THERE is a special challenge facing the Indian community in terms of integration in Singapore, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, said on Saturday.

He was speaking at a dialogue held by the Singapore Indian Development Association's (Sinda) Indian Integration Committee (IIC).

The dialogue, with new citizens and PRs of Indian origin as well as local Indians was the fifth in a series to gather feedback and recommendations that may help in integrating new citizens.

'First, we are a very small community. Second, we are a very heterogenous community... Languages are different. Religions are different. Even the festivals that we celebrate are different,' said Dr Balakrishnan in his comments on the dialogue.

He added that the relative rate of immigration of the Indian community is higher than other communities and with more Indian immigrants coming to Singapore, they have different backgrounds, professions and educational qualifications.

In a press conference following the dialogue session, Mr Predeep Menon, member of Sinda's executive committee said: 'Previously, Indian expats were expected to live in condominiums. Now, there are more heartland expats arriving.

'They are not on expat terms and live in the heartlands. They may be facing issues and need help integrating.'