Building Social Cohesion Requires Intentional Effort: Edwin Tong

SINGAPORE: Cohesion does not happen by chance and demands intentionality, said Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong. He emphasized the need for deliberate efforts and organization around intentional multiculturalism. Social cohesion is not a natural state, as people tend to gravitate towards those similar to them. Mr Tong highlighted the importance of working hard to build shared norms and common goals, creating an environment of acceptance and embrace. He also stressed that true cohesion cannot be achieved through a single solution due to diverse backgrounds and evolving cultural norms.

The International Conference on Cohesive Societies saw over 1,000 attendees from 50 countries, discussing the importance of multiculturalism and societal harmony. Mr Tong noted that Singapore's multiculturalism is a work in progress and urged continuous efforts towards building a cohesive society. As Singapore commemorates its 60th year of independence, Mr Tong encouraged reflection on achieving further progress towards SG100 and beyond. He emphasized the need for an open-hearted approach to bridge differences and foster unity among diverse communities.

According to the source: CNA.