IRCCs affirm need to strengthen Singapore's cohesion and resilience

1. More than 300 participants attended the National Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) Workshop at Marina Mandarin this morning. Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), this annual event is the flagship platform for IRCC members to discuss how the community can respond during crises. This year, for the first time, 100 youth leaders from religious/community organisations, institutes of higher learning and the National Youth Council were also invited. At the workshop, the IRCC members and youths affirmed the need to strengthen resilience and cohesion among diverse communities.
   

2. In light of recent terrorist-related incidents and arrests, the theme for this year's workshop was Resilience: Strengthening Communal Unity and Harmony. The workshop activities focused on preparing the community for terrorist incidents, and highlighted the importance of IRCCs in rebuilding communities in the aftermath. The Guest-of-Honour for the workshop was Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth.
   

3. Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence & Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Mayor of South East District and Mr Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, were also present at the workshop.
   

Understanding consequences of terror attack

1. Formed in 2002, the IRCCs bring together the different religious and ethnic groups in their communities. In times of crises, they serve to minimise communal tensions, restore harmony, and rally Singaporeans to come together in solidarity. To better appreciate the impact of a terrorist attack on the community, MCCY commissioned a stage production, “Days after Terror”, for the workshop participants. Drawing out the mood and actions of individuals following a fictitious bombing, the production highlighted the need for community leaders to step forward to restore public confidence and social cohesion.
   

Call to action in building Singapore's resilience

1. Another highlight of the workshop was a presentation on strategies to sustain Singapore's resilience, by the Home Team Behavioural Sciences Centre. Participants subsequently engaged in group discussions to share best practices and forge collaborations. At the close of the workshop, the participants affirmed the need to strengthen Singapore's cohesion, and agreed on three points of action:

     i. Enlarge and strengthen Singapore's community network through mutual understanding and respect
    ii. Engage youths in building Singapore's resilience
   iii. Active participation in crisis and incident response

2. Said Minister Grace Fu: “The threat of terrorism is real. We cannot take the trust and harmony among the different races and religions for granted. Our religious leaders show the way in building trusting relations between them. Our IRCCs play an important role in rallying our communities to stand together particularly in time of crisis. However, to stay strong as a nation, each and every one of us has a part to play in staying vigilant and maintaining racial harmony.