In a multicultural, multi-racial society like ours, peace is possible only if we get along and look after one another. This harmony should not be taken for granted, as it is what keeps us strong and united, especially during times of national challenges. Maintaining it is a constant effort.
This is Social Defence, one of the six “pillars” of Singapore’s Total Defence strategy, a national defence concept that was introduced in 1984 to empower Singaporeans to respond cohesively and purposefully to security challenges.
There are many ways to put Social Defence into action. This includes being sensitive towards people of other races in Singapore, befriending fellow citizens from other communities, helping new citizens integrate into our society, and finding ways to support the less privileged.
Here are six ideas to help you get started.
1. Grow your cultural awareness
Singapore is made up of numerous ethnicities, religions and languages. This diversity is what makes our country unique and strong. Most of us have friends, colleagues and neighbours who are of a different ethnicity from us; they may also speak a different language or practise a different religion. In our multicultural society, it’s important to appreciate their customs, beliefs and values, as this helps to break down cultural barriers and build cultural bridges. It makes it easier for us to interact with our fellow citizens with respect and without judgment.
One of the best ways to expand your cultural awareness is to spend time with people from different cultural backgrounds, learning about their traditions, experiences, languages and perspectives. You can also attend cultural events and festivals, try foods from various parts of the world, and read books and watch documentaries about other cultures. Above all, remember to ask questions respectfully, avoid making assumptions, and challenge any prejudices you may have about people from other cultures.
3. Make friends outside your community
Strengthening community ties fosters a sense of belonging, purpose and identity; builds trust; encourages collaboration; empowers groups to face challenges and find solutions together; enhances social support networks; and helps people who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation. All of these are important to improving the social and emotional wellbeing of our community and thus, bolstering Singapore’s social defence.
How can you build and strengthen relationships within your community? Some ideas include organising or attending community gatherings, getting involved in local or grassroots events, supporting local businesses, engaging with community leaders, and spending time with your neighbours.
Need more ideas? Here are 5 other ways you can give back to the community.
3. Welcome new citizens
The National Integration Council (NIC) was set up in April 2009 to help new citizens adapt to the Singaporean way of life. It does this through initiatives that allow new citizens to better understand our culture and norms.
You, too, can do your part to help new citizens adapt and feel like they belong here. For instance, you could start or join interest groups that aim to integrate them; teach them about our history by taking them to a museum or giving them a walking tour through the different neighbourhoods; introduce them to our local cuisine; and make yourself available to them if they need help after settling here.
Welcoming your foreign-born friends and colleagues not only makes them feel good about living in their new country, it also builds a shared sense of community.
4. Help migrant workers
Migrant workers, such as those who work in the construction, manufacturing and hospitality industries and domestic helpers, are crucial to our nation-building, and they deserve our respect, support and assistance, too.
Many migrant workers face challenges while living in Singapore – for example, they deal with language barriers and may have limited access to healthcare and social services. But there are many ways you can support them and help them integrate into our society.
One way to make a difference is by donating money, food, clothes and medical supplies to organisations that assist migrant workers. If you prefer taking a more personal approach, you can volunteer at these organisations by helping migrant workers overcome language barriers, distributing food and other items, or spending time with them and offering them companionship and emotional support.
5. Look out for the less fortunate
It’s important not to let those who are less fortunate fall behind. Progress can only happen if every one of us makes it a point to look after vulnerable members of our society.
In addition to donating to local charities or non-profit organisations, you can help the underprivileged by mentoring or giving tuition to children from low-income families; cooking for older neighbours who struggle to look after themselves; volunteering for fundraising events; preparing food donations; helping the unemployed find work; teaching computer literacy to people who have no access to tech devices; and sharing your skills and services with those who need them.
Read on for tips on how you can give back to the community together and grow closer as a family.
6. Support neighbours in crisis
If you know a neighbour who is going through an emergency or crisis – they may have recently lost a loved one, have mental health issues, are experiencing domestic violence, or have just been diagnosed with a serious illness, for instance – offer to help them.
Depending on their situation, they may need assistance accessing welfare and social services or require additional support from healthcare professionals.
Knowing that there are people out there who will listen to them in a non-judgemental way, empathise with them and express compassion for what they’re going through, is not only reassuring; it also encourages them to be more resilient, empowers them to take better care of themselves, and helps them feel that they are not alone.
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