Some 3,600 people become new citizens of Singapore
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 August 2009 1709 hrs
Mr Lim Swee Say (far right) with new Singapore citizens.
SINGAPORE: Some 3,600 people became citizens of Singapore on Saturday at citizenship ceremonies held islandwide.
The ceremonies took place at Group Representative Constituencies (GRCs), while the National Citizenship Ceremony was held in the Supreme Court Auditorium.
Ministers and Members of Parliament officiating at the ceremonies have called on both new and existing citizens to get to know one another better.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Mr Lim Swee Say, also urged them to learn more than one language.
Many of the new citizens, who are of different ages and come from various countries, said they want to become Singapore citizens because the country is safe and secure, and they will not face discrimination.
Arevalo Sheila Marie Paloma, one the new citizens, said: "I feel very welcomed. My children have Chinese, Indian, Filipino friends and they get along well with them."
The status of being a citizen also comes with responsibilities to the country, like National Service.
Muthappan Krishnan, another new citizen, said: "I did chat (about National Service) with quite a few friends and what they said, I recall, is that it is a transition phase from boyhood to manhood, so I thought it's a good method to go through the process and I am happy about it."
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean emphasised that building a strong and closely knit community is a greater challenge during these difficult economic times.
"A number of us would have come from countries which are much more mono-ethnic and mono-religious, where most of the people are of one race or one religion. In some cases, you have come from countries where there may be tensions or conflicts amongst people of different races and religions.
"But when we come here to Singapore, we must commit ourselves to putting those things aside and commit ourselves to learning to live in peace and harmony, and understanding with our neighbours and fellow Singaporeans," he said.
A key theme during this year's National Day celebrations is the importance of integration between old and new citizens. New citizens are encouraged to be active citizens by joining various community activities in their constituencies.
The National Citizenship Ceremony is held in August to coincide with the National Day celebrations.
- CNA/so
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 August 2009 1709 hrs
Mr Lim Swee Say (far right) with new Singapore citizens.
SINGAPORE: Some 3,600 people became citizens of Singapore on Saturday at citizenship ceremonies held islandwide.
The ceremonies took place at Group Representative Constituencies (GRCs), while the National Citizenship Ceremony was held in the Supreme Court Auditorium.
Ministers and Members of Parliament officiating at the ceremonies have called on both new and existing citizens to get to know one another better.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Mr Lim Swee Say, also urged them to learn more than one language.
Many of the new citizens, who are of different ages and come from various countries, said they want to become Singapore citizens because the country is safe and secure, and they will not face discrimination.
Arevalo Sheila Marie Paloma, one the new citizens, said: "I feel very welcomed. My children have Chinese, Indian, Filipino friends and they get along well with them."
The status of being a citizen also comes with responsibilities to the country, like National Service.
Muthappan Krishnan, another new citizen, said: "I did chat (about National Service) with quite a few friends and what they said, I recall, is that it is a transition phase from boyhood to manhood, so I thought it's a good method to go through the process and I am happy about it."
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean emphasised that building a strong and closely knit community is a greater challenge during these difficult economic times.
"A number of us would have come from countries which are much more mono-ethnic and mono-religious, where most of the people are of one race or one religion. In some cases, you have come from countries where there may be tensions or conflicts amongst people of different races and religions.
"But when we come here to Singapore, we must commit ourselves to putting those things aside and commit ourselves to learning to live in peace and harmony, and understanding with our neighbours and fellow Singaporeans," he said.
A key theme during this year's National Day celebrations is the importance of integration between old and new citizens. New citizens are encouraged to be active citizens by joining various community activities in their constituencies.
The National Citizenship Ceremony is held in August to coincide with the National Day celebrations.
- CNA/so
