Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) steps up efforts to spread awareness of IRCC Work

Acting Minister Lawrence Wong launched the IRCC newsletter and song at the IRCC Family Day 2013

1. The Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) looks set to step up its efforts to reach out to the community, following the launch of the IRCC Newsletter and Song by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Mr Lawrence Wong at the IRCC Family Day this afternoon.

IRCC newsletter

2. The quarterly IRCC Newsletter aims to increase awareness of IRCCs to the community at large, as it shares the key thrusts of IRCCs, strategies that IRCCs undertake to achieve them and updates readers on upcoming events and activities. It will also help spread the IRCC messages of racial and religious understanding to readers, and complement the IRCC website (

   www.ircc.sg

   ) in outreach and engagement efforts. An electronic version of the IRCC Newsletter is also available on the website.

3.  “This newsletter will help augment the IRCC's efforts in reaching out to more people, so that everyone in Singapore can play a part in maintaining racial and religious harmony. It is also crucial to raise public awareness of the important roles which the IRCCs play, so more can step forward and help in the good work that IRCCs do,” said Mr Lawrence Wong.

IRCC song

4. The idea of an IRCC song was mooted to increase the brand awareness of the IRCCs, which would appeal to the young and old. The song reflects the roles and functions of IRCCs, as well as highlights the importance of racial and religious harmony in a creative and catchy manner.

5. Composed by well-known local musicians, Jack and Rai, the song is titled “Different Races.Many Beliefs.One Nation”, after the IRCC slogan. The IRCC core values of respect, cooperation, trust and harmony have been weaved into the song lyrics to convey the message of racial and religious harmony. To mark the launch, the duo performed the song at the event.

6. The Family Day also featured a line-up of fringe activities, including an Amazing Race, interactive games, art contests and “Best-Dressed Family” competitions. 7 Held for the first time under the new ministry, the IRCC Family Day 2013 was held to recognise the contributions and support of IRCC members, community partners and representatives from religious organisations towards promoting racial and religious harmony in Singapore. The IRCC Family Day was first organised on 6 Feb 2010. More information on the IRCC is found at Annex A.