"Connectors" appointed to promote cross-cultural understanding

A pioneer batch of 29 trained people has been tasked to deepen cross-cultural understanding and promote racial and religious harmony in the community.

The People's Association Community Engagement Programme (CEP) Connectors will go through a two-year training roadmap, where they learn skills in basic mediation and public speaking, and about traditions of other races and religions, among other things. They will also organise cultural sharing sessions and housing block parties.

The CEP Connectors were appointed on Sunday morning, in a ceremony held during the Geylang Serai Kampung Carnival. MP for Marine Parade GRC, Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef, was guest of honour at the event.

Close to half of the CEP Connectors are from the Geylang Serai Division. One of them, taxi driver Lee Wee Kiat, is Chinese but he is familiar with Malay customs.

The 55-year-old said: "As a CEP Connector, I will be able to impart to others my knowledge on cultural practices, and also hope to take visitors to mosques for an appreciation of the Malay heritage in Singapore."

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