Forum: More national civic rituals like NDP can better integrate new citizens

There have been recent public discussions on the integration of new immigrants and the evolving local food scene jostling with foreign entrants. But beyond competition for jobs or space, the discourse probes a fundamental question: What is the core of our Singaporean identity?

While quality and sustainable immigration mitigates issues of an ageing population, effective integration is necessary. As we welcome the vibrant cultures newcomers bring, we must simultaneously clarify what they are integrating into. National identity is a psychological bond, based on shared values, culture and history, which provides impetus for civic responsibility.

Singapore’s nation-building has always been a deliberate act of multicultural management, but the context of post-1965 is vastly different from today. Newcomers arrive in a nation with an established, yet evolving, character. Cultural identity elements like hawker food and Singlish are in flux and potentially challenged.

The forging of our national identity and current loci of socialisation are heavily concentrated in the formative years through school and national service. This excludes many, especially new adult citizens who arrive after this period. Disenchantment may also creep in for existing citizens, the more distant they are from those seasons.

Over the years, National Day celebrations have expanded into a spectacular and inclusive societal, cultural ritual, with celebrations extending into the heartland in the days surrounding it. I’ve personally enjoyed organising National Day Parade (NDP) watch parties for friends and family to come together to feast and celebrate the day, even if we cannot attend the parade.

It is a national civic ritual that transcends age, language, religion and race.

I suggest we strengthen our common ground through new national civic rituals like this – and they must be participatory, not just observational.

Imagine a Civic Day where schools, businesses, and civil society organise a national day of community service. Or Racial Harmony Day as a public holiday fostering community-led feasts and gatherings in every neighbourhood.

Such rituals enable meaningful shared experiences that reinforce our collective identity.

While the state can provide the policy and infrastructure conditions for civic rituals to bloom, they must be catalysed by collaborative civil society and ultimately a commitment by everyone.

A confident, collective conversation about our core Singaporean identity is essential for our nation’s long-term existential survival.

Ronald Wong