Celebrating our heritage as a community

Speech by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, at the virtual launch of “Sang Nila Utama and Tun Seri Lanang: Singapore’s Last Malay Schools”

1. A very good afternoon to everyone.
2. Thank you for inviting me to the long-awaited launch of the publication Sang Nila Utama and Tun Seri Lanang: Singapore’s Last Malay Schools.
3. First, let me commend the organisers for holding this launch virtually. Although we are not able to meet in person, it is still important for us to find somewhat innovative ways for us to come together, and to continue to celebrate our efforts to promote our heritage. This really demonstrates the adaptability of Singaporeans, and it continues to amaze me that we adapt so easily. It is a key characteristic of Singapore and Singaporeans that will continue to serve us well in the future.
   
   

   SNU and TSL

4. This publication of Sang Nila Utama and Tun Seri Lanang: Singapore’s Last Malay Schools is a culmination of ground-up efforts to document the heritage of the two schools.
5. Such an endeavour is important for all of us as Singaporeans to trace, to understand and to reflect where we came from. Each of us would have a cherished memory of our schooling days; I’m sure many of us remember that fondly. These serve as reminders of the lessons we have learnt then, how we carry through life with these lessons, and how they have come to define who we are today. This important effort has been spearheaded by none other than Encik Wan Hussin – former vice-principal at Sang Nila Utama (SNU) Secondary School, and also former principal at Tun Seri Lanang (TSL) Secondary School.
6. The publication records many memories across multiple generations – different people from different times and occasions – who have been at the schools. These included heart-warming tributes to remarkable teachers as well as the achievements of students – such as former Senior Parliamentary Secretary Yatiman Yusof, even former Singapore football captain Razali Saad and esteemed poet Kamaria Buang. The book also pays tribute to the popularity of the renowned 60s pop band The Impian Bateks, formed by alumni. I think that’s testament to the kind of talent that you had at the school.
   
   

   Celebrating our heritage as a community

7. But indeed, our heritage is not just the story of whence we came. It is part of Singapore’s identity, a set of collective memories we know, we cherish, and that binds us to one another, so that effectively through these collective memories, we call ourselves a nation. Some may think that heritage and identity are simply a matter of race, religion, language perhaps, but dig a little deeper, and I am certain that many will find that our own stories are indeed intertwined with those of other Singaporeans from different communities. This comes with being part of an open, multiracial, multireligious, and multicultural society.
8. It is the diversity of our racial and religious identities in Singapore that has given us this beautiful tapestry of our society today, where different threads – different kinds, different colours, different types, different thickness – all come together to form one beautiful, stunning tapestry, that’s comforting as a whole. We can and should celebrate this cultural richness, where different communities influence and are influenced by each other, shaping each other as we develop together as one united nation. At the same time, our diversity has also given rise to one of the fundamental challenges that Singapore has faced since independence – forging a national unity and harmony among our different communities. We’ve done it several times – at inception when we were independent, throughout the course of our history, and we continually have to work at it because it’s far from a finished product. And with each different generation, I think fresh identities, fresh alliances and fresh unities and bonds need to be built. Racial and religious harmony is, and must continue to be, among the foremost objectives and aspirations of Singaporean society.
9. To achieve this, it is important that we acknowledge the experiences of each community and celebrate them as integral parts of one shared heritage, as one Singapore. As individual Singaporeans, we should also respect and appreciate our differences, and unite as one people. After all, this is what makes us truly uniquely Singapore.
10. At MCCY, we welcome ground-up efforts such as this publication, which help to document and celebrate the experiences and memories of our communities. These offer new perspectives and voices that add to the vibrancy of our multiracial Singapore society. These also offer useful spaces for us to thoughtfully reflect upon our core identity and values, to forge a more cohesive and resilient society.
11. The National Heritage Board supports such community-led projects through its Heritage Grants Scheme. This encourages individuals, communities, and institutions alike to assume greater ownership, think of new ideas, and play a bigger role in safeguarding and promoting, documenting and sharing our shared heritage. Since 2013, the scheme has supported close to 500 projects, which shows that there is a role for everyone in celebrating Singapore’s history and heritage.
    
    

    Conclusion

12. In conclusion, let me once again congratulate Encik Wan Hussin and the rest of the Book Committee for the successful launch of the book. I would also like to commend the alumni for their initiative, hard work and contributions, without which this publication would not have been possible.
13. Thank you, and I wish everyone an enjoyable afternoon. Congratulations once again, and thank you!