Library Resources
Historical background
When our forefathers came to Singapore from various parts of Asia, Southeast Asia and beyond, they brought with them a diversity of racial and cultural backgrounds.
The different races were segregated, each living in separate districts in Singapore. They acted in their own self interest. There was no sense of unity. Many came to Singapore to escape hardship and dreamed of going back again once they had earned enough. Singapore remained a pluralistic society. Racial tensions and unrest could easily arise because of a lack of understanding and mutual respect.
The racial riots on 21 July 1964 will always serve as a reminder of the fragility of racial harmony in Singapore. The riots originally meant to celebrate Prophet Muhammad's birthday left 461 injured and 22 dead - an indelible reminder of fragile racial harmony in Singapore. Apart from the human casualties, this incident also forced the leaders to revisit the assumptions of inter-racial relations in Singapore. The outbreak of the riots revealed that planning, clever use of the media and a simple trigger were all the ingredients needed to cause distrust and animosity amongst Singaporeans. Having lived through the racial riots, older Singaporeans understand the importance of racial peace and harmony and do not want to witness the riots of 1964 again.
Racial Harmony milestones
The evolution of racial harmony in Singapore is presented in chronological order.
- 1964 - Communal Riots of 1964
- 1966 - Bilingual Education Policy
- 1989 - Ethnic Integration Policy
- 1997 - National Education
- 1997 - First Racial Harmony Day
- 2002 - Committee on Strengthening Racial Harmony in Schools
- 2002 - Inter-Racial Confidence Circles
- 2003 - Declaration on Religious Harmony
- 2006 - Community Engagement Programme
- 2006 - National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony
- 2007 - OnePeople.sg
- 2007 - Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles
- 2008 - National Orange Ribbon Celebrations
- 2008 - A permanent landscape symbolizing religious harmony in Singapore at Stamford Green, Fort Canning Park
Racial Harmony Resources
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Photo gallery @ JUST SHARE
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Watch racial harmony in action through the lens of others.
 Double Happiness |
 The way of life in Lion City! A cultural Perfomance! |
 Indian Cultural Dance on stage |
 Racial Harmony - Sports Day |
 Racial Harmony - Fan Dance |
 Racial Harmony - Children |
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This is a collaboration between OnePeople.sg and National Library Board, Singapore.
