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SINGAPORE : Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCCs) will need to deal with the challenges posed by new media in testing and reviewing their crisis preparedness.
This issue was highlighted by Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in his closing address at the National IRCC workshop, where he also launched the IRCC website.
Dr Balakrishnan said the growth of the Internet poses new challenges for the maintenance of peace and harmony, as information is received, uploaded and shared instantaneously.
Many terrorist, racist or xenophobic groups also use the Internet to amplify their messages and radicalise vulnerable individuals.
Dr Balakrishnan, who is also the chairman of the Racial and Religious Harmony Committee, said: "Now when you have Internet and cyberspace, people will want to talk, and people will say even more when they think they are anonymous."
One scenario discussed was the challenges IRCCs would face if race riots were to happen in this age of connectivity.
Dr Balakrishnan said it is likely tensions in a localised incident would escalate quickly as information - especially unchecked rumours - goes viral.
As such, IRCCs must leverage on technology in building up capabilities, and in this way, fulfil their roles even more effectively.
And that is where the IRCC website will be useful to counter challenges posed by new media.
Dr Balakrishnan urged IRCCs to make good use of the website to increase their impact - for outreach and engagement, to monitor ground sentiments and disseminate information effectively.
He said: "Assert your own authority with your own co-religionists, in order to put down wrong and dangerous views, and also to build assurance amongst other people in our society who do not necessarily share your faith or perspective."
The website will be a rich resource, capturing milestones and information on events, while receiving feedback on issues. - CNA/ir/ms
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