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SINGAPORE: The issue of race and religion dominated discussions at a youth forum on Friday.
More than 100 students from various schools gathered at Victoria Junior College to share their thoughts on the Prime Minister's National Day Rally. There was no lack of views to be heard.
Some students said they are more comfortable talking about race and religion, after the sensitive issue was brought to the forefront at the Prime Minister's National Day Rally.
Responding to a question, Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Singaporeans must appreciate differences in society.
He said: "I don't think our ambition should be to become blind or to become amnesic. I think a grander and bigger and bolder vision is to say we will see all our differences clearly, we will be sensitive to all our differences. But we will still be able to create a cohesive, strong, creative team, out of these differences."
Dr Balakrishnan also explained the advantage Singapore has as a multi-racial society.
He added: "Because we are multi-racial and respectful of differences, it also allows us to absorb new immigrants who may come from different backgrounds as us. And to absorb them into a society which treats everybody fairly - that is a key advantage."
There were many voices to be heard too, on Twitter and Facebook. This was the first time new media elements were used during the forum and they have drawn varied comments on other issues, like the economy and the environment.
The forum attracted 170 tweets, 1,065 hits on live webcast and 450 viewers of the webcast.
The annual Youth Forum is organised by REACH - the government's public feedback channel. - CNA/vm
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