Exploring new ways to collaborate and co-operate in our cultural exchange

Excellencies,

Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

1. As I look across the room, I am reminded of a prose by English poet John Donne, "No man is an island entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." We may come from different countries, with unique cultures and traditions, but we are also part of the wider, global community.  That explains why we are gathered here - to explore new ways to collaborate and co-operate, so that we may contribute to and benefit from cross-cultural opportunities.  

2. We are more globalised than before. Our citizens live and work in other countries, and stay connected to family and friends back home through the Internet, social media, emails and calls.  Today, our daily interactions are less homogenous than it used to be for our parents' generation.  We are exposed to different cultures, be it food, fashion, the arts, festivals or daily rituals.  And that is a good thing. Being aware of a sphere different from ours piques curiosity and helps us develop a deeper understanding of and appreciation for our own heritage.  Learning about different communities also makes us realise we have more in common that binds us, than that which sets us apart.   

3. That has been the case for Singapore.  As you may be aware, we are a multi-racial society.  We have various ethnicities such as Chinese, Malay, Indian, as well as Eurasian and Peranakan (or Straits-born Chinese), with a plurality of religious faiths.  We had a challenging start 50 years ago, but we have been fortunate to enjoy peace and harmony in society.  This is something we safeguard carefully, not to be taken for granted.  Apart from national policies to uplift different communities, we have found the arts and culture valuable in creating common platforms for people to come together and to forge bonds as residents of Singapore.

4. We believe that the arts transcend boundaries.  Regardless of one's race, religion, family background or social status, one can appreciate a good book, a stirring piece of music, a riveting dance performance, a stunning sculpture or thought provoking theatre. That is why we place an emphasis on the arts and invest in our cultural institutions, arts education and cultural professionals.

5. Cultural institutions play a crucial role as promoters of local art and facilitators to the broader cultural world.  For instance, our National Arts Council organises biennial National Chinese and Indian Music Competitions to identify young talents, and provides substantive support for artists and arts groups to showcase their creative talent, among other initiatives. Our national performing arts centre, Esplanade Theatres On The Bay, has organised festivals like Pesta Raya (Malay Festival of Arts), Huayi (Chinese Festival of Arts) and Kalaa Utsavan (Indian Festival of Arts) to celebrate traditional and contemporary art forms within each culture, and these have been very well attended by Singaporeans at large.   

6. Our newest cultural institution, the National Gallery Singapore, has the largest collection of Singapore and Southeast Asia modern art.  To expand its visual art experience, National Gallery Singapore partnered with the National Art Museum of China and the Centre Pompidou from France to feature esteemed works from their respective collections. Festivals are also a great way to encourage cross-cultural collaborations and open doors to the broader world of culture.  The Singapore International Festival of Arts has a rich history of joint Festival commissions and inviting international arts groups to perform in Singapore.  The upcoming Singapore Biennale will take place from 27 October 2016 to 26 February 2017.  Titled "An Atlas of Mirrors", this edition features works by more than 60 artists across Asia, drawing on diverse artistic viewpoints that trace the migratory and intertwining relationships within the region, and to reflect on shared histories and current realities in Asia. 

7. The presence of cultural institutions of various countries established in Singapore has also added to the vibrancy of our arts and culture scene.  These include the British Council, Alliance Francaise, Goethe Institute, Italian Cultural Institute and the Japan Creative Centre. The latest addition is the China Cultural Centre which opened in November 2015.

8. Singapore is open to new opportunities to collaborate and co-operate with various partners, because we have witnessed how it preserves tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and bonds people together.  I hope and believe that the Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo paves the way for us to broaden and deepen cultural exchange at different levels – across governments, cultural institutions and the people.

9. At this point, I would like to express my gratitude to the organisers for the warm hospitality: 
   a) The People's Government of Gansu Province
   b) Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China
   c) State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television
   d) National Tourism Administration, and the
   e) China Council for the Promotion of International Trade

10. Thank you and here's wishing all a meaningful and enriching Expo.