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Aug 2, 2009
Marbroky: FTrash must learn to be kiasu, kiasi & kiasai
By Nur Dianah Suhaimi
'It is very natural for anybody to stick together with people that they're familiar with. But we have got to encourage them to step out of their comfort zones,' Mr Mah said. -- PHOTO: THE BUSINESS TIMES
New citizens should make more of an effort to integrate into Singapore society and become 'true-blue Singaporeans'.
That was the message from Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan at the Tampines East National Day dinner at Pasir Ris Secondary School yesterday.
In his speech, he said he noticed that some new citizens did not seem to be making a conscious effort to integrate or learn to speak English.
He urged all new citizens and permanent residents to 'step out beyond their community, to learn our languages and our customs and traditions, and to become true-blue Singaporeans'.
'For instance, our Chinese new citizens can start by learning English and maybe pick up some Malay,' he added.
Speaking to The Sunday Times later, Mr Mah said he is concerned about new citizens forming cliques in their own communities.
'It is very natural for anybody to stick together with people that they're familiar with. But we have got to encourage them to step out of their comfort zones,' he said.
He noted that it has to be a two-way process. Singaporeans have to make an effort too to welcome their new neighbours.
The Government has formed the National Integration Council to help new citizens adapt to life here but this is meaningless if people do not care.
'The Government can say many things but if you don't reach out to your neighbour across the corridor, then it is meaningless. It has to be on a very personal level,' said Mr Mah.
Aug 2, 2009
Marbroky: FTrash must learn to be kiasu, kiasi & kiasai
By Nur Dianah Suhaimi
'It is very natural for anybody to stick together with people that they're familiar with. But we have got to encourage them to step out of their comfort zones,' Mr Mah said. -- PHOTO: THE BUSINESS TIMES
New citizens should make more of an effort to integrate into Singapore society and become 'true-blue Singaporeans'.
That was the message from Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan at the Tampines East National Day dinner at Pasir Ris Secondary School yesterday.
In his speech, he said he noticed that some new citizens did not seem to be making a conscious effort to integrate or learn to speak English.
He urged all new citizens and permanent residents to 'step out beyond their community, to learn our languages and our customs and traditions, and to become true-blue Singaporeans'.
'For instance, our Chinese new citizens can start by learning English and maybe pick up some Malay,' he added.
Speaking to The Sunday Times later, Mr Mah said he is concerned about new citizens forming cliques in their own communities.
'It is very natural for anybody to stick together with people that they're familiar with. But we have got to encourage them to step out of their comfort zones,' he said.
He noted that it has to be a two-way process. Singaporeans have to make an effort too to welcome their new neighbours.
The Government has formed the National Integration Council to help new citizens adapt to life here but this is meaningless if people do not care.
'The Government can say many things but if you don't reach out to your neighbour across the corridor, then it is meaningless. It has to be on a very personal level,' said Mr Mah.
