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'

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HarmonyWorks! Conference 2010:
Inte-GREAT-ion How Will You Embrace Diversity?


Singapore, long renowned for its multicultural model of diverse cultures and heritage, can no longer afford to be contented with its “Chinese, Malay, Indian, Others” (CMIO) demographic model as we progress as a global city. In the face of globalisation, diverse blend of cultures and increasing emphasis on national integration, how will you embrace diversity?

 

Theme
HarmonyWorks! Conference 2010 bearing the theme “Inte-GREAT-ion – How Will You Embrace Diversity?” engaged participants in discussions on current trends and issues relating to diversity and integration in Singapore. The Conference aims to heighten participants’ awareness on Singapore’s multicultural diversity, discuss the value of integration and what it means to our society and explore ways in which youths can contribute towards a cohesive community.

Programme
The Conference was organised in collabration with Nanyang Polytechnic and with strong support from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). The Conference was held at Nanyang Polytechnic, Theatre of the Arts on 10 July 2010. Key features of the conference included Plenary Session, breakout discussions for participants, youth performances, launch of the storybook on different faiths by Inter-religious Harmony Circle and a Dialogue session for participants invited panelists as well as participants to share their views.Participants had the opportunity to voice their views on the topic and engage guests during the dialogue session. Click to catch a glimpse of the conference proceedings.

Orange Ribbon Celebrations
Led by Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education, the pinning of the orange ribbon at the HarmonyWorks! Conference 2010 signifies the launch of the month-long Orange Ribbon Celebrations spearheaded by OnePeople.sg (OPSG) and supported by our key partners, the Community Development Councils, Self-Help Groups, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Education and People’s Association.

Nomination
Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges (JC), Institutes of Technical Educations (ITE), Polytechnics, Madrasahs, International Schools and youth organisations were invited to nominate racial, international and local students to participate in this Conference. 252 student leaders, NE representatives and youths with a keen interest in Racial Harmony issuess attended this Conference.  More than 60 student volunteers, performers and youth facilitators also contributed in making the Conefence a success.

For enquiries, kindly contact the Programme Manager, Ms Wong Shi Lei at DID: 6253 3281 or E-mail her at wongshilei@onepeople.sg.


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HarmonyWorks! Dialogue 2009 in conjunction with CampTeen 2009: 'What Are You Made Of?' 

HarmonyWorks! Dialogue 2009 themed “What Are You Made Of?” explored the  the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect where participants explored the significance of these values how to carry them in their day-to-day living. Incorporated as part of CampTeen 2009, the Dialogue was one of the many exciting components of the 4D3N camp, which invoked the youth's response on how they can be involved as Singapore hosts the Youth Olympics in 2010.

 


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.

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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.

 

 

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Photo Gallery - Harmony Works Conference 2010

Photo Gallery - Harmony Works Conference 2008

Photo Gallery - Harmony Works Conference 2005 and 2006