xiN WEi, hErsELf: Racial Harmony

In Singapore, people from different ethnic background and religious groups live peacefully together. It is very common to see people who are from different races hanging out together. I do enjoy living in this country. We can have greater exposure to different races of people, and we will be more knowledgeable.

There are four main races in Singapore, namely Chinese, Indian, Malay and Eurasian. We are in the same piece of land, and striving for the same aim. However, there are still people who are ignorant of each other's customs and cultures. In order to create a sense of oneness and to promote integration, there must be a willingness to learn, understand and have mutual respect for one another's culture and customs.

There is a good way to understand more about different races. On 21 July each year, schools in Singapore commemorate Racial Harmony Day. Students celebrate Singapore as a harmonious society built on a rich diversity of cultures. In fact, this is my first year taking part in Racial Harmony Day! I was excited and could not wait for that day.

Majority of my classmates wore ethnic costumes on that day. Mainly, we followed the rule that if you are a Chinese, you do not wear Chinese ethnic costume but other races’. We looked gorgeous in the costumes. I lent a Punjabi suit from one of my best friends who is an Indian, Bhairavi. During recess, we had the chance to expose to the languages, culture and traditional game of all the main races.

We enjoyed our day and hoped to have more events like this. Only if the four races are united, we can make Singapore prosperous.

Poem sharing :

Chinese, Indian, Malay, Eurasian

Skin colour not very important

They are all of different race

But they can live in the same place

Making friends is the key

To becoming a racial harmony community

As long as we understand each other’s culture

There is no reason for getting into a lecture

As long as we stand hand in hand

Racial Harmony will be in our land