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Aug 22, 2009
3,600 new citizens
By Mavis Toh
THREE-YEAR-OLD Tan Xing Yi was probably the youngest new citizen at Saturday's National Citizenship Ceremony (NCC).
When her father, two older sisters and about 400 new Singaporeans recited the pledge and sang the national anthem, she chipped in earnestly too.
Her Malaysian-born father, service engineer Tan Kee Boon, 40, has been working here for more than 16 years.
'It's a happy day for my family. My children will have a good education and future here,' said Mr Tan, who is married to a housewife.
On Saturday, some 3,600 people, like the Tans, became new citizens. Ceremonies were held in 13 group representative constituencies, while the NCC itself was held in the Supreme Court auditorium.
Speaking at the NCC, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Swee Say urged both new and other Singaporeans to get to know one another, as they are now part of the same Singaporean family.
He also encouraged new citizens to join in upcoming celebrations like the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hari Raya and Deepavali, and to learn more about the rich and diverse traditions of the communities here.
'Immerse yourself in this unique Singaporean culture. Do not leave yourself out and do not be left out,' he said.
Mr Lim said grassroots leaders, named Integration and Naturalisation Champions, will work to help new citizens and immigrants settle into the country with ease.
At the national level, the National Integration Council, formed earlier this year, will look into more ways for new and other Singaporeans to interact and strengthen their relationships.
Read the full report in The Sunday Times.
Aug 22, 2009
3,600 new citizens
By Mavis Toh
THREE-YEAR-OLD Tan Xing Yi was probably the youngest new citizen at Saturday's National Citizenship Ceremony (NCC).
When her father, two older sisters and about 400 new Singaporeans recited the pledge and sang the national anthem, she chipped in earnestly too.
Her Malaysian-born father, service engineer Tan Kee Boon, 40, has been working here for more than 16 years.
'It's a happy day for my family. My children will have a good education and future here,' said Mr Tan, who is married to a housewife.
On Saturday, some 3,600 people, like the Tans, became new citizens. Ceremonies were held in 13 group representative constituencies, while the NCC itself was held in the Supreme Court auditorium.
Speaking at the NCC, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Swee Say urged both new and other Singaporeans to get to know one another, as they are now part of the same Singaporean family.
He also encouraged new citizens to join in upcoming celebrations like the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hari Raya and Deepavali, and to learn more about the rich and diverse traditions of the communities here.
'Immerse yourself in this unique Singaporean culture. Do not leave yourself out and do not be left out,' he said.
Mr Lim said grassroots leaders, named Integration and Naturalisation Champions, will work to help new citizens and immigrants settle into the country with ease.
At the national level, the National Integration Council, formed earlier this year, will look into more ways for new and other Singaporeans to interact and strengthen their relationships.
Read the full report in The Sunday Times.
