Programmes

HarmonyWorks! Conference

The HarmonyWorks! Conference is OnePeople.sg's flagship youth programme targeted at students from the Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges (JC), Institutes of Technical Educations (ITE), Polytechnics, Madrasahs and even International Schools .

The objectives of the conference are:

To heighten participants' awareness of cross-cultural understanding/ engagement and its implications on the local, regional and global community; and
To provide the participants with multi-faceted views for the need to go beyond the comfort of one's ethnic group and immersing in Singapore's cultural and religious diversity.

HarmonyWorks! Conference aims to provide youths with the opportunity to experience and subsequently spearhead their own inter-ethnic and inter-religious efforts. The conference will continue to incorporate youth-led elements which not only encourage dialogue and interaction, but also to gather and share perspectives of youths from various faiths and ethnicity.

The essence of the discussion @ HarmonyWorks! Conference 2005 and 2006 are presented in the publication ‘Report on the Proceedings of Harmonyworks! Conference 2005/2006'

HarmonyWorks! Conference 2008: Beyond Tolerance; Embracing Diversity

HarmonyWorks! Conference 2008 themed “Beyond Tolerance: Embracing Diversity” provided insights and perspectives on the concerns of the changing climate and its impact on race relations in Singapore. The conference addressed the challenges in building an inclusive society where individuals and communities are globally connected but yet is increasingly diverse in culture, religion and language. Guest of Honour, Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources graced the event.

Dr Norman Vasu, Assoc Professor, Dr Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) addressed participants on ‘Multiculturalism - Challenges and the Way Forward'. He shared the findings of the recent survey on the state of inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations by RSIS, its implications, and core issues of multiculturalism.

This was followed by breakout discussions led by OnePeople.sg's youth volunteer facilitators on three key issues related to the theme of the Conference – “Today in Parliament”, “DiverCity-The Next Generation” and “Dif-FRIENDS”. The conference closed with a dialogue session with Minister Yaacob Ibrahim, Mr. Zainudin Nordin, Chairman, OnePeople.sg and Mayor, Central Singapore District, Mr. Matthias Yao, Mayor, South East District, chaired by younger generation MPs, Mr. Zaqy Mohamad and Mr Michael Palmer.

Participants were forthcoming in interacting with the guests during the dialogue sessions and Q & A. Read about some of the participants' feedback and view the video highlights of HarmonyWorks! Conference 2008.

HarmonyWorks! Conference 2006 “Our Common Space: Why? Where? How?”

HarmonyWorks! Conference 2006 themed “Our Common Space: Why? Where? How?” provided insights and perspectives on the extent to which our common spaces can stimulate inter-ethnic and inter-faith interaction and build stronger ties among the various ethnic groups. Guest of Honour Mr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence officiated the opening of the Conference with insightful exhibition debates, forum theatre and dialogue session.

HarmonyWorks! Conference 2005 - “Regardless of Race, Language or Religion”

The inaugural HarmonyWorks! Conference 2005 - “Regardless of Race, Language or Religion” at Jurong Junior College on 22 November 2005 attracted more than 550 students from over 50 schools to interact and share viewpoints on inter-racial and inter-religious issues with academics, proponents of inter-faith work and grassroots leaders. Guest of Honour, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Education and OnePeople.sg's Chairman and Mayor for Central Singapore District, Mr Zainudin Nordin, kicked off the Conference which consisted of 2 plenary sessions 1 chill-out session and 4 parallel sessions. Attendees emerged from the conference with a fresh new outlook and perspective on Singapore society and its diversity, as well as the importance of nurturing a harmonious society regardless of race, language or religion.