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Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth
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National Integration Council

The National Integration Council (NIC) was set up in April 2009, to promote public, people and private (3P) sector partnerships for integration, and build a shared future together.

Last updated 27 May 2025

On this page

Overview
Our guiding principles
Resources
Group of citizens singing

Overview

Did you know? Our forefathers came mainly from the Malay Peninsula, the Indonesian Islands, China, the Indian sub-continent and Sri Lanka.

Despite our different backgrounds, Singaporeans were able to build a harmonious society because we recognise and value the importance of accepting and understanding one another.

We need to continue to build bridges and trust among our different community groups, so as to strengthen our social harmony. Thus, the National Integration Council (NIC) was set up in April 2009, to promote public, people and private (3P) sector partnerships for integration, and build a shared future together.

Here are the NIC's goals:

  • Increase awareness of the importance of integration for our continued success as a society and nation

  • Help newcomers adapt to the Singaporean way of life, including helping them better understand local cultures and social norms

  • Grow common spaces and provide platforms for Singaporeans and new immigrants to interact

  • Facilitate the formation of friendships and shared experiences among Singaporeans and non-locals, so as to foster mutual understanding and acceptance through their interactions

  • Foster and deepen emotional attachment and a sense of belonging to Singapore among new immigrants

Our guiding principles

When seeking to foster integration, we are guided by these principles.

  1. Integration is a two-way process. Even as new immigrants make effort to learn about and adapt to local values and norms, locals can help new immigrants adapt by reaching out and helping newcomers understand our local culture and way of life.

  2. This means that everyone has a role to play! Whether in our neighbourhood, at school, the workplace or other social spheres, we can make a difference by reaching out, establishing a connection and building mutual understanding. No effort is too small.

  3. Integration is a continual process. Newcomers may have spent their formative years in another country, and will need time to learn about and adapt to our local norms and way of life. Sustained engagement and support are therefore important.

NIC members

The NIC team is made up of members from the public, people and private sectors sectors who meet regularly to brainstorm on strategies and programmes to improve integration.

Meet the Council Members:

  1. Mr David Neo
    Chairman, National Integration Council
    Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth
    Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education

  2. Mr Alvin Goh
    Executive Director, Singapore Human Resources Institute

  3. Mr Alvin Tan
    Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Trade & Industry

  4. Mr Frank Koo
    Founder and Director of Nextplay Pte Ltd

  5. Mr Gautam Banerjee
    Chairman, Blackstone Singapore
    Chairman, SINDA Indian Businessleaders Roundtable

  6. Mr Ho Chee Hin
    Chief Executive Officer, Business China

  7. Ms Ho Sheo Be
    Political Editor, Lianhe Zaobao

  8. Ms Indranee Rajah
    Minister, Prime Minister’s Office
    Second Minister for Finance and National Development

  9. Dr Janil Puthucheary
    Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment
    Chairman, OnePeople.sg

  10. Ms Kohe Hasan
    Deputy Honorary Secretary, Singapore National Employers Federation

  11. Mr Kok Ping Soon
    Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Business Federation

  12. Ms Lee Hwee Boon
    Head of Group HR, OCBC

  13. Dr Leong Chan-Hoong
    Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies

  14. Mr Jimmy Toh
    Chief Executive Director, People’s Association

  15. Mr Masagos Zulkifli
    Minister for Social and Family Development

  16. Mr Ng Chee Meng
    Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress

  17. Ms Sandra Theseira
    President, Eurasian Association

  18. Mr Syahiran Rohajat
    Assistant Honorary Secretary, Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  19. Mr Syed Zakir Hussain
    Associate Editor, The Straits Times

  20. Dr Tan See Leng
    Minister for Manpower
    Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology

  21. Mr Thomas Chua Kee Seng
    President, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clans Association

Community Integration Fund

The Community Integration Fund (CIF) was launched by the NIC in September 2009 to support organisations in organising ground-up integration initiatives. You can find more information on the CIF page.

Singapore Citizenship Journey

Did you know? New naturalised citizens who have been granted in-principle approval for Singapore citizenship have to undergo a mandatory programme. It consists of both online elements as well as experiential learning programmes, and culminates in a citizenship ceremony to officially welcome naturalised citizens as full-fledged members of the Singaporean family.

Find out more about the Singapore Citizenship Journey.

Resources

Visit Integration Resources for more information.