger generation's acceptance of diversity and meritocracy is seen as a positive sign for the future.

"The young people why they're far more open than my generation. The fact that when I mentioned I said you know the squadron commander F-15s the lead pilot this year's Malay and they were like so what that's normal."

• This quote demonstrates the younger generation's acceptance of diversity and merit-based achievements, reflecting a progressive attitude towards multiculturalism.

• The National Day Parade is discussed as a reflection of Singapore's cultural identity and unity, with emphasis on the artistic elements and storytelling.
• The parade is seen as a medium to convey national pride and a sense of community through art and performance.

"I really enjoyed this year's National Day parade. I liked the stories that were told. I love the drumming which I thought was incredibly powerful."

• This quote highlights the emotional and cultural impact of the National Day Parade, emphasizing its role in fostering national unity and pride.

"When propaganda ceases to be propaganda, it becomes art. And this was as near as possible as you could get to art in a national day parade."

• This quote reflects on the transformative power of the National Day Parade, suggesting that it transcends mere propaganda to become a form of artistic expression that unites the nation.

• The discussion briefly touches on modern media and global events, such as the World Aquatics Championship and content creators like I Show Speed, as examples of Singapore's international presence and cultural exchange.

"It's a behind the scenes by the official global Sony channel covering the World Aquatics Championships and Singapore was just seamless in the background making sure everything was just running."

• This quote illustrates Singapore's capability to host world-class events, showcasing its organizational skills and international appeal.

"He's a content creator and I think he's one of the world's biggest if not the biggest streamers in the world which means he creates content where he turns on a live stream and it goes on."

• This quote highlights the influence of modern content creators and the global reach of digital media, reflecting on how such platforms can facilitate cultural exchange and understanding.