The actions of the Trump administration have underscored the racial divisiveness among Americans and in the world.

Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam recently spoke on this and highlighted the need to guard against the polarisation and alienation of minority groups here.

While common spaces have provided opportunities for Singaporeans to come together, this form of engineered social interaction is insufficient for sustained racial unity.

We need to go a step further by creating safe spaces for citizens to discuss the schisms and nuances of racial and religious differences.

By being more receptive and open to other opinions, we can bridge the gap between different racial communities to prevent further isolation.

I hope more Singaporeans will be engaged and keep xenophobia and majoritarianism at bay.

Ashley Tan Yu Yi, 16,

Junior College Year one student

CALLING YOUNG READERS: If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion on any report or letter in The Straits Times, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg, with the header "Voices of Youth". Do include your age, school level and contact details, and the headline of the report/letter you refer to.