One United People: Essays from the People Sector on Singapore’s Journey of Racial Harmony

Multiculturalism is arguably the X-factor of Singapore’s admired country brand. But while the island republic’s openness to the world is undoubted, its ethnic cohesiveness at home came under scrutiny amidst the stresses of pandemic times. In 2021, the government announced moves to establish new legislation for a Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act.

This thought-provoking collection of 23 essays—by writers including Nazry Bahrawi, Viswa Sadasivan, Kenneth Paul Tan, Poh Yong Han and Margaret Thomas—reflects on Singapore’s progress, since independence in 1965, to integrate its component communities into one society and nation. Insights are drawn from diverse perspectives – Malay, Indian, Eurasian, Peranakan, Chinese and others. Lessons from the past are analysed, and evolving challenges of the present assessed. 

“One united people” is a quotation from Singapore’s national pledge. But is it borne out in reality? This book is a timely reminder that racial harmony is never a reachable destination, but an ongoing journey, an aspiration that every citizen and resident can contribute to every day.

Contributors include: Saleemah Ismail, Nizam Ismail, Braema Mathi, Viswa Sadasivan, Kirpal Singh, Margaret Thomas, Alexius Pereira, Nadine Yap, Tan Chee Lay, Joyce Lim, Dana Lam, Laurence Lien, Kua Ee Heok, Colin Goh, and more.