Community approach key to strengthen social cohesion, says Grace Fu

SINGAPORE: A community approach is needed to strengthen social cohesion and help new immigrants integrate with Singapore society.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Grace Fu, said all members of society, including student leaders, employers and community leaders, must do their part.

Ms Fu told Parliament on Monday that the work of the National Integration Council is a long-term one.

It is therefore too early to conclude if government efforts to integrate new immigrants have been successful.

The council implements a three-step approach to integrating new immigrants.

The first focuses on functional integration. This helps immigrants understand social norms and the expectations of Singaporeans.

The second helps them establish social networks, whether at the community level or in schools.

And the third builds on mutual trust.

Ms Fu said: "It's a deeper level of understanding and emotional attachment to their new country and their new place of residence."

She said the community, including the People's Association and other organisations, can come in to help.

Ms Fu added: "For example, some Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) have come forward and also introduced programmes for new citizens to join them. And that's really a very effective way of building attachment for new citizens with the local community.

"It is not something the government could do single-handedly. We involve all stakeholders in this - employers, schools, VWOs, people sector - to help us in this process of establishing a stronger social bonding with the new immigrants."