I am heartened that there has been an increase in interracial marriages here (One in five marriages here is inter-ethnic; July 19).

We live in a society with many ethnic groups. It is a potential breeding ground for conflict.

Racial and religious harmony are essential in ensuring our social security and stability. Understanding and accepting the other races in our society is critical.

It does not take much to play a role in maintaining racial harmony.

Little gestures such as helping, befriending and fostering good relationships with Singaporeans of different races are all ways we can do our part in ensuring that we stay united as one people.

A single act of racial intolerance is all it takes to tear apart the nation that we have spent so many years building. We must not take this peace and harmony for granted nor let our differences divide us.

Joy Tan Yu Shiao,16

Secondary 4 student

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