Encouraging stronger inter-ethnic ties have paid off: Dr Yaacob
By May Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 July 2007 2147 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim says Singapore's efforts at encouraging stronger inter-ethnic ties have led to people of different races and backgrounds enjoying one another's culture and traditions.

He was speaking at the Hindi Centres Day at Victoria Theatre on Sunday evening, where a colourful display of energetic foot works shook the stage.

Whether it is the choice of music or the way festivals are celebrated in Singapore, Dr Yaacob points out that people of different races are comfortable with the practices of other groups.

The Minister adds that English remains the common language here, but learning other languages can help to foster better understanding of one another's culture and enhance communication.

One example he cites - many Singaporeans of other ethnic backgrounds have taken up Hindi language courses for adults.

"We may not be one people in the cultural sense and we need not be, as integration does not mean assimilation. Our multiple identities that recognise our roots and rich traditions within a specific community should be seen as our strength in linking every Singaporean to one another. Hence, we must continue to grow the overlapping spaces between communities as well as the spaces all of us share as Singaporeans," says Dr Yaacob. - CNA/yy